I have heard from/met a few more people planning to move to Armenia these past 2 weeks. As I have said, if there were jobs, I think many would come. So although I try to help, I must say it is a tough market for those wanting western salaries at an international organization. The type of experience needed tends to be specific and they want people with experience in the former CIS already usually. So it helps to just move here and get your feet wet with "foot-in-the-door" jobs before going for the other jobs.

I really must encourage people to consider opening their own business here, which would create income for them, and jobs for others as well. This is not a step to take lightly of course. You should come, see what is needed, what interests you, what you can afford, and be on the ground here or really find good staff people, which takes time. For example, this country needs a chips factory. Not necessarily a huge one, but one that can make potato chips and corn nachos. All we can get is Turkish Doritos and Frito Lays at this time. Anyway, food for thought? Some more food for thought is that those wanting to go to med school can come to Armenia now for cheeeap, since I hear their med school has an English language program now.

Last night I finally met Matthew Karanian. Our paths have come close to crossing for years, and now finally after years of emails, we have met. He is teaching at AUA now, and we talked about so many things including the loads of friends we have in common, that we did not get to talking about his books on Armenia. Next time.

So there is about a month, month and a half left for them to work on the sidewalks and streets this year... I dunno if they are going to make it on time or not, I tend to think not, but it may be a close finish. Meanwhile, the new Northern Pedestrian Blvd is still slowly coming along. The picture I have posted is from the same spot I took a shot a year ago. So you can see the building is now getting relatively close to being finished, but they are certainly not rushing this either.