In Moldova they did not have iodine in the salt but people did not get goiters and this toast is the reason why. In spring the walnut tree has baby's these are picked and soaked in water in the sun for a week until the tannin's are nice and black, then you add the liquid to vodka and you have med i ca ment, good for the thyroid. Eugenia does not drink her house wine or her other distilled spirits but this we always have a toast with because we want to stay sănătoase (healthy).
The program for the grand opening of the new Cosăuți playground that Tom wrote a Peace Corps grant for. Moldova is very big into festivals with dancing and singing and fanfare and today was not different. The little kids practiced in school for a week and then they perform with exuberance, enthusiasm and gusto! The village doesn't have a lot of amenity's but it has a sense of tradition and culture that they are always sharing. Some of the Toamna Princessă performed!!!
The final pictures of the ribbon cutting and all the dignitary's from PC and the village. After, we all went back to the school and had a meal of traditional foods and a lovely day was had by all.
Now Tom will be looking for a new project to help the village or the school attain through another PC grant. Love from Moldova, Marc
