Moldova in a round-about sort of way

[RooFlyer]

This trip has come about in a round-about way, and its execution is also a bit indirect.

In 2019 JohnM and I were on a trip through the 5 Stans and a fellow-traveller told us enthusiastically about an Intrepid trip she had done through Romania, Moldova and Ukraine. I signed up soon thereafter and I think JohnM did too but of course Covid put paid to that, and then the war

I had gotten all enthusiastic about Moldova however, and it was then on the radar. I had points burning a hole in my pocket and when I was able to book award flights almost all the way, I did so.

First things first. yes, where the heck is Moldova? Obviously, between Romania and Ukraine. As a bonus, along the border with Ukraine is a Russian-aligned 'autonomous region' of Transnistria, officially known as the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. Going there too.




Routing is pretty straightforward, although the timings are a bit awkward.



HBA-MEL-ADL to start is a Qantas award in J (turned out to have a 'i' in there)
ADL-MEL-DOH-SAW is a Qatar award in J using my BAEC and QRPC avios
IST-KIV-IST is a revenue TK J ticket
IST-AUH-MEL is an Aeroplan award ticket in J on Etihad
MEL-HBA is a QF award ticket in J.

This is my first overseas trip where the flights are substantially on points. Generally, I've been reluctant to do o/s trips with points, due to possible complications with cancellations etc. But this is a straightforward itinerary on a non-critical trip, so all good (so far!!). But I have suffered one of the other problems with Award trips - bad connections and the need to pad the itinerary extra to accommodate issues.

 

[RooFlyer]

As usual, my trip starts at Hobart Airport and I'll save people the usual grizzles. The QP wasn't packed and we were on time, and boarded via the usual HBA charming cattle-runs. Qantas did pull a fast one, however. My J seat turned into whY when they did an aircraft swap.



I'm a big fan of the Flighty app. It told me what I might expect re timeliness, and where the inbound plane was, that my plane was 'well seasoned' and the anticipated flight schedule.



Also the actual flight track, once the flight plan is filed (Flighty gives you an alert when this occurs).



One funny thing on this flight was one of the FAs - a trainee, by her badge - had a really broad coughney accent , and dropped every 'g' goin'. Welcome to Country was 'different'


In the MEL J lounge I had a nice pork dish with an ordinary pinot grigio



Onwards to ADL where its another mature bird




Delighted to read the AFR in flight via wi-fi and I asked for Economy cheese and crackers, but was met with a rather grave response by the FA that 'We don't do cheese and crackers in business - we have a cheese plate'. OK, and it was pretty good - room temp as well.

 

[RooFlyer]

Overnighted at the Altura at Adelaide Airport. I've stayed here before but I won't go out of my way to stay again, unless necessitated by a really early AM departure. Its been 'enhanced' a bit - check-in via a tablet (staff were there to assist) and check-out via a link SMSed in the morning. Don't like that. What happened to being a 'guest' and shown some 'hospitality'? Room was OK - its got the 'hip' vibe of bare concrete and un-finished plywood. .







Great car-park view!!



I mis-read the departure time and managed to arrive for check-in 30 mins too early, not helped by the check-in people only arriving at T-2:55 and taking 10 mins to set up. I was hanging out to have breakfast and take some pills ..



Domestic security was deserted at 9am and I went to the QF lounge, although QR direct you to the VA lounge (but I don't think the check-in agent actually said anything about lounges.) . Lounge people a bit dubious, mentioning the VA lounge, but when i also flashed my QFF Plat card, it was OK. Usual breakfast spread and very good coffee.

I decamped to the VA lounge and its very good!



Then downstairs to international departures, which was quick, then to the waiting area until we boarded.

B777-300ER; Flighty tells me its 5 years old.

 

[RooFlyer]

Only about 16 pax boarded on Adelaide - MEL, here we come.

My QSuite - best business class in the sky. Rear facing seat to have the seat next to the window.



Cool towelette and PDB - I chose a refreshing lime and ginger



Menu for the MEL leg - full wine list too, but I’ll save that



Flight path

 

[RooFlyer]

A quick trip to MEL. Abt 25 mins from pushback to take off at ADL ( we pushed back at 10:40) but arrived at the gate in MEL a few minutes early.



We appeared to have to wait at the end of the taxi way for this guy to clear out



Fly-by of MEL



Taxi in, I can see my lunch office



Ah. Very civilised of QR to drop in on the QF First lounge in MEL for lunch an route to Doha

 

[Cossie]

We flew Melbourne to Canberra in 717 last Tuesday, I’m sure we had the same FA with the very strong accent.

 

[RooFlyer]

Just reboarded.



Overheard the lady in the seat in front of me. “This is the first time I’ve flown business class”. Just got a Champagne. “Ooh, that’s nice !”

Love it.

 

[tgh]

Following with interest, does your phone have a mine detector circuit ?

 

[RooFlyer]

You mean mean a minerals type mine? MK 1 eyeballs and nose best for that

But on this trip, wines are the resource being sought! Some amazing wineries coming up!

I’ve booked 3 private day tours including the Cricova winery, another one to Transnistria and another general history.

Cricova - Wine of Moldova

Membrii Wine Of Moldova Cabinetul Personal LogoutȚine minte IntrăAi uitat parola?Back to LoginroruenONVVAbout ONVVTransparency in Decision MakingLegislationPartnersOur WineriesMoldovan WineriesMoldovan Wine RegisterWine TourismVisit Moldovan WineriesVisit Moldovan Wine RegionsWhat to do in...

wineofmoldova.com

 

[RooFlyer]

Following with interest, does your phone have a mine detector circuit ?

Oh, I think I just got it. No, no mines of that type in Moldova.

 

[kookaburra75]

Looks like you're settling in for a great trip - you're certainly in a good mood if you didn't complain about Hobart airport

I'm looking forward the winery experiences, as there are a lot of good reds in that region.

 

[VPS]

Have fun - I'm always impressed that you manage to do your TR while you're on the go.

 

[Major]

What Champagne was QR serving ?

 

[Askance]

Looks like you're settling in for a great trip - you're certainly in a good mood if you didn't complain about Hobart airport

Hobart airport sounds like the only thing that makes ADL airport seem good, lol

Rooflyer, glad you won the fight with the Qantas lounge staff I actually thought you were doing this yesterday, and I watched Qatar 777 leave for Mel from ADL while waiting for a Virgin flight also to Melb.

 

[PirLPe]

You mean mean a minerals type mine? MK 1 eyeballs and nose best for that

But on this trip, wines are the resource being sought! Some amazing wineries coming up!

I’ve booked 3 private day tours including the Cricova winery, another one to Transnistria and another general history.

Cricova - Wine of Moldova

Membrii Wine Of Moldova Cabinetul Personal LogoutȚine minte IntrăAi uitat parola?Back to LoginroruenONVVAbout ONVVTransparency in Decision MakingLegislationPartnersOur WineriesMoldovan WineriesMoldovan Wine RegisterWine TourismVisit Moldovan WineriesVisit Moldovan Wine RegionsWhat to do in...

wineofmoldova.com

I have heard that Moldova has good vineyards and they make good wine there. Not French, of course. But it's good too. I've never tasted it myself.

 

[Matt_01]

@RooFlyer can you board that QR flight in MEL or do you have to start in ADL.

 

[RooFlyer]

@RooFlyer can you board that QR flight in MEL or do you have to start in ADL.

Probably 90% of the pax boarded in Melbourne. This is one of QR’s “ get around the restrictions” flights.

 

[RooFlyer]

I have heard that Moldova has good vineyards and they make good wine there. Not French, of course. But it's good too. I've never tasted it myself.

Like Romania, it’s a ‘bulk wine for Europe’ place but, like Romania, it has some really good plonk here and there.

 

[Telemachus]

First things first. yes, where the heck is Moldova? Obviously, between Romania and Ukraine. As a bonus, along the border with Ukraine is a Russian-aligned 'autonomous region' of Transnistria, officially known as the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. Going there too.

Fascinating itinerary – both the destination and the award-driven route to get there. A friend has recommended Romania and Moldova after a walking tour in 2022 so I’ll be interested to hear your own take. I wonder, though, about the prudence of entering Transnistria. Assume you’re aware it is the product of one of those ‘frozen conflicts’, with a separatist government backed by Russia including military support. There are obvious personal security risks that could increase rapidly if Russia chooses to warm things up in Transnistria. I just checked Smartraveller and confirmed that the AU govt advice for Transnistria is Do Not Travel, so among other considerations that might well invalidate your TI.

 

[RooFlyer]

. Assume you’re aware it is the product of one of those ‘frozen conflicts’, with a separatist government backed by Russia including military support.

I’ve checked it out pretty thoroughly. I’m on a private day tour there, so completely flexible wrt itinerary, and the tour company takes people there every day. @Flashback took himself and +1 there last week, Public transport.

It would probably take about 10 minutes to vamoose back across the border, if we did see anything untoward.

I highly recommend Romania.