Springtime in the Motherland

I finally took the time to go through some photos from my trip.   I didn't stay very long and mostly spent time with my grandparents and cousins, so I don't have nearly as many photos as I did last summer.  These are some random photos I took in the capital of Chisinau (pronounced KHI-SHE-NAU)   and in the South of Moldova where my grandparents live.  Will share some of my adventures with you in another post.

The colors in some of the photos look like autumn.  Moldova is absolutely stunning in the spring,  unfortunately  I showed up before all the blooms...

Signs of spring are there however! These little flowers were always first to bloom and smell wonderful.  They are called Подснежники in Russian and used to be my favorite as a kid.   Not sure if they grow in our part of the US, but I haven't seen them around here.

Some old fashioned craftsmanship here in the woodwork. Sadly people are opting out for really ugly plastic windows and stucco.  I wish they would just restore the homes be instead of trying to make them more "European".

Church of the Nativity and the Liberty Arc (I think that's what its called). 

Another view of the cathedral.

Black swans! Chisinau city zoo.

A view of a Soviet era residential neighborhood in Chisinau.  Despite the poor economy new apartment buildings are being build everywhere.

 Park on the outskirts of Chisinau.