THE BUDA & SOVIET SERIES PT5
MOLDOVA – ROMANIA – ALICANTE
I was late into arriving at Chisinau as I wanted to stay in Moscow as late as possible. I’d be spending the next few days at Hostel Suisse in Chisinau, right in the town centre.
There isn’t a lot to do in Chisinau so I took a walk and tried to find some decent Moldovan food. English isn’t many people’s strong point here but I found myself a place that served chicken breast, chicken sausage and boiled potatoes – take me home!
WHERE IS MOLDOVA?
Moldova – Romania – Alicante
After the food I took to the streets and had a walk around. This year Moldova is feeling the effects of global warming, today it was in 35 degrees and just a few months ago it was snowing, neither of which are normal!
CHISINAU
The capital Chisinau is home to one of the largest markets in Eastern Europe and sells pretty much anything you need. Piata Centrala is located in the centre of the city and occupies several blocks of local retailers selling everything from fresh fruit & fish to brandy & hoovers. If you like samples then I’d suggest a visit as vendors are always keen to let you try before you buy.
Moldova – Romania – Alicante
BUCHAREST
After Moldova I flew into Bucharest and checked into Antique Hostel. Ideally I would have preferred to get up to Transylvania but I was due to be home in a few days so that would have to wait. The architecture of Romania is typical of this part of Europe and the Palace of Parliament remains to be it’s landmark building.
Like most of my time in Eastern Europe, I spent most of it walking around and seeing what I could find. I was disappointed to learn you couldn’t get access into the Parliament buildings but maybe something to try on my next visit.
Moldova – Romania – Alicante
RELATED READ: MY FIRST PING PONG SHOW
Like most of my time in Eastern Europe, I spent most of it walking around and seeing what I could find. I was disappointed to learn you couldn’t get access into the Parliament buildings but maybe something to try on my next visit.
VALENCIA?
My original plan was to visit Valencia, as it’s one of the few seaside towns I have yet to visit in Spain. But that was until I texted my friend Jonny who I thought was still there.
“I’m working in a dentist in Torrevieja.”
Torreviaja it is then!
Moldova – Romania – Alicante
TORREVIAJA
Torrevieja is a small expat town 1 hour south of Alicante so I made my plans to head there before staying in Alicante for a night. Compared to most towns around Alicante (Benidorm), Torrevieja is certainly more of a chilled out place but if you are looking for something with a bit more atmosphere you’ll need to head north. However saying that there was a nice marina area which I have been told is lively during the peak months.
Jonny knew I was keen to see more than just the bottom of a bottle of San Miguel so took me to Las Salinas de Torrevieja, The Pink Lake of Torrevieja. Previously I would have thought I’d have needed to fly half way across the world to asia or Asutralia to see something like this. I have seen the famous Pink Lake in Australia plenty of times on Instagram but yet this is I’d never heard of. I suppose the word Torrevieja just isn’t as exotic as Australia, a must visit all the same!!
ALICANTE
Alicante really surprised me, it has a terrible reputation for package holidays and Brits abroad but nothing was further from the truth. After checking into Hostel Olé I headed off to the old town which is as good as any and Santa Bárbara Castle which is certainly worth the trek for Sunset for the best views of the city and surrounding hills.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I certainly prefer my beach destinations but going to the likes of Moldova and Romania and experiencing entirely different cultures is becoming more and more difficult. However, the few days in Alicante and then watching the sunset on my last night was the cherry on the cake
NEXT UP
Home for a bit after the most incredible 2 years travelling and then Vegas in the Autumn. Although next in the series is Krakow next February. Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
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This post is part of The Buda & Soviet Series, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.
