SUCCESS

Success

This week we had our first event that I have been involved in since coming to Chisinau, the Angelus Moldova Winter Social Networking lunch. We held the event at Marius Restaurant, a really cozy little place in the town centre, and invited our supporters, our board of trustees, other NGO's and local dignitaries and business people.

Marius Restaurant initially seemed really responsive and were pleased to host our event, but as we went on they became less co-operative and kept adding on new costs. Indeed, on the morning of our event, the manager called us to tell us we would have to pay for the waiting staff too. Needless to say, Marius Restaurant will not be receiving another lei from us ever again as their service was rubbish. Idiots.

We couldn't have asked for a better event though. We had some really great guests including the British Ambassador to Moldova, the Moldovan Prime Minister's wife, and Moldovan Eurovision star (and my new best pal), Geta Burlacu. The team from the Hospice were brilliant and the guests could not have been more receptive. The event was sponsored by Purcari Wineries, one of the best Moldovan wine manufacturers whose fans include our own Queen. I'm having a visit to the vineyard in a couple of weeks so when you lot come over, I'll have one place ticked off to take you. YUM!

Here's a selection of some pics from the event:

Our UK partner director, Graham Perolls speaks while others including the UK Ambassador (from Edinburgh - top lad), Victoria Condrat (our volunteer) and others look on

Our PR Manager, Irina looks on next to our Moldovan Director, Valeriu Isac and the PM's wife, Sanda Filat (in the red shoes)

Me and Geta Burlacu. I now love this woman. You can tell by the exciteable look on my face.

A photo all over Chisinau apparently advertising a play about Rene from 'Allo 'Allo and Sybil Fawlty

This is a blue phone I found in a hotel. I'm not sure who you can ring from it. Batman? This has nothing to do with our networking lunch but thought it quite retro anyway.