Last week I was on the metro, and I wanted to take a picture of my favorite sign (I love me some crazy signage). What didn't occur to me was that I wouldn't be allowed to. Right after I took this picture, the woman in the booth at the bottom of the escalators started waving her arms and yelling at me in Armenian. At least, I think she was yelling at me - I couldn't hear her because she never left her booth. I tried to look apologetic as I walked by and boarded the train. It was worth it, though. Look at that sign! No half-bell-bottomed hippies! Only those with trench coats that have pockets allowed! Ok, so what it really means is don't let your long clothing hang, please lift your coattails, but it's a pretty funny illustration. Admit it.
Friday night, I went to Latin Fest at Marco Polo. It was fun - good music (for the most part) and hanging out with some friends. I had to leave a little early though, because I started to feel a little sick. All the smoke in the air. Yuck. As I was walking up Abovyan Street, I passed a kind of sketchy looking guy near the cinema, and he looked right at me, totally giving me chills. Then he started following me. No, not coincidental following. He slowed down when I'd slow down. He'd stop when I stopped. He turned when I turned. I couldn't believe he kept following even after I'd turn and look straight at him, the universal sign for, I know you're following me, you're pretty much fucked now. It was scary! So I ducked into a cafe, hoping he'd finally get the picture and leave me alone. When I finally left, I half expected him to be outside waiting for me, but luckily he wasn't. I don't know, it totally freaks me out. Luckily, I'm a lot more aware of surroundings here than I usually am back home. I told K about it this morning (I didn't tell him yesterday b/c he had an exam and I didn't want to worry him) and he suggested I get some pepper spray or something. Anyone know where I can get that here? Seriously though, if I so much as get mugged, I'm going home. I don't think I could deal with feeling vulnerable until the end of my assignment.
It's really interesting to read your opinions of Armenia. I love that you are having a great time there. I don't know where you can find pepper spray, but I can tell you that if you even look as if someone is bothering you, much less scream, the whole street (espesially the men) will come to your rescue in a jiffy! One thing I believe in is Armenian mens' chivalry in situations like that. Especially if they see a forteigner being bothered by some creepy guy.
Can't wait to be back there.
Posted by: Vicky Kalents | 12 March 2006 at 11:15 PM