Pope-a-Palooza 2016

Who knew there were this many Catholics in Armenia? I actually don't think there are. I think that most of them just come out for the novelty of something different and free going on. Also, they love the Pope because he acknowledges the Armenian Genocide. 

Anyway, this weekend finds us on a quick trip to the city of Gyumri to see the Pope. a PCV friend of ours, Ariane, scored us some tickets to a papal mass (Thanks, Ariane!), and how can you pass up a chance to see what must be the coolest pope ever? Incidentally, Gyumri is the second largest city in Armenia, and the most northerly point in Armenia that Sam and I have visited. We didn't get a chance to see the sights, though, as most of my Saturday was spent staring at the back of people's heads:

At the end of the mass, he did a drive-through right past our spot in the Popemobile, but by that time my phone battery had died. :(

Little Monster

So, Hazel is a huge handful when she'sawake. But she's very cute and pleasant once you tire her out. And in general she's getting better and better as she gets more used to the house and everything.

Border to Border, Day 22: Vayk & Yeghegnadzor

Okay, I know I'm seriously lacking in the photo department here, but honestly, I'm exhausted from all this puppy sitting and walking business, I just want to go home and rest... but, I can't because this weekend the Pope is coming to Armenia, and after that we're going to mandatory Peace Corps training in Yerevan, and after that I have a VSC meeting... so I won't be able to relax at home until July. :(

Border to Border, Days 20 & 21: More Rest... Well, sort of.

So, remember how I told you we were going to have a puppy in mid-July? Well, turns out things change... Marcie is going home to go to her daughter's wedding this week (congratulations!), and although she had puppy sitting lined up, it fell through at the last minute and so Marcie dropped up Hazel with us on her way to the airport. So, now we have a dog. We're totally unprepared for her, and we have to finish Border to Border and then go to a week of Peace Corps training in Yerevan, so God only knows how we'll get her fed and everything during that time, but I guess we'll figure it out somehow...

Border to Border, Day 19: Angeghakot

Border to Border, Day 18: Sisian & Shatki

Hmmm. I forgot to take pictures today. Oops. We started the day in Sisian, but unfortunately, no students turned out for our class. Then we walked to Shatki, where all the students came to our lessons, but really should have stayed home because a bunch of them were sick. Interesting day...

Border to Border, Day 17: Noravan

Only a few words today. Google Maps told us this was a road. You lie, Google Maps. This is most definitely not a road. But it sure is pretty.

And then, on the way back from Norovan, we got caught in a Thunderstorm. Thank goodness we were headed back to Sisian to spend the night.