This past Sunday Evelyn and I parted ways after two weeks of traveling together. On our trip we did a full loop of the northern half of Armenia; Starting and ending in Yerevan and visiting Berd, Vanadzor & Gyumri along the way. At each place we stayed with some great friends and even worked…I posted pictures that Matt took at his organization in Vanadzor to prove it…ha.
Evelyn definitely took the lead in our graphic design workshops, which were successful, as everyone who attended came away with lots of new and usable knowledge….including Matt, Kim and I! Thanks EV!
Back in Talin, things have actually been pretty busy, well, in Peace Corps terms anyways. On Monday, I went to Gayane’s house (my language teacher) to meet about the developing handicraft project that is starting up in our region. Please read the blog that Tim, Homeland Handicrafts director, wrote regarding the works here in Talin for more details: http://homeland-handicrafts.blogspot.com/2012/01/talin-time.html
One of the best parts about being back has been spending hours each day playing the piano at the music school. Hasmik gave me a duet piece to play with her at the Talin Music School’s 50th Anniversary celebration in June, and I am still working on the Bach piece to be performed with my host mother Nune. This one could prove impossible though as it is for two pianos and we only have one. We are working on grants for the third floor auditorium renovations, so we are hoping a new/used grand piano will arrive before the concert.
Another project that is starting up is Nune and I’s fitness group. I spoke with the Sports School director today and he is supportive, though I don’t think he realizes that people may die at the hands of the workouts we are going to present to them. Just kidding, we will take it easy on them…at the beginning anyways 
In the process of the class we are hoping to be able to assist in renovations of the weight room, which is in great need of new equipment and a floor…which now looks like it was ingested by termites. Oh well, the space still provides a great place to workout when it is freezing outside.
..and inside…
My apartment has been surprisingly warm with just the two electric space heaters. This is probably due to the fact that I have isolated myself to one room and have adapted to wearing at least 2 layers of clothing on my body at all times. This reminds me of Grandma’s “Celebrate Winter” sweatshirt. Well, grandma be proud, because it is definitely being celebrated! It is beautiful outside right now. As you will see from the pictures, it snowed 4 inches on Tuesday to Wednesday and made me wish for some cross country skis.
Alright, I am going to go get some rest because tomorrow there is a camera crew coming to do a story about the Talin region and I am going to get interviewed. In case you were wondering it will be in English and yes, I am a big deal..he he. I will let you know the link to watch it once it has been completed and put online. Goodnight!!
#1 – A view of Talin from my balcony
#2 – Ev and Lucine (a staff member at Matt’s organization, Peace Dialogue in Vanadzor) working on photoshop techniques
#3 – Ev admiring some paintings in Yerevan…she was excited.
#4 – Evelyn and I stayed with Tim on our leg of our trip in Yerevan and he took us to this cafe near his apartment. Yes, that is a complimentary cookie and yes, it was delicious.
#5 – Ev and I in Republic Square, trying to act natural as Santa Claus walked behind us. We believe…
#6 – Any animal rights activists out there? If it makes you feel better it was pretty cute…and disturbing…
#7 – Here is Evelyn and I in front of one of Yerevan’s most popular bars. The picture was taken as Calumet is also the name of Evelyn’s hometown in Michigan.
#8 – Here is Calumet’s bar menu…this is for you Dad & Uncle Tom…some early research for your trip! It is owned by an ex-pat couple from California…they were extremely excited to meet a native of Calumet and gave us each a free drink. I wonder if that will work every time?….hmm…
#9 – another view – love this picture as it goes against the Armenian belief that sitting on the floor makes women infertile. True story.
#10 – This statue is located just before Sevan on the busiest highway in Armenia.
#11- Caroline and I saying a cheers for Berd on our first night in town!
#12 – Caroline’s method of heat…the wood stove in her room…soooo warm!
#13 – the Peace Dialogue Office Sign in Vanadzor, where we spent three days for training
#14 – Here is Gayane’s brother and his son playing with the remote control truck that Uncle Tom sent me in the mail this week. They love it!!!
#15 – view of Talin under a fresh layer of snow
#16 – my next purchase – cross country skis
#17 – my method of heat. going strong.
#18 & 19 – The Talin Sports School’s weight room
#20 – The Talin Sports School’s gym: this is where I run stairs, well, besides the 5 floors I go up to get to my apartment
#21 – This is a view of me at the top of the Cascade in Yerevan, a monument that has over 500 steps…a few more than the gym..ha..Wish this was in Talin. It is both an incredible workout and view
#22 – working on some design principles in Vanadzor with Armine, one of the staff members of Peace Dialogue
