Moldova 2003  Part 1: Moldova
In May 2003 curiosity led me to a rather unusual destination for a holiday. Thus, I took part in a study tour of the IDM to Moldova (aka Moldavia), formerly part of the Soviet Union and officially still the poorest country in Europe. But statistics can lie and the trip proved to be extraordinarily interesting for someone interested in irregular migration (For three articles written about my impressions and findings, go to the section "Articles").


Landscape in southern Moldova


 
Chisinau, the capital, is surely the only capital in Europe where every street is a quiet alley.
But the pressure to emigrate is high: Anti-Trafficking billboard in Chisinau ("beware your dignity...")
Out in the countryside, there are sleepy, impoverished villages (Butuceni, central Moldova)
..and pictoresque orthodox churches
Moldova in 2003: The only country where new Lenin statues are erected (this one in front of the "Parliament of the Autonomous Region of Gagausia" in the south of the country.
For a start, try the Moldovan wine!

TO CONTINUE THE STORY TO TRANSNISTRIA AND UKRAINE: 


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done on 17.8.2003