Pushin' Plastic

I was called "Zelioni" [green po rusk]today whilst trying to explain Again why i could do without the plastic bag the owner wanted my boxed kettle in. He didn't listen, just ignored my request in a condescendingly familial way. I've just allowed them [any vendors desperately trying to make my life easier with plastic]to pack the items and then, once the money is put away, i unpack and place in my own bag or just carry out of the store, bare-handed. I usually feel like explanation in incomplete Russian is too close to preaching and i've only 9 months here.
Supermarkets are starting to carry reusable bags, but why buy when plastic is so free. The argument is everywhere, thank goodness it's such an easy thing to raise a fist against. Finding a shampoo that doesn't have laureth sulfates - another story. I sometimes try to guess the year the Armenian move would be made to charge businesses/vendors for giving customers the easy way out. Am i zelioni if it's more that the cupboard under the kitchen bench is full?

There is feeling of guilt when i pass by the dumpster, food items visible, where there happens to be a tender. It's an almost boastful walk with my items balanced carefully in forearms. Jeez, get a plastic bag, lady... I'm sorry to say that in celebration of the new kettle, i handed the dumpster rummager a refrigerator magnet that was thrown in as a bonus for the purchase. The thought, "Did i just do that," never sounded so God-talking-down-from-the-heavens. Rationalized her "Shat shnorhakalutsiun" [thank you very much] as being given because of the packaging with price tag would allow for an actual sell, or maybe she hates money and will wear it as a brooch, or use it as a chew toy for her mange-ridden hound son. a little desperate to find value in the seemingly worthless hand off.


I was just reunited with shoes that spent several weeks in Marneuli, Georgia. This is the person that held them. And now we are safe and sound.


I was told by the border guard giving me the lesser of fines for having an expired visa that i was a "nice girl" with a passing knuckle to chin like in an old western. Their familiarity with me and my filling passport makes me a little nervous. Must get on the residency card wagon.

This is what you get when birthday announcements get lost in translation, a belated reaction by a grateful guest. I think the number to the fire department is 103, but this type of thinking can get you killed.

On my way to a meeting today I ran into the little old man cabbie that broke my heart back in May. In the cab i had told him he reminded me of my grandfather. At what age is this no longer insulting? Surely, if you're in your late 40's or 50's this is like going through the mouth to remove a lung, but when you're late 60's, do you have the right to charge 5000 for something that is 2000? My more reasonable offering was answered with him calling to a teenager that was with a group of men. Belittlingly, he told the kid to get a load of what this crazy tourist is saying, i was so sad how quickly he turned on me, i mean i showed him the FACE of my blood that fought in WWII! The youngin' cautiously told him i was speaking the truth. I guess it had been a while since he had taken someone to the airport... i dunno. Anyway, today i leaned my head into the passenger side window and recognized him immediately, with a crazy smirk i said, "i'd like to go to the circus, how much will it cost?" That old fox gave it right back saying, "More than likely around 5000 dram." Relaxed smiles from both sides... "Get in," he said with a toss of his head to the back. won over.

Just amazing. This is as common as the uneven sidewalks/streets. Definitely feels like a cool every 5th woman. If it were an Olympic sport, Armenia would surely be gold. I knew there was something lovely under those equally tall winter boots.