Chișinău: A Hidden Gem in Eastern Europe

• HelloBună ziua
  [Boo-nuh zee-wah]
• GoodbyeLa revedere
  [La re-ve-de-re]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNu
  [Noo]
• Please/You're welcomeTe rog
  [Te rohg]
• Thank youMulțumesc
  [Mool-tsoo-mesk]
• Excuse me/SorryScuzați-mă
  [Scoo-za-tsi-muh]
• How are you?Cum ești?
  [Koom esh-tee]
• Fine. And you?Bine. Și tu?
  [Bee-neh. Shee too]
• Do you speak English?Vorbiți engleză?
  [Vor-beetz eng-leh-zuh]
• I don't understandNu înțeleg
  [Noo in-tsel-eg]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAș dori să văd meniul, vă rog
  [Ush doh-ree suh vuhd meh-nyool, vuh rohg]
• I don't eat meatEu nu mănânc carne
  [Yoo noo muh-nuhnk kar-neh]
• Cheers!Noroc!
  [No-rok]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAș dori să plătesc, vă rog
  [Ush doh-ree suh pluh-tesk, vuh rohg]

• Help!Ajutor!
  [Ah-yoo-tor]
• Go away!Du-te!
  [Doo-teh]
• Call the Police!Sunați Poliția!
  [Soo-nuh-tsi Po-leet-syah]
• Call a doctor!Sunați un doctor!
  [Soo-nuh-tsi oon dok-tor]
• I'm lostM-am pierdut
  [Muhm pyer-doott]
• I'm illSunt bolnav
  [Suhnt bohl-nav]

• I'd like to buy...Aș dori să cumpăr...
  [Ush doh-ree suh koom-par]
• I'm just lookingDoar mă uit
  [Doh-ar muh ooit]
• How much is it?Cât costă?
  [Kaht kos-tuh]
• That's too expensiveEste prea scump
  [Es-teh prah skoomp]
• Can you lower the price?Puteți să scădeți prețul?
  [Poo-tehts suh ska-deh-tsi pretsool]

• What time is it?Cât este ora?
  [Kaht yes-teh o-rah]
• It's one o'clockEste ora unu
  [Es-teh o-rah oo-noo]
• Half past (10)Jumătate (10)
  [Joo-muh-ta-teh (10)]
• MorningDimineață
  [Dee-mee-nyat-suh]
• AfternoonDupă-amiază
  [Doo-puh ah-myah-zuh]
• EveningSeara
  [Seh-ah-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [Yehr]
• TodayAstăzi
  [Ahs-tuhz]
• TomorrowMâine
  [Muh-ee-neh]
• 1Unu
  [Oo-noo]
• 2Doi
  [Doy]
• 3Trei
  [Tray]
• 4Patru
  [Pat-roo]
• 5Cinci
  [Cheen-chee]
• 6Șase
  [Shah-seh]
• 7Șapte
  [Shahp-teh]
• 8Opt
  [Oapt]
• 9Nouă
  [No-wuh]
• 10Zece
  [Zeh-che]

• Where's a/the...?Unde este unul/o...
  [Oon-deh yes-teh oon-ool/oh]
• What's the address?Care este adresa?
  [Car-eh yes-teh a-dreh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puteți să mă arătați (pe hartă)?
  [Poo-tehts suh muh ah-rah-tsa-tsi (peh har-tuh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Când este următorul (autobuz)?
  [Kuhnd yes-teh oor-muh-tor-ool (ow-toh-booze)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (către ...)
  [Oon bee-let (kur-teh ...)]

Chișinău, the capital city of Moldova, was first mentioned in historical documents in 1436 as a small monastery village under the Principality of Moldavia. The name 'Chișinău' is believed to have derived from the archaic Romanian word 'chisla' (meaning 'spring' or 'source of water') and 'nouă' (meaning 'new'), indicating the presence of a new water source.

In 1538, Chișinău, along with the rest of the Principality of Moldavia, came under Ottoman suzerainty. During this period, the city experienced slow growth but remained relatively small and underdeveloped. The Ottomans allowed significant autonomy to the local rulers, which helped preserve the city's Moldovan character.

Chișinău underwent significant changes after the Treaty of Bucharest in 1812, when the eastern part of the Principality of Moldavia, including Chișinău, was ceded to the Russian Empire. The city was declared the capital of the newly formed Bessarabia Governorate. This period saw an influx of Russian settlers and the establishment of new architectural styles and administrative structures.

Following the Russian Revolution and the subsequent civil war, Bessarabia declared independence and, in 1918, united with Romania. Chișinău became an important cultural and political center within Greater Romania. During this time, the city saw considerable development, including the construction of new public buildings and educational institutions.

Chișinău was heavily damaged during World War II, particularly during the Axis invasion and later during the Soviet counter-offensive. After the war, the city was rebuilt and underwent substantial industrialization as part of the Soviet Union. Chișinău became the capital of the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic (Moldavian SSR) in 1940. Soviet influence significantly impacted the architecture, culture, and demography of the city.

Moldova declared independence from the Soviet Union on August 27, 1991, and Chișinău became the capital of the newly independent Republic of Moldova. The post-independence era has been marked by economic challenges and political instability, but also by a growing sense of national identity and cultural revival. Chișinău today is a vibrant city that blends its rich history with modern development.

Chișinău boasts numerous cultural landmarks that reflect its diverse history. These include the Nativity Cathedral, an iconic example of Russian Orthodox architecture; the Triumphal Arch, built to commemorate the victory of the Russian Empire over the Ottoman Empire; and the National Museum of History, which houses artifacts from different periods of the city's past. These landmarks offer a glimpse into the cultural and historical tapestry of Chișinău.

Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, is accessible via the Chișinău International Airport (KIV), located about 13 kilometers southeast of the city center. Direct flights are available from various European cities such as London, Frankfurt, and Istanbul. Alternatively, you can reach Chișinău by train from neighboring countries like Romania and Ukraine. Buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) also operate from major cities in these countries.

Chișinău has an extensive public transportation network including buses, trolleybuses, and minibuses (marshrutkas). Taxis are also readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via mobile apps. Renting a car is another option for exploring the city and its surroundings. However, be aware of local driving habits and road conditions. Walking is a pleasant way to explore the central areas of the city.

The official currency in Moldova is the Moldovan Leu (MDL). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout the city, and currency exchange offices can be found at the airport, banks, and major hotels.

Chișinău is generally a safe city for tourists, but like any urban area, it is important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. Be cautious around the Central Market area, as pickpocketing can occur. Stick to well-lit streets and use reputable transportation options.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The Chișinău General Hospital and other medical facilities are available for healthcare needs. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Chișinău like a local, visit the local markets such as the Central Market (Piața Centrală) for fresh produce and traditional Moldovan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city’s history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Stefan cel Mare Central Park and the National Museum of History of Moldova. For a unique experience, try local wines at one of the many wine bars or take a wine tour to nearby vineyards.