Last night I went to dinner with 6 Aussies, of which 2 are volunteering in Armenia, one works for Ernst & Young in Armenia, one has relocated for 2 years working on different projects and 2 are visiting. Yes we did whinge about the cold and we had every right to seeing it was MINUS 15!!!!! I have never experienced this kind of cold. It was refreshing to hear everyone�s view on Armenia, how it has improved and what can be done to achieve better results.

Today I braved the cold and spent almost 2 hours at vernisage. I honestly don�t know how the locals do it, really I was absolutely frozen, and it�s about minus 3 at the moment even though the sun is shining. I bought 2 excellent carpets (with Zabel�s expertise) to take back home for presents at very good prices. I�ll have to make another trip next weekend to buy further souvenirs; I just couldn�t stay out any longer today. Oh and I also bought a glass cutter for 1000 Drams ($1.70 US), I�ve always seen this man at vernisage showing how it�s done and today I finally bought one.

Tonight I will get together with a few friends and have dinner at their house to celebrate old New Year.