Moldova was a country that genuinely surprised me. Despite being in Europe, around 85% of the population lives in rural areas. Agriculture is the main source of income, and the country is heavily dependent on both Russia and the EU. The post-Soviet economic fragility and poverty could be felt everywhere.

There’s a striking contrast in society: the older generation speaks Russian and tends to be pro-Russia, while the younger generation speaks Romanian and wants to be part of the EU. The divide is unbelievable.

It is the poorest country in Europe - the average salary is only around €350. A young person who graduates from university earns about €500–600. Meanwhile, their peers in Western Europe make at least €1500–2000.

I visited the capital, Chișinău, as well as the Curchi Monastery in the Orhei region, and saw the surrounding villages. The villages looked almost medieval. Although the country has a population of 4.5 million, only about 2 million actually live there; the rest are trying to leave. In the past 30 years, 2 million people have emigrated - an unbelievable figure (it would be like Turkey’s population dropping from 90 million to 50 million). Even in the city center, the streets were extremely empty, as if I had arrived in a place abandoned after a war.

The country struggles with many issues: poverty, corruption, and a widespread distrust of the state… Almost all young people want to leave, mostly to Romania or other relatively developed countries, because they don’t see a future for themselves at home. Yet despite everything, people are incredibly kind. This strengthened my fundamental belief that people are inherently good.

On my first day, I even met a Moldovan woman whose husband is Turkish. She spoke Turkish surprisingly well, immediately warmed up to me, and gave me her number in case I needed anything - even though I didn’t ask. She trusted me in five minutes! It was incredible, hahaha.

And with this trip, before turning 20, I’ve now visited 6 countries - surpassing my goal of seeing at least 5. I’m proud of myself.