Gyumri / Page 3

In class. There's Hovik next to me, and his mother Narine next to him, sitting behind Eleanora and Ashot.

The class is going really well. We are doing six-day workshops in three different cities, so I think this trip is going to have a "Groundhog Day" feel. I can't believe that in three days I will be starting with a new group from scratch. But the students are very good. Since everything I say is translated into Armenian after I say it, the class takes almost twice as long as it might in the U.S. It is impressive how much the students have learned nevertheless.

I have to say it is quite a strange experience to constantly be translated into a language I don't understand at all. Last year's teacher told me "Don't listen to the translation. Focus on what you will say next." But it's hard not to listen, even if I don't understand. Also, it seems to take 50% longer to say the same thing in Armenian as in English. Or maybe my translator is making snide comments about me, and I don't know it... no, no, that is too paranoid! Seriously, the translator, Vahagn, is just great. He went to college in Iowa, and I have been told he is one of the top translators in Armenia. He is very funny, and does tell lots of jokes. Just not about me. At least I don't think he does... OK, enough of that!

My hotel, the IsUz

The downside of this intensive training, is that I have almost no time to be a tourist. We worked it out so that I can go to Yerevan this weekend, and catch a ride with the embassy folks who will come up to Vanadzor for the next workshop on Monday morning. I'm really glad about this, as otherwise I would see almost nothing of the capital, except for the airport. Vahagn lives in Yerevan, and has promised to show me the sites. I also get to meet his dog, to whom he is so devoted that he commutes from Yerevan to Gyumri and back every day. Details and photos in my next report!

The class files will be posted (digital gods willing) at:

http://www.armeniaweb.biz

Come visit!