Well, I have been in Yerevan for 5 days now, and it is a blast here. An expensive blast, but one none the less. In my 5 days here I have had Indian food, French toast with REAL maple syrup AND bacon (something I don't eat a lot of in the states, but when it is not an option, it is craved), home cooked thai food (including some amazing homemade peanut sauce) and 1/2 a Wetzels Pretzel. I have also purchased a pair of trail shoes, and some leg warmers (for the upcoming Halloween party). I plan on getting a fall scarf tomorrow. I would like to find a purty yellow one, and mabye some socks, but we will see.
I have also experienced the crazy-packed streets of Republic Square during Yerevan's 2791st birthday on Sunday (pretty sure the entire population of Yerevan was there, no exaggeration) and even got a pin that flashes and says "I love you Yerevan" in Aremenian. Pretty great. I have ridden on a Soviet Era subway all by myself (with directions), gotten stuck in a very sketchy soviet era elevator (for all of 3 minutes before a nice Armenian man rescued me), and have gone dancing at one of the local clubs.
It may be needless to say, but I am not getting much sleep while I am here. I am staying at an apartment that belongs to a pilot from Spain, and a University student from Iran has been our main 'tour guide' and host. 2 other Americans are also here, both in the midst of world travels. 4 other PCVs are staying here with me, and a lot of other people have been through too, all very interesting to talk to. If we don't go out, we sit in and play cards, watch a movie, or listen to music. In all honesty, it has been absolutely amazing and totally worth the sleep deprivation.
The bird class is going pretty good as well. It has been a lot more interesting than expected, and I even bought a guide book because this is something I want to get more into while I am here. I guess gram pointing out all the birds to me in the backyard while I was little had some subconscious impact after all. While I breezed through waterbirds (for obvious reasons), raptors (despite their coolness) and forest birds are giving me issues. I'll get it though, and if not, I will only bring my kids to Sevan to check out waterbirds and pretend the rest don't exist! Tomorrow is the last day of class, and on Saturday we are supposed to go to Sevan for a bird watching trip, which will be nice.
On Saturday I am also going to head back to Karenis!!! I am very excited to see everyone, and will stay until Sunday morning. Sunday I am going on a hike with a few other PCVs and the Country Director. We won a hike and picnic during the auction at the end of PST. I am hoping for some PB and J sandwhiches, or mabye tuna fish. Either would be delicious! It is supposed to be good weather for our hike, and I am excited for breaking in my new trail shoes. I will be taking lots of pictures!
Well...I think we are going to make some grilled cheese before heading off to Kareoke tonight. I am sleepy, but got a small nap in. Hoping that I get my second wind soon, it is a school night!
I love and miss you all very much!
and to wrap things up...
Brit F - you rock. thanks for being on your game with everything! Sorry I was cranky last time, next time I call I will be in a great mood, I promise.
Brit C - enjoy the new house, I will call you soon...miss you and give Elijah a big ol' hug for me!
Sarah D - I miss you! give everyone a hug for me and have fun in school! I can't wait until I see you at Christmas! How's the puppy??
Mum- sorry I only call you on the bad days..I am going to try and call more on the good ones too, I guess except for when I am in Yerevan.
Katie, your reference to my mom meant alot to me
ReplyDeleteshe is an angel that is watching over u while u are on your travels and im sure is in awe of
her lil Katie of where she is and who she has become !
love ya Katie Lady !
Aunt Pooh