Traveling in Transnistria - the country that's not a country

Today I ventured to the country that's not a country. 

Nested between Moldova and Ukraine, lies the "country" of Transnistria. 

With close to a half a million people they have declared themselves independent but they aren't recognized as such. 

It's famous city of Tiraspol is it's capital which includes it's own government, banks, currency, etc.

The interesting part is that once you cross the border (Including border post, showing passport and all the like) it's a bit like going a bit back in time to Communist Russia. Every sign is in Cyrillic, people speak in Russian and while Moldova is vying to become part of the EU, here they side with Russia.

But now the war in Ukraine has made it interesting to have a bastion of Russia with Ukraine in between. 

But one might ask WTF anyone cares about Transnistria? Well, the truth is that not even Russia recognizes them, but they still have a military presence there! WHY?

Well ..it happens to have some of the largest depots of Russian ammunition and hence it's importance. 

Here are some photos of the few Instagram memorable moments 

Typical Russian style - a tank to commemorate the independence of the Transnistria Moldovan Republic

a visit to the Kvint factory which makes famous brandy. That bottle was one of a handful sent to space with Yuri Gargarin and crew but this one came back. Will drinking in space make for better or worse hangovers?

Our grandfather and friend Lenin of course is about everywhere

And lunch was also an experience by going to a little restaurant that was like a time capsule

But you might also wonder what this place in the world is famous for. Ask any Real Madrid fan about one of the most embarrassing defeats of recent times

a team called Sherif rings a bell?

Last, the fortress of Bender where the Turks held a presence and which through history made an accord so no mosques will be built in Moldova (which still stands)

and a great good bye shot from the fortress

Of course on the way back, had to stop at one of the Moldovan wineries for some wine tasting. 

More on that soon..