MoldovAnn

I’ve been asked lots of times by Moldovans about my impressions of their country. In my speech for the Swearing-In Ceremony, I commented that everything is just a little bit different here, and this is what is perhaps the most challenging part of day-to-day living. It’s the little things that can make life easy or difficult.

- when mailing a letter, the “To” address goes in the bottom right-hand corner and the “From” address goes on the back. How many times does the post office clerk have to remind me of this?
- the hot water is the right handle and the cold the left handle. How many times will I scald or freeze my hands before I remember this?
- toilet paper goes in the trash can next to the toilet, never in the commode itself. How many indoor toilets will I clog before I remember this?
- you can never go wrong by adding mayonnaise to just about anything. Will I ever acquire a taste for mayonnaise on my pizza?
- there is only one outlet per room, and it will always be located up high in the middle of the wall.
- if you can’t find the light switch, check the far wall or reach up as high as possible.
- you absolutely never ever where shoes indoors.
- you absolutely must always wear slippers indoors; never walk on the floor with only socks on, or God forbid, in your bare feet.

These are just a few of the unexpected “little differences” that make every day both interesting and challenging.

In other news, I am getting settled into my new site. Unpacked, arranging, etc. Things seem pretty good, I’ll write more about it later. Send me an email when you get a chance!