World Cup Fever

If you were in Yerevan during this world cup, versus last time 4 years ago, you'd be amazed by the difference. I assume people watched it last time as well - but in their homes. This time the whole center of Yerevan was transformed into a big, public world cup viewing. The games were on at 8pm and then again at midnight (though the final 2 were just at midnight). Most of the cafes and restaurants put up big screens, and people were sitting outside until the wee hours watching (or ignoring) the games. The entire Opera park seems to have been transformed into world cup stands. I was at a cafe one night without a TV, when I heard a roar in the neighboring cafes - and thought oh, someone finally scored a goal (or came close), then another and another... it was the inevitable penalty phase of the game which so often ends in a draw.

Yesterday, I headed to Garni with some friends to visit their "dacha" (amaranots, summer house). It was quite nice to get out and just lay under the trees, breathe some fresh air, spend time in a slightly cooler place. It was also good to see a fellow American-Armenian repatriate my age, who moved to Armenia in 1998 and moved to Garni about 3 or 4 years ago. He lives there with his (also Ameriga-Hay) wife and their baby girl. They've built a very nice life for themselves, and are starting a real estate company to make it easy for other Diasporans/foreigners to buy a place in Garni. I'll let you know when the site is up, since I myself was quite tempted (as usual!).