So it's not that there are not cars in Armenia, it's just the Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to drive one. And considering I can walk from one end of my town to the other in a hour, I really don't miss it. In fact, I think my "ticker" probably thinks it is a good thing that I have a 1/2 hour walk to work every morning. ( We'll see what "the report" is from my toes and fingers when winter arrives shortly. *;o)

So this is my view as I "round the bend" coming into the downtown where the blue tarps are covering some much appreciated Redevelopment. I hear this building is to house the first downtown cafe as there is currently no place to even have a cup of coffee. After a Starbuck's on every corner in the States, this is the other extreme. I envision several more coffee houses and cafes appearing in the downtown next year as the city offices, major supermarket, library and school are all located here. (My office is on the top floor of a 5 story building......so no Stairmaster needed when I get home.)

The other two photos taken on my walk home from work are of the new outdoor amphitheatre under construction and the wall along the river which was getting some much needed aesthetic repairs to the top surface. After spending the past 30 years in the construction business, it seems natural to stop and talk with the construction workers. The next day coming home I was invited to an impromptu picnic by them of sausage, bread and cheese. I guess I need to take more people's pictures! Seriously, the country is famous for its hospitality ............to family and strangers alike.

Earlier this month, Armenia had a soccer game in the capital of Yerevan with their western neighbor and sports rival, Turkey. Although we lost the game 2-0, hopefully some good was done in re-establishing better relations as the President of Turkey was in attendance. Re-opening the border to the west could go a long way to assisting economic recovery and providing access to the ports of the Black Sea.

The next day as I was walking to the bus stop, I discovered something else that Armenia takes great pride in besides their athletes: their artists and cultural heroes.  The two creations of metal and stone in a downtown park were fitting tributes to their respect for the arts in Armenia.