What's with all the Armenian actors playing Muslim Arab roles? Although Arsine's acting in "Sabah" was really good, I just think she could have been involved in a better film, connected with Armenians and Armenian culture (am I being too Armenian?) But I feel as if Armenians have become slaves for portraying other cultures/races and their problems in foreign societies. Both Simon Abkarian's "Yes" and Arsine's "Sabah" dealt with Muslim Arabs falling in love with Anglo-Saxon Christians. (Actually, I'm not sure if the guy in "Sabah" was a Christian or just some plain ol' atheist Canadian dude.)

As usual, annoying live Armenian voiceover translations. In one part the Canadian guy Arsine's part falls in love with says, "I went nuts at the Arabic store", and the woman translating his part said, "I ate walnuts." HUH?

After the film I went to a new hotel that has been built just above Yerevan center, at the top of Cascade, called Golden Palace. WOW! Nice place. Little clash of styles inside, but definitely felt like I wasn't in Yerevan. The Italian Al Dente restaurant had good food and great service, and the prices were very reasonable, especially compared to all the other Italian restaurants in Yerevan (ie. Rossini, Cucina, Al Leoni, etc.) They also have a cigar lounge and a couple of other cafes, inside and outside. Definitely worth checking out. The prices of their rooms start from 72,000 drams. (I'm so proud of Armenia ... just last week a law was passed stating all businesses are required to quote prices only in Armenian currency.) By the way, 72,000 drams is equal to about $165 US. PRICEY! I think the presidential suite goes for about $1,500.