Constitutional Referendum

Today is an important day for Moldova. Voters are asked to answer the question "Would you agree with the Constitutional amendment, which would allow the election of the President of the Republic of Moldova by the entire population?" If the referendum passes, this will be an important step for the country's aspirations to join the EU in the future.

In other news, the party at the embassy was a lot of fun last night and I met a bunch of new people. Apparently Chisinau is known as a good post for families because it's so safe, so most of the people who were there are married and have kids. I did, however, meet a girl who just joined the Foreign Service in the management cone and I think we'll be good friends. She's interested in going to the operas and ballets so I'll have someone to do that stuff with. I was also able to talk to some people about their jobs and about joining the foreign service so it was great to get more insight about the career. I picked up a sim card on the way over so I was able to exchange contact information with people and I already have new contacts for my project.

Coincidentally, I ran into a couple of American missionaries who are also working on a project related to the issue of human trafficking when I was on my way to the barbecue. When I got off the bus, I wasn't totally sure that I was in the right place and I heard people in front of me speaking English so I asked them if they were going there. That wasn't where they were headed, but they lived close by so they walked me part of the way there and gave me directions. The lady gave me their business card and said that she knows someone who has been working with trafficking victims for the past 5 years and would be a good contact for me.

Finally, I want to note that public transportation is extremely inexpensive. It cost 2 lei for a ticket which is about 15 cents. I thought 10 rubles for a ticket (about 30 cents) in Vladimir was cheap. So it won't be expensive to get around if I use public transportation, but I'm lucky that I live right downtown so I'll probably walk everywhere even in the winter.