My first update...

So it's been over 2 months since I actually moved to Armenia, and after a few speed bumps, I'm now ALMOST "smooth sailing". Where to begin...??? Well when I first moved here, I moved into a VERY temporary (meaning, extremely cheap) apartment in "quartal". (Ok, so most people don't even know where that is... let's just say, it's part of the last buildings you see before getting to Vahakni). Yes, the place was on the 8th floor (and of course, my luck, the elevator stopped working a week later), and it didn't have hot water... nor did it have a kitchen. For anyone who knows me even a little bit... you know how difficult it would be for me to not have a kitchen-- so just imagine! Anyhow, this place became a bit more than temporary-- since the house we had bought was not completed... and after long debate, it is now once again (for better or for worse) property of the builder--not mine.

This left me homeless. :) I set out to find the "Geent" and went searching for apartments... When I read the blogs about housing in Yerevan, all I could do was shrug and smile, because I too was on that boat... looking for a long-term place to rent, which used to be a lot easier before, but not when landlords are looking to make daily rates, rather than monthly ones. So, finally I found a place in the city, and I am paying A LOT more than I should be-just because the guy let me stay here for the summer, while no other landlord would even consider it. Hopefully, something more logical will be available AFTER the summer craze. Atleast, if nothing works out... I bought a car a few weeks ago--- that can be my last resort :) haha

During this whole housing mess, my job search continues. Although I've been to a few interviews, there is really one job that I am hoping with all my heart to get... I even went all the way to Keghart this past weekend, praying that this job prospect ends my job hunt. I know, I know... nobody said it was easy! But hey, I believe I will end up where I can make the most difference.... it's just, the clock is ticking! :)

So, now I'm sitting in my "way too expensive" apartment, enjoying the cable internet the former renter had installed (and I only have to pay 5000 dr. a month for), with a bowl of "toot" next to me, working on a project I started back in the day when I used to have free time... I've read 5 novels since I've been here, and baked almost every cake in my "cute-cakes" book. In general, adjusting to life in Armenia hasn't been all that difficult, since it really feels like I never even left! :)

Cheers! (with my toot--whose cousins are well on their way to becomming tooti ogh)

TSUH :)~