Girteka Drivers

Maria is a truck driver from Moldova who has been passionate about cars since childhood. Today, Maria travels thousands of kilometers on European roads, enjoying the freedom that comes with being a driver.

A thoughtful choice

Maria always knew her future was tied to cars and machinery. Since childhood, she was drawn to technology, and by the age of 15, she confidently chose her future profession. After studying to become an auto electrician, she got a job in an auto service.

However, the pandemic made its own adjustments: auto services stopped providing stable income, and she decided to try her hand as a truck driver. This turned out to be the right decision—now she can’t imagine her life without the road. Today, Maria is 29 years old, and she has dedicated half her life to cars.

One of the most exciting aspects of Maria’s job is the opportunity to constantly discover something new. She never knows what country she will find herself in tomorrow or where the next order will come from. “Every day brings new routes and challenges,” she says. Sometimes she faces difficulties, especially in countries with poor navigation, like Bulgaria. In such cases, Maria relies on her intuition and experience.

Maria prefers to drive at night and listens to rock music on the road. “Today’s soundtrack is probably Rammstein’s Ausländer. There’s a phrase ‘mein sprachе internationale’—the language spoken by truck drivers—across all languages.” She notes that you can’t always negotiate in English. Although Maria knows English, Polish, and a little Spanish, sometimes that’s not enough. “In France, you need French; in Italy, Italian; in Portugal, Portuguese. You have to be creative: sometimes we play ‘charades,’ and sometimes we find common ground thanks to those who speak a little English.”

Taking care of herself

The profession of a truck driver requires attention to health. Spending long hours behind the wheel can negatively affect the body, so Maria tries to walk as much as possible and drink water. On weekends, she chooses parking lots from which she can venture into the city and see something interesting. This helps her stay fit and feel refreshed the next day.

Maria also monitors her diet, and even on the road, she cooks homemade meals using a gas stove and a slow cooker. Her signature dishes include stuffed peppers and salted fish. “I couldn’t do this job eating at gas stations and living on instant noodles,” she laughs.

For her, the truck is not just a workplace but a second home, a place where comfort and cozy details matter. She shows a plush toy lying on her bed: “You take it, and that’s it—you feel at home.”

What does Hungary smell like?

Maria warns novice drivers against taking the profession too lightly, as often portrayed on social media. In reality, the job is not just about steering the wheel. It requires quick decisions and knowledge of each country’s rules. “You have to learn during your training and intern during your internship,” Maria emphasizes.

Driving a truck on European roads has become not only a source of income for Maria but also a way to realize her love for cars and travel. She has found her place in the trucking profession, and her truck is a home on wheels, always with a spot for comfort and good music.

“I love just driving and looking out the window. I adore discovering new places, even though I’ve been almost everywhere—I have 20 countries in my experience. Each country has its own sunrises, sunsets, and atmosphere. Each country is different from the others, and that’s amazing. For instance, France has the most beautiful sunrises, while Portugal boasts the most stunning sunsets. In Hungary, it smells like pine trees, and in Spain, like mint. In Poland, there’s a delicious scent that I still can’t pinpoint, but it’s definitely tasty and fried.”