Moldova entered my life through a conversation in Los Angeles. A software developer I had hired was from Hîncești, and he introduced me to his home country. I went to see it for myself. The people, food, culture, and weather made me want to return. Over the years, those visits led to friendships, business partnerships, and a much closer relationship with the country.
The difference a summer makes
I’ve made more than 20 extended visits and spent several entire summers in Moldova. A long stay changes the way you experience a place. There is time for friendships to develop, for familiar places to become part of your routine, and to get to know daily life beyond the highlights of a short trip.
My wife and daughter have visited too, and they love it. I’m glad Moldova is something we have been able to experience together, rather than simply a place they hear about through my work.
The details I look forward to
Sisters and La Plăcinte are my favorite restaurants in Chișinău. They are very different, and I love them both. Both are places I look forward to returning to, whether I am visiting with family or spending time in the city for work.
I’m equally enthusiastic about Lattese milk from NR.1. It is my favorite milk in the world, and I love their lapte covăsit, a cultured milk, too. These everyday favorites are part of what I look forward to when I come back.
From visits to working relationships
My earlier technology ventures in Chișinău included Aroundwire and Force Wind. Today, as founder of Alafina Capital, I am involved in Ileana Foods, Zidara Group, and Pro Business International / SKYA Moldova. My local business partner is Sergiu Hîrbu.
Developing companies here has deepened that connection. I spend time with the people doing the work, share responsibility for decisions, and see the country through the experience of building a business. My investments and my personal attachment to Moldova have grown together.
A wider connection
Music projects with Kapushon and an interest in historic Chișinău have become part of my connection to Moldova too. I support the Old Chișinău project, and my collection of historic photographs and postcards is on Bessarabica.
I’m now in my third year of studying Romanian with a teacher from Anenii Noi. At an intermediate level, I can follow conversations and read documents. Being able to understand people more directly is valuable in everyday life and in my work. I continue lessons by video, wherever I am.