Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic is a landlocked self-proclaimed state situated between the River Dniester and the border with Ukraine, govern as an unitary semi-presidential republic. It covers 4.163 square kilometres, and are the home of 475.665 citizens, of which 95% are Christians. The currency is Transnistrian ruble, although I fail to find any conversion. It might be the same as Moldova Leu, worth 0,36 Danish Krone and €0,05. Among the more interesting larger mammals are the Gray wolf (Canis lupus), Brown bear (Ursus arctos), Eurasian badger (Meles meles) and the European otter (Lutra lutra). The list of superior plants in Moldova numbers 1540 species that belong to 550 genera and 101 families. I have so far not been able to find any I in particular will search for.
DIARY It is getting too late to explore, and I set the GPS for the hostel I found on Booking.com this morning, thinking it was in Moldova. Ten kilometres later, I am way into a summerhouse area, mainly with tiny huts and nice vegetable gardens. And for sure no hostel. I kind of end up at a 20 square meter hut.
Back the same way, and as I pass the fortress of Bendery
on the way, I give it a try, despite the time. When I finally find it, it is
not only closed, but guarded by soldiers. Then I head for the Hostel I have
in Tirapol. A police Tirapol is fare from a large town, and here are not that fancy either. I find the area the hostel should be in, but here are nothing close - again. I ask a police officer, and he guides me to another place - I don't find. The GPS know Hotel Russia, and it turns out to be the posh place in town.
12/7. It is a perfect morning, and I get to enjoy
the birdsong along the river, while I eat my breakfast on the balcony. Then I start walking
to find the centre of the
I give up finding the lively centre, mainly because I now believe there is none, and head for next sight: Bendery Fortress. It is some way out of town, on the other side of the river. On the way our of town, I find a huge market, mainly electrical parts and pluming along with all the tools to install it - and a lot of other things.
The From here, I head up north through the country, just to see it. It is among huge and low hills, which are farmed in great extend. Mainly wheat, sunflowers and fruit trees. The big river is visible most of the time, and offers some great views.
T I run out of Transdniestr, and cross the river to Moldova. It is quite fast, as they just want the immigration card and a look at the passport. Tirapol, Bendery Fortress and the north. Transdniestr is a nice country, although their roads are bad. Here are not much to see beside from the landscape and the villages - but they are great. I have only driven 134 kilometres, taken 176 photos and spend €34 with the room being €14 and diesel for way more than €11. I feel I have seen most, and it is not a country I plan to return to. |