Moldova rocks.

Climate talks are 'rigged'...

2007-12-13T09:32:00.000+02:00

The Bali climate talks are 'rigged', says George Monbiot. The fundamental flaw in the debate: governments aren't discussing limits on the supply of fossil fuels. It's one thing for us to consume less (I.e. reduce demand). But the problem is 'if fossil fuels are extracted, they will be used'.

Sounds to me like a global Addicts Anonymous meeting where everyone shares their story but it's taboo to talk about the drug dealers and producers!

P.S. Here in Moldova, the winters are a LOT warmer than they used to be, yet somehow climate change isn't really on the public radar. Lots of BMWs about the place, too, but I'm yet to see a (Toyota) Prius hybrid.

Make it in Moldova!

2007-12-06T14:41:00.000+02:00

Moldovan investment promotion campaign on BBC World.

Trigon Live! Moldova's internationally acclaimed ethno jazz group.

2007-12-06T14:22:00.000+02:00

Ethno Jazz Festival 2007 (Chisinau, Moldova)

2007-12-06T14:03:00.000+02:00

OPEN SPACE: How can we strengthen cultural development in Chisinau/Moldova?

2007-11-21T15:21:00.000+02:00

FREE BURMA!

2007-10-04T18:11:00.000+03:00

'Places that don't exist' - Transnistria, BBC Doco about Moldova

2007-01-22T04:22:00.000+02:00

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

The only half Swedish Australian in Moldova

2007-01-16T01:21:00.000+02:00

Being exotic has its advantages. People are more interested in you, and what you think. And as an opinionated person, I warm to that.

‘You and your wife live here in Chisinau?’ Yes.
‘Ahhh, you’re from Australia, not Austria!?’ That’s right.
‘But your mother is Swedish?’ Uhuh.
‘When are you leaving Moldova?’ Actually, we’re planning to stay.
‘Really?? (Implied: Why on Earth would you choose to live here?)’

Often people here are surprised Cristina and I want to live in Moldova, the poorest country in Europe. It’s understandable. Since the collapse of the USSR, hundreds of thousands have left the country for ‘greener pastures’ in Russia, Italy, Greece, Spain and Turkey. When even a doctor earns less than US $100 per month, annual inflation and interest rates are above 10%, and there’s little foreign investment, who can blame those who seek money for their family elsewhere?

Naturally life for me has its challenges, too, especially with the prospect of learning two new and complicated languages. Unfortunately (for them and for me) Moldova isn’t yet like Sweden, where many people speak English. Here in the capital, roughly two thirds speak the ‘state language’ (aka ‘Romanian’). But, after decades as part of the Soviet Union, many still only know Russian.

Yet after living most of my life in a predictable country like Australia, it’s far more interesting here. A former USSR republic of 4 million souls struggling to stand on its own two feet! And this struggle has a real sense of drama.

On the one hand, Moldova is recovering from civil war in the 90s; has a disputed territory of ‘Transnistria’ controlled by Russian ‘peacekeepers’; has few solid industries (exports half what it imports); corrupt behaviour is the norm in every sector and level of society; a culture turning 180 degrees from supply-driven to demand-driven thinking; and closed curtains on houses.

On the other hand, Moldova is loaded with genuine human warmth, hospitality and musicality; super-tasty organic vegetables, walnuts and world-class wines; smart and highly creative people; and gorgeous countryside.

The latter picture will triumph but it will take time.

People raise their eyebrows when we explain Moldova is like Sweden 100 years ago – that there is reason for hope! Building a sense of self-confidence in the community will be key. For a start, we’re leaving the curtains in our apartment wide open…

Mars - the white planet?

2006-11-07T01:52:00.000+02:00

This is a NASA photo of one of the poles of Mars. Seriously. That's right, it's covered in snow and ice. Beats the red desert vibe, don't ya think. (Especially with the lack of snow this winter. - Jan 2007)

If NASA wanna sell their space budget to the American people (and they should, cos its way safer and better than more cash for the Pentagon), then TV from Martian Antarctica is the way to go. Land a couple of rovers *there* next time. You know, get some cool action shots for the kids... a Martian snowman? a mini Santa, sled and Reindeer? an Igloo?

And who knows, one day it may be a helpful reminder of what our North Pole used to look like.

Finally...an Australian take on Moldova...

2006-07-19T13:01:00.000+03:00

Last year I married a Moldovan.

After 18 months living in the capital Chisinau, I can offer some Australian reflections on this place...and new perspectives on the world.

In a nutshell, Moldova is an amazing place...full of contrasts: poverty, BMWs, corruption, beauty, vineyards, sovietic apartment blocks, great art, kitch, hospitality, rudeness, Russian-speakers, Romanian speakers, mosquitos in summer, frost bite in winter, stray dogs, stray supermodels...

It was Nicholas Thorpe, of Digerati fame, who first pushed me into this... and I resisted, for many many months. But finally I give in.

Moldova? Is it real? Ahhh...yes, really. The Republic of Moldova is a small country of 3-4 million good folk situated between Romania and Ukraine...(Eastern Europe, that is). On a map, it's to the right of those familiar names like France, Germany and England.

Did I mention that it's an amazing place? Well it is. Blackest soil I've ever seen. And that's not all... But that's all I'll say for now. I'm off on a roadtrip to Switzerland and Sweden with my wife, Cristina, and her parents and sister... Madness!

Back in September...

See ya!