Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Armenia

For a person that loves to travel and wants to see the world...I am pretty sad to be in Armenia. Peace Corps Armenia has been incredibly kind to us. The country is pretty and we are staying in a safe place.
I am at a loss for words right now, so I apologize if this is boring in comparison to older posts. The news leaves our ability to re-enter completely up in the air. Basically we are all sitting ducks, hoping that Washington D.C. will tell us what our options are soon. We are all really safe.
Returning to America is not something I even want to consider...if I have to I may just hitch-hike to Egypt, check out a camel or two.
My heart hurts for the people of Georgia right now. Our staff is absolutely amazing and I am beyond grateful. There is not much more to say right now. There are about 80 volunteers hanging out in this random hotel in Armenia...but we're safe. :(

8 comments:

The Historian said...

www.armeniapedia.org
Tell the Peace Corpsers to check out this site of things to see in Yerevan and Armenia. Not sure if you can leave the city but there are interesting things to see around time which you can find on that site and keep your mind off the sadness. Artbridge is a nice western-style cafe with travel books and other interesting things as well to also help. Check out the Zoravar Church and Blue Mosque if you can, those are on Mashdots Avenue, very memorable places to visit close to each other. The Parajanov Museum is also of great interest as is the Cascade stairs near the Opera House. I hope you guys are able to enjoy your time there for what it is and not just sadly hang around the hotel!

Anonymous said...

Hey Gretch!

Glad to hear you and the other Peace Corps kiddos are doing well and are safe in Armenian hands. I've been thinking about you a lot and I'm sure that's true for everyone back here. Keep chuggin' and we'll keep our fingers crossed :)

And keep the posts coming!

MWA

Unknown said...

Hey Babe: No worries, things will get better. This is just a bump in the road. Maybe you should ride that camel to Tanta Egypt, and see where your grandfather was born...I'll bet you will be back in Georgia to finish your tour or just to visit your host families within a few months....I'm a glass half full guy, (as if you didn't know). Keep your chin up and go exploring Armenia. I bet it is a beautiful country with wonderful people. Take advantage of your down time.

I love you and miss you bigtime

Big Cheesman (Dad)

DELTA said...

Don't keep us in suspense, Gretchen! Keep updating your blog so we know what you are doing. Armenians are VERY friendly people; outgoing and generous to a fault. Make the best of your time there. I'm still holding on to that box of DVDs and junk food and I'm getting hungry...

Anonymous said...

Bubba I cant even tell you how grateful I am to hear from you! I'm SOOO grateful that you are Ok and Im so sorry that your trip is on halt right now but I know you are the most amazing and strong girl in the world and that you will find a way to continue this amazing experience! Let us know if you need anything love!! i will mail you anything you need!!! OK love you so much keep your head up bubba. Miss you like coo coo crazy

Anonymous said...

praying for you. - Susan Nacorda

Anonymous said...

I'm SO glad that you're safe. Hearing about Georgia breaks my heart and knowing your situation adds a greater burden to my prayers for the Georgian people. You are so obviously where you are, going through what you're going through for a very beautiful, unique, and difficult purpose. My thoughts and prayers are with you daily, girl! -Allie Wong

Anonymous said...

Glad you're safe (even though you're itching to get back, I'm sure)...just stay optimistic and see everything you can while you're in Armenia. p.s. I had a porkroll and cheese yesterday and briefly thought about trying you fed-ex you a log of it :/. If I thought you would get it I would totally try lol. Thinking about you,
Leah xoxo