Tags: stress, Moldova, Chisinau, frustrations, book review
Date: 31 July 2007 13:40:28
Yes I have read "Playing the Moldovans at Tennis". I first went to Moldova in 1996 and then again in 2000, and read it just before I went that second time. I howled with laughter at his depiction of Chisinau, which was spot-on (though it's rather dated now). Incidentally, while I was here in 2000 I bought a paper and found an article about the man he refers to as "The Green Man", who had been shot dead while in his car (I have an alibi before anyone gets smart in the comments!). I must say though, I thought "Round Ireland with a fridge" was a better book.
Anyway - here I am. I know for sure I'm here because:
* I haven't yet met a bank official I haven't wanted to punch.
* All joint phone/faxes are ALWAYS turned to fax.
* Pointless bureaucracy reigns supreme.
* Not one single cash machine in the entire capital will accept ANY of my bank cards.
Sigh. I am starting to smile about it all, as what else can I do? But goodness knows what my blood pressure is at the moment!