This has been overwhelming to say the least. I wasn't even going to be at a computer today, but I'm exhausted and I needed to get a telephone number for someone here in Yerevan.
I got in about 2 a.m. from London. I traveled over two days and actually enjoyed the flights. When I was in London and found my gate, I sat by some people who were speaking Armenian. I got tears in my eyes to think that I was listening to our native language.
The airport was fine although there was a problem with one of the agents not having had to deal with an on-line visa before. It must not be too common.
I've been walking around Yerevan all day today completely in culture shock. I have to read every sign carefully and sound it out just like a first-grader. I'm getting along pretty well with my Armenian but at times my brain just gets tired and I speak English or under great stress - Spanish. This is also a city of one million people and, well, coming from little Port Angeles, this is overwhelming. There is also cigarette smoke everywhere and that has my nose completely stopped up. Luckily my landlady, Anahit, and her family don't smoke.
I also went to the Vernisaj market today. This is a huge market that stretches for blocks and blocks and everything imaginable is sold there. I saw 5 or 6 stall selling duduks, zurnas, dhols, bluls, kars, kamanchas etc. I didn't buy anything but an adapter for my charger. I will probably try again tomorrow, but I was just overloaded today. Oh yes, crossing streets is everything I'd heard it was and more. Sometimes I follow some locals and use them for cover.
I'm working my way back towards the area I'm staying. There is a huge set of stairs called the Cascad that has shops and cafes on it and it culminates in a huge statue of Mother Armenia who sits atop a military museum.
That's plenty for today. I think I'm fortified for another foray into the streets.
Love to all and tsedesutyun,
Bob
