Hello folks - It has been a while since I posted...Sometimes, putting into words the experiences one undergoes here in Armenia is a difficult task; it is a something that often brings more of a feeling of "doing the event injustice" than anything else. In any case, I was suckered into playing in the Pan-Armenian Games last week. Suckered, from the standpoint that I went to the opening ceremonies with no intention to play, but without going into details, within 15 minutes (and without having eaten breakfast) I was sitting across the table from a master-level player who was far and away my chess superior. Actually, the Pan-Armenian Games was an impressive event that rivals the best of what I have seen in the Diaspora in terms of the AYF Olympics or other social get-togethers that I am used to. About 100 players participated in the chess events, most of them stronger than myself...I ended up with 2.5 out of 7 points. My opponents, in order, were from Ashtarak (loss), Saint Petersburg (draw), Beirut (loss), Athens (win), Los Angeles (win), Berd -a city in the Tavush region of Armenia (loss) and Charentsavan (loss). The guys' winner was from Vanadzor, as was the womens'. Great showing by Vanadzor in the chess games! Congrats to all players, coaches, and spectators in an event that, in my eyes, is one of many helping to bridge the gaps that exist between locals and diasporans.