Carrots make the day

Another moment in the new FSO life. Spent Cinco de Mayo having a potluck with the Ambassador and his wife. Meeting people who have spent more time as Expats than in the Country of their citizenship. It is an unreal experience and in some ways, I am numb and in others I am lost. The kindness and welcome words were incredibly kind and desperately needed, however, I still feel lost and lonely. Never before have I missed having the friend that was part of my daily routine. I think that my friends would all agree that my friendship comes with a distance built in. Only once did I lower that guard and to be honest, I doubt I will again. Although I miss it. I think about the secret places in my soul that only I know. 

Moldova is beautiful and different. The people don’t smile at me, but they don’t frown or hold hostility. I expect the anger, because that is what Americans do to others, unless they are trying to obtain something from them. As one, I can say that I have been guilty of this more than I am comfortable admitting. 

I found a new shopping place the other day. It is a world that seems hidden, behind the colorful flower shops. It is a Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter Series. Hidden to all those who do not know. It is a covered warehouse with garage doors, rows and rows, with everything imaginable, as long as you don’t ask where it came from. Then it opens into a vegetable farmers market. Full of fresh, home grown fruits and veggies. I often attract little attention, until someone speaks to me and sees the confusion on my face. Then they know that I am an outsider. I stay quiet and point to everything, and thankfully they are more interested in completing the transaction than trying to talk with me. 

I have become obsessed with the carrots here. I had forgotten how much I love carrots. Sweet and crunchy. American carrots have an acid aftertaste. Tasting the food here is the motivation I need to continue to work and stay out of the USA.