We’ve been having an incredible visit to Yerevan. So many things have happened that I can’t wait to write about in detail. It started with a very warm welcome at the airport by my former student, and continued with good food, new friends, wonderful music, and running into another one of my students who remembered me. I’ve gotten hugs from so many locals, and the sights, sounds, and even some of the smells have taken me back to 1995-97.

Just today, as Bill and I were walking back from the Peace Corps office– which, by the way, is completely revamped and renovated– we passed by a kiosk where they were making piroshkis and ponchiks. I have been wanting one or both of those. We didn’t stop for them today, though, because we had just eaten lunch with my former student, Stepan. He took us to a restaurant just across the street from the Peace Corps office and the German embassy.

We’ve been doing a whole lot of walking. Today, we did four miles, but on each of the two days prior, we did about six miles. I am amazed and pleased that my middle aged body can still do these things, even if I’m older, slower, and fatter than I used to be. But I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a bit painful. I used to avoid taking public transportation as much as possible, so I’m trying to do the same now. Back then, it was because I didn’t always know the routes, and because they would load the buses and minivans with so many people that it was unpleasant, at best… mortifying, at worst!

There are still a couple of areas of Yerevan I want to show Bill. We did manage to make dinner reservations for our anniversary on Thursday. We came back to the hotel somewhat early today, because it was kind of rainy outside. Hopefully, the rain will wash some of the smog away so Bill can get a look at Mount Ararat, and I can take some photos of it.

I will be writing the whole story of this trip and what happened when we get home… but it’s helpful to keep posting these things during the trip so I don’t forget things. And I need to keep the blog alive, so I don’t post in an empty chamber… It’s hard to post from my laptop, though. It’s easier to make a quality post on my big desktop computer. So that’s when this blog will really be “cooking”. Stay tuned!

Below are a few more photos…