Finally the snow melts as my thermometer peaked at 15C today, although I noticed the Opera House time and temperature display showing 0C. Nevertheless, you can go out without a jacket and walk around in all the slush.

Early this morning, after only 3 hours of sleep, I got a phone call by some guy who was freaking out on the phone because a water pipe in his attic had exploded and he claimed he was swimming in his apartment. He happened to be the neighbor of one of my friends, who is out of town, and was worried about her place. So Nigol (Zabels hubby) and his friend Ara picked me up and we head over to her place. The ceilings were drenched, layers of paint were coming off, water was dripping down the walls, etc. Ara replaced the part of the pipe that had exploded and turned off the water supply. Since the roofs of these ancient Soviet buildings are not properly constructed and insulated, all the pipes freeze and eventually cease water flow and explode.

Driving to our friends place I noticed a bunch of people gathered in front of an apartment building. A few guys were carrying an open coffin with a woman lying in it and they were doing 360 degree turns in front of the building. In the meantime, there were a couple of guys playing the duduk. I had never seen this before. If anyone knows anything about this tradition please comment. And this was all happening on a really busy sidewalk.

I also had a chance to check out a place today, to possibly purchase, up in an area of Yerevan which I absolutely love. I don't want to jinx it, but after a short tour I'm attached!