Travel to Romania And Moldova

Playing the Moldovans at Tennis

Format: Paperback
Author: Tony Hawks
ReleaseDate: 01 November, 2002
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Rating:

I actually liked Moldova


I enjoyed the book until he got to Moldova. Let me start out by saying that I think this bet is just about the best idea I have ever heard of and I am jealous that I didn't think of it first and that I even if I did I probably wouldn't have the money to finish it. Once Tony gets to Moldova though I didn't enjoy the book near as much. Unlike Tony, when I went to Moldova I thought the people were hospitable and I enjoyed myself the month that I was there. Tony seems to whine constantly about the people, the country, and how much harder his bet is than he thought it would be.

I was looking for a funny book about a country that I really enjoyed visiting, but instead I read a book that was low on comedy and high on complaints of a different culture.

Read the book in the country - a hilarious account!


Tony's bet and ensuing journey make for laugh-out-loud, can't put it down reading. Having just traveled through Moldova on a cycling trip through Eastern Europe, I was fortunate enough to have the chance to read this whilst staying at the one and only hostel in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. The funniest part it, having seen the country first hand, how remarkably accurate his circumstances and plights are - and similar to many situations I found myself in (though I didn't actually play any tennis whilst there).

The fact Tony takes the bet so seriously and ends up traveling to Israel to complete it speaks volumes for Tony's determination to stick to his guns. His writing, whilst entirely amusing, always is serious and reflective in parts, and balances the entire novel out. There is no question that Tony's travels to Moldova change him as he learns and experiences a part of the world so little know about.

This is a great read for anyone who plans to go or who has been to Moldova, to look back and laugh tongue-in-cheek at the wonderful way of life these people live - or to make you more excited to visit this country totally void of tourists. And if you get the chance to visit Transdnistria - do so - it is one of the single most amazing places in the world. . .

Tony - 5 stars mate - keep up the great writing; I look forward to your next novel: Across Antarctica with a Pogo Stick.

And if you are looking for that hostel, go to 'marisha dot net'.

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good preparation for a visit to Moldova
I have a massive collection of photographs of open manholes if anyone wants proof of the authenticity of this particular aspect of life in Moldova. Without this book - I would surely have fallen down a manhole! As soon as I finished reading I added a head torch to my equipment list! I knew I was about to visit for 6 months and found the book fantastic preparation - whilst also being gut-wrenchingly funny.

Tony - if you are about to revisit - I'm missing my tennis and you'll find me in Transdnistria - if you dare!

A BRILLIANT BOOK WHICH i HAVE NOW READ ABOUT 4 TIMES .

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