Constantin and Nina are our landlords. They are wonderful people, patient with our needs, phones calls, questions and limited language ability. We decided to invite the couple over to dinner to thank them for how wonderful they have been to Shauna, my roommate, this past year. Shauna is leaving soon and wanted to say goodbye. They came late, in true Moldovan fashion, and gave us each a hearty greeting with hugs and kisses on each cheek. Constantin asked what was wrong with the apartment, listened to the story about the refrigerator, and went to the living room to watch TV. Not Nina; she went directly to the balcony to check on the flowers. She loves these potted plants and yet leaves them with indifferent young women who water the plants out of obligation. She comments on how beautiful some have gotten and how others she just needs to take home. She spends at least half an hour working on these plants, talking all the while in Russian and Romanian, of which I understand about 40%.
After the first awkward half hour, however, everyone started to loosen up over a table of spaghetti and salad. Constantin told us that he is an actor, talked of his children and meeting Nina. And Nina informed us of many home remedies and teas we need when we reach our climax as women, at aged 45. But the best story was about how Constantin's mother used to discipline them. She would simply strip off all of their clothes and lock them out of the gate. They would be naked in the middle of their village, with girls walking by and staring!! I think they enjoyed themselves, because they reciprocated the invitation and even asked to one of Domnul (Mr.) Constantin's shows. I am excited to know this couple. I know they will take good care of me while I am living in their apartment.
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