VISIT TRANSNISTRIA, A COUNTRY THAT IS NOT ON THE MAP

Following the break-up of the Soviet Union, Transnistria immediately declared independence from Moldova, a country sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, and which itself had just gained independence at the time. But the small south-eastern territory is not recognized by Russia and most other governments and many regional travelers are still reluctant to go there - or would never even think of it. From the point of view of the government in Chisinau, Moldova’s capital, Tiraspol, Transnistria, is still part of Moldova.

The inner city of Tiraspol doesn't have the typical sights to offer, but resembles an open-air museum full of Soviet accomplishments (tanks, parade grounds, busts and statues of Lenin and other heroes of Communism) – in short, quite unique. The communist hammer and sickle can meanwhile be seen on countless flags, wrote Bernd Kubisch for Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa.) Tiraspol can be easily explored on foot in three hours. In the streets bearing the names of Marx and Lenin there are blocks of flats with well-kept greenery and playgrounds, with children on swings and climbing about. At a central promenade named after October 25, the date of the Russia's October Revolution, flowering shrubs and conifers decorate the paths. There is no litter to be seen anywhere.

Shops, supermarkets and a big “Cyber Shop,” official buildings, restaurants and cafes line the avenue. In front of the famous Mafia restaurant, with its socialist grandeur, numerous customers are enjoying lemonades, beers, Blini, steak and chocolate on this sunny Saturday. 

The city's central Suvorov Square, lined with green areas, flags, administrative buildings, monuments and statues, has an atmosphere of military parades. The founder of the city, Alexander Suvorov, greets the visitor from his stone horse. At the Zeleny market, local farmers offer melons, apples, spices, tomatoes and potatoes. A kilogram of walnuts costs the equivalent of a little under $3.

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