Cahul, Republic of Moldova

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L U H A C TO E M O C L WE E. R E H T I Y JO N E L L I W YOU

Welcome to Cahul! www.facebook.com/aiesec.cahul

Summary: LOCATION; GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE; LANGUAGE; CURRENCY; THE CITY; SAFETY AND SECURITY; TRANSPORTATION; FOOD PRICES; NATIONAL FOOD; DON’T FORGET.

Location: Cahul is a small city in the southern part to Republic of Moldova. Cahul lies latitudes 45°55′0″ 45° N, and meridians 28°11′46″ E. Cahul has a total surface area of 33,91 kilometres. It is landlocked, even thought it is very close to the Black Sea.

Geography and Climate: Moldova is a largely rural country, made up of gently rolling farmland with numerous lakes, small villages , and woodland. The landscape is cut by many streams and rivers, many of which form impressively steep sided valleys as the underlying limestone is eroded. Cahul’s climate is moderately continental.

The summers are warm and long, with temperatures averaging about 20 °C (68 °F). Short thundrestorms are usual in the summer.

Language: The official language is Romanian. It is Romance language which is derived from Latin and is written using the Latin alphabet. Russian is also widely spoken throughout the city, especially in Chișinău and Bălți. Many Moldovan, especially young people, also speak english, French, Italian and German. Today, most hotels, restaurants, cafe and newer retail stores have staff who speak English or other foreign language.

Currency: Moldavian money is called “LEI”.

1 leu ≈ $0.06 ≈ €0.05 100 $ ≈ 1700 lei 100 € ≈ 1900 lei Moldova has worlds highest concentration of ATM’s. So you can withdraw money from almost any type of card. The charges might be up to 5$ for each withdrawal from an international card.

The city:

Safety and Security: Cahul is a safe city. Crime in general and against foregners in particular, is almost non-existent. Nevertheless visitors should take prudent steps to safeguard themselves and their property. Leave your valuables and passport in a safe place or use a money belt kept out of sight. Do not reveal personal information to strangers, such as where you are staying, etc. Be aware of occasional pickpockets and scam artists, especially in/ around public markets.

In case of emergency, dial the following emergency numbers: 901 - Fire; 901 - Non-life threating emergiences; 902 - Police; 903 - Ambulance.

Transportation: Transport is relatively cheap, in can take you to any part of the city.

Minibus $ 0,17 - 3 lei for a ticket.

Food prices: 0.5 L bottled water-------------------$ 0.4 Pizza ----------------------------------$ 4.5 Sandwich ------------------------------$ 1 0.5 L Beer ---------------------------$ 1.25 Coffee -------------------------------$ 1.25 0.5 L Coca-Cola ---------------------$ 0.75 1 L Wine ------------------------------$ 3

National food: 1. Mămăliga. Is a porridge made out of yellow maize flour, traditional in Romania, Moldova. Considered a peasant food, it is often used as a substitute for bread or as staple food.

It is a preparation whose name does not translate because is specific to this area. The local people love this dish, and foreigners who coming into the country is looking forward to taste it. It is a symbol of tradition, history and ‘of taste’.

2. Plăcinte. Is a pastry preparation made of dough sheets , between them is put a stuffing of cheese, potatoes, cabbage, pumpkin, fruit (apples) or chocolate, and baked in the oven or pan fried. Pies are very common in Moldova. Even if it seems easy, it is hard enough to prepare them and not every housewife can prepare as it should. The pies are the dishes that the Moldovan households meet their relatives and guests.

3. Sarmale. Is a culinary preparation of minced meat (usually pork, and beef, mutton, poultry or fish) with rice mixed with other ingredients, wrapped in cabbage leaves (fresh or sour (pickled), vine or stevia etc, in roll form. In Moldova is usually served with polenta and sour cream.

The Traditional ‘sarmale ’are not the Moldavian daily food, but are always prepared at the most important celebrations. Wherever they are, a real Moldovan prepare sarmale to have the feeling that he’s home.

Don’t forget:

- passport (with visa if needed); - your national flag; - traditional flag; - Special thing from your country; - Money; - Comfortable shoes, sunglasses; - Swimwear; - Formal dress-work and appropriateclothes; - A mobile phone and a laptop.