An Extra Day

Turns out our flight today was not canceled but was delayed 23 hours because of “some chaos in some European airport”. No one is quite sure what that means but we are set to be picked up at 1:00 AM for a ride to the airport for our 3:20 AM flight to Frankfort.

Slept in this morning, then breakfast and good-bye to Maia, our guide. Late morning we walked through a local market housed in a nearby park. On the way we walked past military protecting the Prime Minister’s office. Very few protesters this morning, perhaps this display was to convince people to stay away. Found a small Armenian cross for my wall in the market, walked up and down rows of both craft people and straight souvenir stands. Then a relaxing

few hours in the room, off for a walk and dinner at 4:45.

Dinner at an Italian restaurant. Still had 7,000 Armenian dram to spend so bought two chocolate bars and dried apples at a convience store and had a beer in the outdoor hotel cafe. The Square was full all evening of protesters walking around, emotional speeches over loudspeakers blaring. About 8:45 PM most of the group marched out followed down the street by police cars. Totally peaceful. Maia had told us that Georgian rallies are full of noise since Georgians are so emotional. It appears that Armenians are more orderly. An interesting time to be here.

It’s 9:00 PM so I have four hours to take a shower, pack, and get downstairs with my luggage. So far the rescheduled flights are good to go.

Tuesday, September 26 @ 7:18 a.m in Frankfurt
Just finished a four hour flight to Frankfurt. Flight to Chicago is on time so another 8.5 hours to go.

Tuesday noon in Chicago
We are at the gate waiting for the final leg of the trip. Should be in Madison

around 3:00 PM. Sue Wellnitz is pickig us up. A good trip but it will also be good to be back to enjoy fall in Wisconsin