3rd and final test blog [View Full Entry]

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Today was the day our travels diverged somewhat from our original itinerary. So impressed by Koh Muk we had made the call the previous day to forget the mainland and island hop our way up to Phuket. First stop Koh Lanta. There were two ways that we could do this, (a) speed boat (700 baht, 11am), or, (b) ferry (450 baht, 1pm). Obviously with no time constraints we picked option (b). In hindsight one of the better decisions we have made. After a much slower start than the day before we packed up our tent, had our noodles for breakfast and [View Full Entry]

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Så går flyet snart. Jeg vil lige tjekke om det hele fungere som det skal, så dette er bare lige en tester inden det går løs. [View Full Entry]

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Armenia - an Ancient Civilization Armenia - an ancient civilization, a rich history, a unique language, a small population, a country nestled between mountains, bordering the giants of Turkey and Iran, as well as the small states of Central Caucasus. Amazingly, due to my work in an international organization, I had the opportunity to work with several Armenians, and I was curious to see what the country had to offer. Yerevan in October - it was a perfect time to be there - sunny, 30 degrees, and harvest season - so lots of incredibly flavorful vegetables and fruits. I have [View Full Entry]

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On my day, I visited two rural communities in the Sisian region of Armenia - Tolors and Akhlatyan - as they celebrated the openings of their renovated health posts, done with the help of our project. So, I cut the ribbons at both health posts, gave some speeches, kissed babies, was interviewed on Armenian television, etc. [View Full Entry]

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On Saturday I went to the large bazaar with a colleague from work. Everything you can imagine, from single beaters to plug into your handheld mixer, auto parts, beautiful rugs and needlework, bootleg CDs, etc. and you name it and it was there. But the highlight of the evening was yet to come. I went with one of my Armenian colleagues to a birthday party. Originally I thought we were going to a "jazz club", but then this came up. I arrive at the birthday party around 9.30pm. I'm thinking this is going to be some staid affair. Hahaha. I couldn't [View Full Entry]

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First, today is 1989 throwback day in Armenia. And I don't mean they are wearing "throwback" jerseys. For the upcoming election, I think it is in January or February, one of the candidates was president back in 1989. As a protest against him by the other candidate, who must still be in government, Armenians do not have heating oil today. A little reminder of what life was like back during this guy's tenure - no electricity, no heat, food shortages, etc. I think it's a great campaign strategy. I think my feet might fall off they are so cold. I am [View Full Entry]

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Bon appe-nutin' So today here in the land of Armenia - Bossman Tikki Tikki Timbo sicked out on work. Well, actually his luggage was going to arrive this morning so he stayed at the hotel. Considering it is now almost 2pm, I think he should have rolled into the office by now. But, I'll keep that to myself. Actually, no, I'll share that with you. Tikki and I are sitting with the Healthcare Finance Team, which consists of L. and G.. This is G. I., because there are several with the same name on the project. L. and G. are super [View Full Entry]

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This will be the last blog before Tom and I return to Montana Dec. 1. Fall is definitely here in Yerevan. The street vendors selling fruits and vegetables have switched from beautiful heaps of tomatoes, cucumbers, and greens to sturdier fare of cabbage, potatoes, turnips, carrots, and squash. This past Saturday our Environmental Conservation and Research Center organized a tree planting event with the NGO Armenian Tree Project. Bad weather and slippery roads had caused us to cancel our first planned project a couple weeks ago, but Saturday was a beautiful fall day in Yerevan. We gathered at the Gai monument [View Full Entry]

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Armenia is nice, but I have absolutely zero interesting things to convey. The airport was shiny and new, but leaving I saw the old Soviet one, which was crumbling and in disrepair. It looked like a flying saucer, I think it may have been cutting edge when it was built. No scary men with guns, no creepy dark rooms or anything. I walked around this morning before meeting the boss of the project here, R., for lunch with Tikki Tikki Timbo, my immediate boss. Tikki and I get along at the highest level, but not so much the lower level things. [View Full Entry]

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