None of us my childhood friend Marko, who lacked a pedigree but whose aristocratic pretensions had been apparent by the age of 6, my magician friend Erik nor myself knew anyone who had been to Moldova, or could pronounce its capital, Chisinau. (KISH-i-nev, kee-SHEE-now or quiche-in-know, depending who you ask.) I couldn't think of a better reason to go.

WSJ: An Accidental Trip to Trans-Dniester | Traveler's Tale