I was woken this morning by a phone call and to my surprise it was Annette from California. Annette is my friend who keeps sending all those goodies for the kids at the Centre. It�s amazing how friendships commence, considering the circumstances under which we have become friends and it�s all been due to Annette reading my logs. She said I was the first Armenian she had spoken to with an Aussie accent. A great way to start the week!

Let me go back to Friday night, I attended a concert at the Opera House with a couple of friends to see the Philharmonic Orchestra. I felt so sorry for the Orchestra Members (is this the correct title?), it was so cold in the Opera House, and I don�t know how their fingers functioned. Even though the temperature outside was only minus 5 (I can�t believe I�m actually saying this), it must have been at least twice as cold inside. I honestly don�t know how they performed so beautifully, so much talent! It was a fabulous evening indeed. It was also great catching up with Ara Manoogian afterwards for dinner (he�s in Yerevan for a couple of days).

Shooshig, what can I say? I�ve received your hugs and thank you for boosting my confidence. The Diaspora as a whole has been incredibly supportive. At times I feel that I�m sharing too much emotions but feel that readers are entitled to know the truths that do exist in Armenia.

Saturday, I braved the minus temperatures yet again and went shopping at Vernisage (outdoor craft market) to buy a few souvenirs. That place is great you really can find anything and everything. I am one week away from going on holidays for a month. My destination is SUNNY Sydney, the land of plenty, down under, paradise (call it what you like), mainly to catch up with family and friends and thaw out for a little while. I�m sure I will return fully energized to tackle my goal once again.