A Walk along the River Raut

Warren's host family home in Jeloboc — pronounced something like Jello-bok — is about half-way between the bus stop and the river.

We walked down there on Monday afternoon.

First ducks...

Then geese. Loud honks!

There used to be a bridge here but it's completely fallen down; only the metal cables remain.

Later that night I mentioned to Ilie that I thought this land was beautiful. Beautiful? He says that for him, it's just a place to take the cows. It's just hard work. Reminds me of Eileen's comment about the Sunshower pears — They're only beautiful when they've been picked.

Two problems here — litter and smoking. The cigarette package does bear the warning.

Here comes a truck fording the river. Two elderly couples rode with their corn harvest — two in the cab and two in back on top of the corn. They smiled and waved!

I can't wait to see Zach's pictures.  (Note: He's wearing a hat now. Cover those ears!)

Caves here. We didn't have time to explore them.

See the sheep and goats on top of the ridge?

The green is SO green!

A neighbor drawing water from a community well. She and Warren chatted happily in Moldovan.

Here's another community well.

Questions now:  Is Moldova truly the unhappiest country in the world? Can people who work hard in harsh poverty empathize with those who receive government aid?