Arrived at the small but modern looking airport. The owner of the apartment I rented was waiting for me, great.

I find this apartment through internet search and find 'Puskin 30-17'. It will appear my best choice in Moldova as much cheaper than hotel and much better..

From outside this 2nd floor of thge apartment I looked at the Park with the Central Church. What a difference with my last visit: hotel national: a 16 storey floor looks faded as many of the bedrooms are let as offices - I think the first 7 floors! It is centrally located just off the main street in capital.

My apartment : I guess 80m2, Ensuite with shower, fresh towels and bedclothes, all new fully furbished with TV, fridge, air con/CH, table and easy chairs, balcony. Owners very helpful.

In shop next door "Sun City" we both all: for breakfast a very good choice of cereals, hot buffet (try pancakes!), wide selection of cold salads, meats etc

Not so good things:

1. The police make spot checks of overseas visitors, despite being registered at the hotel, so take ID with you.

2. Taxi are cheap, 35 lei should get you anywhere in town, but some will try to charge 50, and also do not like giving receipts -check before using taxi.

3. Handy supermarket next to hotel, but check sell by dates on dairy products.

4. Money exchange in supermarket do the usual trick of counting out quickly with 1 note folded in half. We settled for hotel, lots in main street but some attractive rates charge commission so end up more expensive.

5. Grim looking hotel Chisinau, even grimmer inside - waited 5 minutes before lights turned on, unsmiling staff offered only tomatoe salad and fish, Ok but then gave us the menu when we left - avoid!

Good things

1. The aero restaurant was very good, staff helpful, good selection of freshly prepared food, average cost £4 including very drinkable local wine.

2. Little Turkish cafes, very cheap with huge portions, nicest smiles from staff anywhere!

3. Cafe's along the main street have local beer at 10 lei.

4. Lovely tree lined main street, popular in the cool of evening (it was 35c when we were there).

5. Cheap if grubby internet cafe s, fast broadband and only 1 lei for 15 minutes.

6. However the high spot and must visit is the Delice d'ange, a french style cafe in the strangely named Street 31 August, next to museum. Would not look at of place in any capital city, quiche, patiserie, ice cream but the real gem is upstairs. It's a kids friendly cafe, with kids play area - like being inside a giant nursery rhyme, visit!

7. Lovely welcoming people.