32 FOCUS - FEBRUARY 2019 After the tour we were taken to a large room in the cellar, which had a table and eight chairs around it. On the table were several Charcuterie boards, each stacked with meats, cheeses, fruit and much more. Eight of us sat around the table, and it quickly became evident that every- one else was Russian. Someone from the winery explained three different wines to us, and left us with huge decanters. We had no sooner poured the nectar, when a violinist and accordion player began to serenade us with local tunes. It seemed the Russians knew the songs, and it wasn’t long be- fore the decanters were refilled… a few times. Singing, a little dancing, and a lot of laughter made for an amazing excursion, which lasted the better part of a day. The entire visit, food and wine included, was $35. I shudder to think what it would cost in North America, and yes, I purchased a few bottles and brought them home. I spent a day visiting the capital city of Chisinau, and was impressed with the Bernardazzi, architecture (named after the famous Russian Architect, who designed most of the older city), as well as churches and government buildings. A great deal of the city can be walked in a day, but there are some spectacular monasteries, well worth seeing on the outskirts. Moldova would not be a destination for tourists, but it is an amazing place to spend three or four days enroute to somewhere else. I was hesitant about going at first, but no doubt would have regretted missing it. Jonathan van Bilsen is a photographer, author, columnist, keynote speaker and can be followed at photosNtravel.com TRAVEL TIP: Many countries are now banning certain types of sunscreens. Recent- ly, Hawaii has joined the growing list of destinations banning suntan lotion that contains octinoxate and oxybenzone, as they are harmful to the environment. Check the labels before you travel. Moldova (continued from page 31) Chisinau has some unique architecture. The beautiful entrance to Milena Michi Winery, under which 200 kms of roads wind back and forth. Wine stacking bins hold over 200 bottles. 158 Casimir Street, Port Perry virginia.frew@marlintravel.ca TM TICO #4577532 905-985-2268 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! ... and counting To all our wonderful clients - THANK YOU! Sincerely, Virginia, Colleen, Jean & Leanne