I went to Mer Gyugheh, which is an authentic Armenian restaurant here in the city. Carol, my friend who is staying with me for a few weeks volunteering her services as a doctor at a clinic, a friend visiting from New York and I ate great food and listened to authentic Armenian music. It was great. After we went to an outdoor cafe. I remembered every reason I was back when I heard the young man singing Sayat Nova as I drank wine from Ashtarak from a clay cup.

Yesterday as I was walking home I came across a group of 6 young boys ages 5 to 9. I sat with them for a while and we talked about their summer vacations. We practiced their English and spoke about swimming and football. They promised they will teach me football. I took a few pictures... candid and cute.

On the remond front, things are a mess and I have more consultants than dollars. They start tearing down the ceiling plaster tomorrow. The important thing is that my contractor seems like a good guy and I am confident enough to go right into the apartment and state all my opinions in perfect Eastern Armenian.

I have an upcoming Artsakh trip in the works... actually we are taking a helicopter to Stepanakert on Friday. Tonight at the restaurant I took a shot of Mulberry Vodka and it brought back all the memories of Karindak and my days in Karabagh. I think I will abstain this time.

Working at the Mammography Center today, I felt really needed. They are doing so many amazing things at the center... and I felt that the Press Release I was writing in English about the work will really help get us funding. We saw 20 refugee women from the Karabagh war today for free. AMAZING!