It’s really amazing to actually be able to watch the number of tourists rising in Yerevan. I am not talking about the diasporan tourist alone. There are more and more bus loads of Iranians, Germans and other Europeans. Last night, after work, I noticed the first large group of Chinese tourists - you have all seen them. They all have at least one camera and look very interested in everything.

To think that there are some diasporan Armenians who still feel afraid or uncomfortable to visit Armenia... their loss.

On another note, I was at the best restaurant in town, Square One earlier and I think the entire German expat community was there. There were 20-some German speaking people either from the Embassy, Austrian Airlines and some other agencies. The food at Square One is a good change from the typical Russia-Armenian menu. Khorovadz is still my favourite dish, but a nice portion of chicken Caesar salad is good once in a while ... they also have cheese cake and the BEST chocolate cake with ice cream I have ever had.

This Friday I will be visiting the LCO groups starting from Shatvan in Vartenis and then driving through Kelbajar to Shuhsi. We did this last month too... it was very exciting the first time since I was accompanied by a very knowledgeable and passionate man, Stepan Nalbandyan (Architect). If anyone wants to know how and what the groups are doing, they can visit the LCO website and read the daily logs.

Finally, I want to remember an LCO friend and a great young Armenian who lost his life in a car accident about three years ago in Fresno, Hovig Saghdejian. He was in Ayroum last summer and was very determined to return to Armenia soon. Asdvadz hokin lousavore...