ความบังเอิญหรือชะตาลิขิตที่ Muzeul Național al Literaturii Române (The National Museum of Romanian Literature)

My visit to the Muzeul Național al Literaturii Române continued to the left-wing building of the museum. But this time, there was a young guy joining me and the museum officer. I bluntly asked him to help me translate what the museum officer explained. He was reluctant; however, he agreed to help. Our conversation – Alex and I – started here.

There, we explored two special exhibitions. The pink room showcased the life and work of Gheorghe Malarciuc – writer and filmmaker – with books, documents, manuscripts and photographs. Then, we moved to the green room – the exhibition of Alexei Marinat. Once we stepped in, Alex told me that he intended to visit this exhibition as Alexei Marinat is his late grandfather. My jaw dropped! Is this a coincidence or destiny? What if he didn’t come today? What if I visited the museum on Saturday as planned? The rest of my visit, I had Alex as my personal guide walking me through his late grandfather’s life and works. I was so blessed.

Later, I tagged along Alex to the National Library of Moldova to see another exhibition of Alexei Marinat. Unfortunately, the objects exhibited there were rather limited. Then, we departed at the library.

However, during the short walk, we exchanged our thoughts about Moldova. More and more young (and talented) people, like Alex, live and work abroad due to the high cost of living – compared to Romania or Hungary. So, I came to realize that Moldova faced the challenge to attract young and new generation to stay and work in (and for) the country.

My time with Alex was very brief, but it was one of unforgettable moments of my Moldova’s experience. And this is the joy of travelling – when you meet someone unexpectedly.