21 Feb 2009, Posted by justin in the category, 0 Comments

Scales, a Pet Turtle and The Farting Dog

On Sunday night, we had the pleasure of being invited out for dinner with a local Moldovan woman from the village – it was an interesting experience to say the least, and we now feel that we have been officially inaugurated into true Moldovan culture!

On arrival, we were greeted by the hostess’ pet turtle. This was simultaneously placed on our laps as we were offered apples as an entree. During our evening, an ‘animal’, which we are positive was a cross-breed between a dog and sheep, ran around the house going about its own business. To add to the atmosphere (literally), there was another dog which extracted several undesirable scents which rapidly permeated the air throughout the house. The owner reacted by picking up a fragrance bottle and pumping a few squirts into the air, behaving as though it was a somewhat regular routine. Strangely enough, the ambience was quite welcoming as our hostess displayed no sign of worry or embarrassment; in fact she seemed quite proud of her unconventional crusade of pets.

If this wasn’t enough, the night’s entertainment continued with a parade of the owner’s many toys and gadgets, which she seemed considerably proud of. Amongst this, she brought out a set of bathroom scales (the expression on Jessie’s face is beyond what words can describe). One by one, each of the guests were required to step up onto the scales and proudly announce their current weight. Jessie sternly muttered under her breath, “Juz, don’t you dare get on those scales, or I will be the only who refuses to do so.”

So there you have it –  an unforgettable first-hand experience of (typical?) Moldovan hospitality!