Izzy's b'day & Photos

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Yesterday, Izzy's birthday was quite the celebration. Gohar, the Fuller Center volunteer coordinator, took Izzy's birthday very seriously. She made sure that he had a cake, complete with firecracker-tulip that lit the candles and played happy birthday, as well as champagne and watermelon. We were told that we would have cake upon arriving at the site around 10 am, so that the cake would not melt! (Note: Cake was NOT made of icecream!) It was a double celebration, as another villager also had his birthday on the same day.

Many people hugged and kissed Izzy, and congratulated me as well. (I guess for having not given up during labor? I'm not sure.) It was incredibly generous of the family to give him the clock. So much generosity and hospitality from people who have so little, to people who have way too much. I spent half the day choked up. And that was even before we said goodbye!

I've also included a couple of random photos of our Yerevan. This is so much fun that I hope to add more tomorrow! gayle

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Photos

gohar & cake
Gohar attempting to light the tulip-firecracker-candle, which never did quite work right

old & new yerevan
Much of old Yerevan is being torn down in order to make way for the new. Note the fancy Mercedes SUV in foreground

apt bldg
Typical apartment building in the city

Izzy & gayena
Izzy & Gayena celebrating his birthday.

Comments

[Ann]

same here
My congratulations to you as well, Gayle, that labor business isn't easy! My daughter Sara has a friend from Russia and the friend's mom gave me a present on Sara's birthday - and I hadn't even met her at that point! I asked Sara why, and she replied 'for having me, I guess'. So, happy Izzy's birthday to you! -- Ann (Sam's sister)

[amw]

Happy birthday Izzy from the Wells Stiewing Fitzsimmons clan! Love reading the blog, of Levon's magical root cellar and hearing of the many adventures, culinary and otherwise... In one day in Iceland, members of our party ate whale, pony and kangaroo. For some strange reason, they passed up the sheep brains terrine. We're home now, post jet lag. Sending you all love and wonder- xxxooo

[Aunt Dorah]

Happy Birthday to Izzy and the villager
Gosh Izzy, I'm sure many of the village girls will always remember the handsome tall charming international who had his 15th (or 16th?) birthday during his visit. Look forward to hearing more about your wonderful adventures in Armenia and England and seeing more photos.