Under the Sea (in a landlocked country)

Well I’ve had one of my most unproductive days in a while, so I figured I’d try to redeem myself by at least writing a new blog entry.  Today was a holiday, essentially Armenia’s Day of the Dead.  On this day it is tradition that people visit the graves of their loved ones.  For me, it was nice to have the day off from work and participate in Boston’s annual Patriot’s Day tradition and watch the Boston Marathon.  (Thus my lack of productivity.)  I’ve got plenty to do these days as I now have four volunteer placements, but procrastination has its ways.  Four hours of marathon coverage later, here I am.  But it was time well spent.  Here I was in Yerevan texting finish line updates to my parents along the racecourse.  Our world certainly seems small sometimes in this digital age. 

Today I want to share a video I took last week on my walk home from language class one day.  It’s a classic snapshot of Yerevan.  One of the many signs of spring in the city (in addition to outdoor cafes popping up out of nowhere, flower stalls on every corner, and that fresh spring smell after an overnight rain) is the nightly fountain show in Republic Square.  (Think Disney World dancing fountain, but not quite the same level of Disney magic.)  Usually when I walk through the square on my way home from language class they’re playing classical music and the fountains are dancing and everybody gathers to watch the show.  On this particular evening Yerevan decided to up their Disney magic level with this musical selection. 

There’s something about walking through the central square of Yerevan circled by the country’s government buildings, while hearing a Disney classic on the loudspeakers.  You just never know when Armenia will surprise you next!