Week 3, Wednesday - I can go home!

Today we went over to the OVIR offices to collect my visa extension. We were in and out in a few minutes with my passport in hand, all freshly stamped with my visa extension. Much as I have enjoyed my time here I am glad not to be trapped. I don't know if it's an American thing or not, maybe just a Nancy thing, but I felt very vulnerable without my passport.

I also was sporting a new found appetite, so we headed over to Jazzve for breakfast. It was still morning but we both opted for lunch. I was even able to taste my food, albeit only a little bit.

We ambled back to the hotel where I ended up spending the rest of the day. The weather was quite miserable outside so I figured I'd play it safe and spend another day taking it easy.

When Neil arrived back at the hotel, we headed downstairs to have dinner. You have to love a country where lamb is priced as cheaply as chicken. My three chops were delicious. Guess my 'taster' is back in complete working order

One interesting thing I have noticed is that when Neil speaks to people he assumes they speak English while I assume they don't. I'm not sure which is the better way to go. I think perhaps I am understood more readily speaking in my one or two word sentences or pointing to things on the menu. On the other hand, Neil gets the smiles from people. They really seem to enjoy him as he talks away making goofy faces all the while.

I am so very grateful that most signs and menus are written in three languages – Armenian, Russian, and English. Otherwise I would have rapidly gotten lost, then starved to death in front of a restaurant because I couldn't order.

I loved this place.  It wasn't open yet when
 I took the picture

The sidewalk food vendors make things particular easy. The items are spread out on trays with prices listed on each tray. I could just point to what I wanted and hold up the appropriate number of fingers. Then I would even know how much money to fork over.

Does make me wonder how difficult it would be for a tourist in Columbus if he did not speak English well.  Guess it's a good thing we don't get all that many visitors from abroad.