I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned this a few times, but many Moldovans celebrate both Christmas and the New Year based on the Orthodox calendar. Some also celebrate “our” Christmas and New Year. Basically, in Moldova, the party is just getting started, and Christmas will be celebrated on January 7th and New Year on January 14th.
I wasn’t sure we would really do anything for New Year’s Eve or not. I had thought about going into Chisinau and meeting up with other volunteers, but ultimately decided to just stay home as I was feeling pretty tired. We ended up having a very simple celebration at home. We did at least stay up to ring in the new year. We had a yummy dinner of chicken and potatoes, as well as yummy champagne from the Cricova winery.
Valerica ended up falling asleep before midnight, but my host mom, host dad, and I were awake. As soon as the clock hit midnight, all over my little village, people were setting off fireworks. We couldn’t see a ton, but those we did see were very pretty. We went outside to watch them and it was also a very clear night with gorgeous stars in the sky. After, we toasted each other with champagne and my host parents called their loved ones. I skyped for a bit with some friends from home as they prepared for their celebration seven hours later.
It was a pretty perfect evening to start off the new year! Welcome to 2017!
The Oke Den 
Hello Beth! My name is Valerie and I am an EE invitee for PC Moldova M32. I have a question for you (that doesn’t actually have anything to do with this blog entry). 🙂 You said back when you were packing that it was important to wear dresses and skirts at schools in Moldova. Has that proved to be true? When you look around a school do you see ALL skirts, or mostly skirts with a sprinkling of dressy slacks? (I’m asking because I’m an ex-kindergarten teacher and have always found slacks more practical for teaching, but I don’t want to offend or stand out too much). If you have a minute, I’d really appreciate hearing your opinion and experience. Thanks!
Hi Valerie! I can’t wait to meet you in June! I think what is and is not acceptable totally depends on the school and how old you are (I know, sounds silly, but here it matters quite a bit). I’m in a more traditional, conservative village, but a few of the younger teachers (below 35) occasionally wear dressy pants, and I’ve even seen jeans a few times. The older teachers do not wear pants, and at my school, I think they would find pants for an older female volunteer to be more unacceptable. I’ve worn dressier pants a couple of times without a problem. Other volunteers, on the other hand, have said most of the teachers wear pants at their school and those volunteers wear pants often. If there is a special event, however, they definitely want you in skirts and dresses regardless of age (think: holiday party, concert, parents’ meeting, etc.). Most of all, though, it’s important to look put-together and professional (they put high value on looking “frumos” or pretty/nice). If you’re most comfortable in pants, bring them. Just be sure to throw a few skirts/dresses in as well!
Thank you very much, that’s extremely helpful! I’m enjoying your posts tremendously and look forward to meeting you in person!