Where Am I?

As odd as it may sound, I sometimes forget that I’m not in America. I just don't often think, “Gee, I’m in Moldova right now.” Even though I’m living on a different continent, people are not that different. It’s not like the people look strange or act drastically differently. People go to and from work, they eat meals with foods I know, friends and families visit each other, children play games outside. And I have all my basic necessities. So sometimes I just forget. It only lasts for a moment, but sometimes I have to consciously think about where I am.

Here are some of the things that bring me back to reality. It might be an odd list, but these are the things that still stick out to me after 6 months into my service.

• When you see someone on the street, don’t nod in recognition. This can be seen as flirting. Most everyone says “bună ziua”. 
• No smiling in photos. It’s not taboo or anything; it’s just that Moldovan don’t smile in their pictures. 
• No whistling inside. This is a superstition. Whistling inside means you are whistling your money away. 
• Acronyms are read as words. Every acronym. 
• Wine is drunk like shots. 
• You can’t have tea or any kind of drink without some kind of food. 
• An empty plate means you’re still hungry. Whenever I finish a meal, I’m offered so much more food because an empty plate means I need more food. 
• Mullets are a fashionable hairstyle.