Another one for the books

August 15, 2012

Had to share the latest adventure as Gavar has not disappointed once again.  Today was my director, Rudek's, birthday, which we celebrated at Lake Sevan.  As with many birthday celebrations, there were countless toasts (shots of cognac or vodka for the men, sips of wine for the women), a little swimming, some horovats( basically BBQ), lots of Armenian I didn't understand, and relaxation in the sun.  But, yet again, the unexpected happened, twice. 

First, my director went to change into his swimgear and came back out wrapped in an AFC Champions Ravens towel, I couldn't believe it and got so excited that I was trying to explain how awesome the towel was, that it was my hometown, one of my favorite sports teams, and on and on, all in broken Armenian, he just smiled at me awkwardly and I am now pretty sure he thinks I am crazy.  Apparently, World Vision handed out the towels to the kids in the sponsorship program last year and the leftovers went to my NGO, now we know one place where some of the extras end up....

Then, at the end of the celebration, they realized Rudek's car needed to be jumped.  So Gegham, my counterpart, pulled his car up to pretty much the edge of the lake to help jump start it.  I have never thought my reflexes were particularly fast until today.  Gegham got out of the car, turned around, and his car started to roll towards the lake.  I have seriously never reacted so quickly in my life.  I screamed his name, and grabbed the back of the car and started pulling backwards because clearly, what else was I supposed to do?  Luckily, three others were nearby and joined in until Gegham realized what was going on and jumped in the drivers seat.  Honestly, had I not noticed, his car would have been in the lake.  Gegham's response?  Why were you scared?  The car would have been fine...oh Armenians, their response to things that would get us crazy...vochinch (no worries).

So Gavar has continued to entertain me and keep me on my toes.  For the next month, my sitemate Donna will be in the states so I will be watching her cat, which is awesome because I now have a place to do a workout DVD without a bunch of eyes watching my every move:)  And it can also be a place to just relax and read with a little peace and quiet if I need it.

I did get home tonight and Alita had made what is as close to hamburgers as I have seen in Armenia, it is amazing how excited one can get over a little taste of home!