Not Quite Done

I really thought I was done with the build trips last year. But as the months passed, the yearnings grew. Finally asked Anne whether it was okay with her if I went on a trip to Armenia. “Sure. Would it be alright if I went with you?” Absolutely, and without a question. So here we are, in Yerevan, Armenia for two weeks, and my blog resumes. Why Armenia? Because it borders Turkey, and that's a country I want to visit. Figured we could go there either on our way or on our way back. That part of my brain conveniently forgot about the genocide of the early 20th century. The one by Turkey, which lives on in the memories of all Armenians and Turks. So it is impossible to cross the border from one country to the other. Have to go to some “neutral” country first. So much for understanding history, politics and geography! Turns out fortuitous, though, since Turkey isn't a great place to visit right now. Flew by way of Moscow, on Aeroflot airlines. I'm a Soviet-era boy, so Aeroflot is synonymous with old grungy planes, dreary buildings, and dour flight attendants. None of that is true now. Clean, modern planes. Beautiful airport (largely devoid of people, though Edward Snowden is residing there in the transit lounge. Didn't see him, though) And very, very attractive and stylish stewardesses (and yes, almost all of them are women.) And the planes were on time, too. And our luggage arrived with us. Food was even sometimes edible, which is more than I can say for U.S. Airlines. Got here a day early, to enjoy a little “down” time before the build begins. With some others, did a little touring today. To the mountains outside of Yerevan to see an old church (built in 1213) that has survived the Mongolian invasion, earthquakes, periodic Turk invasions, the world wars, the Soviet era, and still remains, on the mountain, solid, with birds nesting in its crevices. And to another church, high up another mountain, reached by an unpaved path/road. Difficulty coming back up the road as we came down the mountain. Had to get out, driver spun his wheels, took several running passes, finally was able to get back. We applauded. Along the way, passing through villages and along rural scenes. Multitudes of individual roadside stands selling fruits, vegetables, grilled “things”. Knots of men (always men) sitting in the shade of a tree, talking, playing cards, smoking. Women, usually in pairs, walking to/from the shops carrying their bags. Traffic stops for a small herd of cattle crossing the road. Rural scenes that are typical of every place I've been. Yerevan seems like a very modern, prosperous European city with a Central Asia flavor. A few high end shops, lots of cafes and specialty shops, and no fast food or Starbucks. I like it. The rest of the team all has Armenian roots. Mostly, their parents or grandparents survived and escaped from the genocide. I've heard a couple of their stories. And like everything, knowing someone's personal story sheds light on something I've only read about. And like all my travels, I will read and hear differently because of it. The build begins tomorrow. More stories to come.