Well, I knew it would happen and I'm actually glad. I was planning on leaving for Sisian this morning but a wild and crazy night left me with a mild case of the traveler's woes.
But to start the story, I must tell you about my evening with Artur Mikoyan and his friend Vagho Vardikyan. They are both former pilots who have not been able to work in Armenia. Vagho works in Russia and Africa. Artur is the director for George Asadorian's Foundation. I had no idea how much medical eqipment and computers George and Jo are resonsible for bringing to Armenia. It is truly wonderful.
Anyhow, Artur picked me up and then we picked Vagho up. Artur said that he'd like to take me to Lake Sevan for dinner. Sorry, Kristina, but to be polite, I said "Yes." Kristina wanted for both of us to see Sevan for the first time on a future trip - I only saw a little bit of the lake! So we drove to Sevan, walked up the hill to Sevanavank (Sevan Monastery that dates from the 800's). It is located on a peninsula that used to be an island before the soviets dropped the lake 20 m. for a hydro electric project or some such thing.
We then went to a sumptuous feast of sig (a flounder), barbecued lamb (yes, I had a bite), cheese, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumber etc. Also a bottle of vodka came out. I managed to sip lightly and never really take much. There were many melancholy toasts to our wives, families, children, grandchildren, world peace and the Armenian nation. Artur wants to take me on a tour of the hospital where much of the equipment has gone.
Between the food, cigarette smoke and cool air, I wasn't feeling very well by the time we returned at 1:00 a.m. I had some stomach distress and I won't go into details, but I just slept in today.
Anahit, my landlady, was very sweet to me and gave me a bowl of chicken, rice and spinach soup that she had made. She said that it might help. Indeed it did! She is so insistant that I not do any dishes or clean up at all. I was washing my soup bowl after eating and I heard this voice from the living room saying, "Robert, you stop doing that right now!" She has ears everywhere.
I had another duduk lesson with Gevorg yesterday and this time I took a tape recorder. It has made a huge difference. I don't have to trust my memory - it is more scattered than usual today.
So, I'll try Sisian tomorrow. There are some french guys who have a car and if they go south I'll go with them, but if not, I'll take a minibus.
Again, love to you all, Tsedesutyun, Bob
