My train compartment seemed to be a display of the latest fashion trends. Three guys, I-pod-listening, funky book- reading, passionate cell-phone conversations to the beloved ones in Vaslui . And a suspicious Transylvanian accent lost in the Rapid to Iasi, the capital of looked-down Moldova. Wait! Not the Republic of Moldova, but the Romanian province of Moldova, known for its present day poverty, its disproportionate share in providing Romania's national poets and novelists- arguably the contemplative nature of the Moldovans would make them perfect candidates for lyrism- , the funny accent, amazing monasteries, large families, great cuisine, and the prettiest girls in the country. That for a list of stereotypes.
Whatever. The point was that my initial thoughts of spending the night in the county capital of Vaslui were soon replaced by the wish to endulge in the nighlife of a university city and a vibrant cultural center that is Iasi. The fashion trends of my co-travellers made that an imperative. How does Iasi live to its reputation?
Well, Vaslui got only two hours of my time. I was , however, pleasantly surprised. Of course, a communist center classical for Moldovan cities, the most affected in the country by Ceausescu's urban renewal program. But surprisingly elegant architecure, smart urban planning, nice piazzas, variation in styles, creation of quality public space. Perched on a hill, Vaslui offers surprising views of the surrounding valleys. Pedestrian areas lead to the nice Copou park and there was an air of Sunday afternoon, with old couples, young parents and their kids, all in the streets enjoying the peace of the weekend.
NEXT: Why I love Iasi...
1 comment:
yes indeed i am the prettiest girls in the country :")
and nooo how could you actually have liked Vaslui??! Barlad is the one and only true historical capital of Tutova. Vaslui is just a communist administrative mask on a no-name village. Amen.
Imi pare rau ca n-am fost acolo sa te luminez... trebuie sa vii si prin Barlad, sa-ti arat cladirile publice ctitorite de boierii Codreanu, si poze de epoca cu Bulevardul intesat de trasuri, unde-aveau case cu fatada la strada si beciuri adanci toti negustorii, si pravalii ovreii. Si-apoi Podul Negru unde sedeau la taclale Tache, Ianche si Cadir. Si parcul cu teatru Victor Ion Popa. Dar mai ales, curtea liceului :)
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