This is a very beautiful mountain lake!! (note 11)

I woke up at 7 o’clock and the moment I realized where I was, my heart started throbbing. Nothing new for my delicate nervous system though. Any disturbingthought can make my pulse go up. Why am I so worried? OK, breathe. Nobody cares whether you speak Armenian or not. People here are extremely friendly which I discovered the first day I got here.

When I went to bed yesterday in the evening, I knew where I would be going the next day.  But in the morning I couldn’t even dress up I was paralyzed with a mixture of feelings ranging from curiosity to excitement.  The train of my thought was interrupted by a knock on the door. I opened itto find a very attractive female hotel employee who offered her help to call a taxi or order something to eat. She said apologetically:” I am really sorry for disturbing you at such an early hour but I heard the noise and realized that you were not sleeping.” What a nice English with a charming flavor of Armenian accent.  I will not bore the readers any further and will move straight to the purpose of the article which is to tell you the nicest experience that I had at a lake Sevan.

This is a very beautiful mountain lake which must be visited by any tourist who happens to come to Armenia. I was amazed by its utmost beauty and size. It is natural, considering the fact that it is the largest lake in Armenia.I have heard so much about it but I couldn’t imagine how great it actually is. I remember very clearly how my mother would tell me stories about different countries, and Armenia was among them. She would invent details to make her stories seem so much more appealing to a small restless boy that I was. And I loved particularly stories about lake Sevan, because as my mother would say that was not just a lake, that was a pond of all the tears which Armenians have shed throughout the years.

Andfinally I was standing and staring at the azure surface of the lake when I met a group of really friendly natives who offered to take some pictures of me andnamed several places that I should go to in the area. Among them was a famous monastery. Also I was told that I can have a very delicious fish as well as crawfish kebabat a restaurant called “AshotErkat”. Let me tell you, ladies and gentlemen, my stomach had a nervous breakdown after realizing what it was missing all these years by not eating the best trout in the world.  Upon leaving Sevan, I learned three things: Armenians are extremely nice and hospitable, the Sun is very cruel in Sevan and if you haven’t tried the fish that is cooked in “AshotErkat”, don’t say that you have ever eaten fish.  I asked the taxi driver to stop the car not very far from my hotel, I needed to walk and digest everything I saw. I was smiling to myself when I realized that I had a tear on my cheek. I’ve seen the abysmal lake of one of the most ancient countries in the world and I am hopelessly in love with it… I love you, Sevan. I love you, Armenia!!!

(Anna Barikyan -AEGEE-YEREVAN) 

The Day in The Armenian Genocide Museum (note 10)

We all should know about the crimes aganist humanity in order to prevent them in the future; The Day in The Armenian Genocide Museum

Eventually I had chance to visit the Armenian Genocide Museum. I heard that on 24th april the museum is very crowded, since it is the remembrance day. So I dediced to go there on a regular day and lonely. I like visiting museums lonely, because I like examining the things slowly.

The area where the museum is located on a hill overlooking the city. Good news, the museum has a free entry, I like not paying for museums. Exhibition at the museum starts with a huge map of Armenian Plateau which is engraved in stone. There was information about the Armenian settlements and life before 1915, The fact that Armenians had schools in the country side made me suprise, I think it was really good organization for that time. In the second hall, eyewitness reports and documents about the massacre are presented, Iguess I spent more than one hour in that part of the museum. The eyewitness reports and photographs influenced me emotionally, I felt sorry for the people who had to leave their homes and lost their childrens or relatives. There is a section in the museum which presents the countries and organizations condemning the Armenian Genocide. As I know Armenians are waiting for Turkey to recognize Genocide. I thought about what could be the reasons why Turkey does not recognize Genocide, do they think that their anscestors can not be so cruel to massacre like this. Maybe I should ask this someone when I visit Turkey.

The Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex includes the 44 meter stele symbolizing the national rebirth of Armenians and 12 slabs are positioned in a circle, representing the  12 lost provinces. In the center of the circle, at a depth of 1.5 meters, there is an eternal flame dedicated to the victims of the  Armenian Genocide.  Along the park at the memorial there is a 100 meter wall with names of towns and villages where massacres are known to have taken place. On 24th april, thousands of people meet there to commemorate the victims of Armenian Genocide.

For me the museum and the Memorial Complex were very impressive, I thought about the suffering Armenian people experienced before a hundrend years ago. They still struggle to provide reconition of their pain. It must be the worst thing for victims that they have to tell their victimization again and again. Visitng The Armenian Genocide Museum was a good experience for me, we all should know about the crimes aganist humanity in order to prevent them in the future.

Nazan Avcı-AEGEE-Ankara

New acquaintances, new impressions and the Monastery of Tatev (Note 9)

After an unforgettable visit to Vanadzor I didn’t go anywhere for several days. I want my brain to keep all the beauty of Armenian nature that I saw there. I was specially impressed by the hospitability of Armenian people. No matter what region you go, you will always meet people, who will try to help you as much as they can. And the most surprising is the fact that even though some people may not know English, they would certainly spend some time to show all the must-see places of their hometown. Ah it seems that I already got off the point [:D] So where did I stop ? oh, yes after two days of my visit to Vanadzor I got acquainted with 4 Armenians young people. They were talking loudly about the adventures and impressions they had while visiting the old Armenian monastery. They were so much impressed by the monastery, that no matter what the conversation was about they kept on returning to that theme. Then, when I said that I would also like to visit that place. I got shocked. Without hesitating they made some calls and told me what I am to take with me and when we were going to leave tomorrow. I was really grateful to those guys who organized that trip for a guy they met for the first time.
It was 5 a.m. when I woke up to pack all clothes cause we were going to spend two days there. Just 15 minutes passed after I have already finished preparing for the trip, when I had a call. My new Armenian friends called me thinking I could have been late)) We planned to meet at 6 o’clock to start our journey. There were 15 of us when we left Yerevan looking forward to new impressions, adventures and new acquaintances. All the way to our destiny we kept on singing and telling jokes(It was possible cause all of us knew English and ,fortunately, I knew some Russian as well). Then when were about to reach Tatev, one of us, who was most informed about the history of Tatev, told a little about it. From his speech I learned , that Tatev is located in the South-East part of Armenia . It was founded in the ninth century. The fortified monastery of Tatev consists of three churches : Sts. Paul and Peter, St. Gregory the Illuminator and St. Mary, a library, dining hall, belfry, mausoleum as well as other administrative and auxiliary buildings. Once Tatev was the political center of Syunik principality. Unfortunately, the whole complex was damaged because of 1931 earthquake. But the part of the complex that survived gave us the impression I would never forget. From the very first moment we got into the complex I was really amazed remembering that this building is so ancient. I had the impression that I was present in a saint and very enigmatic place. I became silent for a moment because it was so much mysterious. In comparison to the age of that complex and its history, our life seemed so trifling for a moment. I was not only impressed by the architectural solution and ancience of the monastery but also by the the fact that the largest reversible aerial tramway of 5.750 km length cable-car was launced there. After visiting all the must-see places there and getting too much information for one day, we decided to meet the sunrise there. I can not express all my feelings when I, standing at the edge of the mountain, was looking at the sun rising from the origins of the mountain….It was unforgettable!

(Ani Vardanyan- AEGEE-Yerevan)

Beautiful Nature of Vanadzor (Note 8)

Last night just before I went to sleep my cell phone started to vibrate. It was the first call to my new Armenian phone number that I bought yesterday with the help of my Armenian friends. It was my friend Vahe!  I was happy, but what could have happened at midnight? He offered me an amazing trip that I could not reject. He told about me to his relatives, who live in Vanadzor city, and they decided to invite me to their classic monthly picnic event. According to Vahe, I would get shocked after seeing the beauty of the nature in Vanadzor.  I had to delay my all plans about tomorrow due to unexpected invitation. I could reach the top of Cascade in Yerevan, look the brilliant scenery of Ararat Mountain and go to Tsitsernakaberd later. Maybe I’ll stay in Armenia until 24^th of April.

I woke up very early and did a little research about Vanadzor on internet. It was previously known as Kirovakan during the Soviet era and as Karakilisa during the Tsarist period. Vanadzor, the capital of Lori, is located 128 km north of Yerevan at a height of 1425 meters above sea level. Wow! Then I understood why Vahe said that ‘Don’t forget to bring your jacket ‘.

I met with Vahe at 8’o clock to go with him in his car. It took us 2 hours to reach Vanadzor. We understood from sceneries that nature had changed. We first walked around the city center. In a building next to the funfair I witnessed the  working of a dance group which name is ‘Tatev’. I had a chance to watch  a little lovely boys and girls dancing. The manager of dance group was so hospitable, I was impressed. Vahe stopped the car many times to show me must-see places in Vanadzor on the way to the picnic place. And, I was listening  to Vahe admiringly. When we reached the picnic place I felt the clean air in my lungs. That was amazing! All around was green. There was also running water just near us. I wish not to see any garbage, people should always protect these beauties! The table was ornamented with various meats and cheese, and of course also there was “oghi”. After the meal, we took a tour in wonderful nature. I saw a very different organism that I have never seen, it looked like an insect. If my biologist network friend Arek was here, he would tell me something about it. We left Vanadzor with good memories.

Thanks to Vahe I spent unforgettable day in nature of Vanadzor. I am happy that I had a chance to see different parts of Armenia but I think I have to go sleep now.

(Arek Kendirli- AEGEE-Ankara)

Etchmiadzin and Armenian wedding (note 7)

But unfortunately, it was Monday and on Mondays the museums don’t function in Armenia. So, I decided to delay my visit to Tsitsernakaberd to Tuesday. In order not to lose that day, I went to visit Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin), which is the religious center of Armenia and the headqurter of the Catholicos ( religious leader in Armenia). The city  is not that far from Yerevan. In an hour me with my Armenian friends was already there. The 3 main churches of Etchmiadzin are Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, St. Gayane and St. Hripsime. Armenian churches are totally different by their architecture from other Christian buildings. There I learned that Armenians adopted Christianity officially in 301. What astonished me was that the graves of Armenian Catholicoses are on the ground and everyone can walk on them in order to free themselves  from the sins.

Those 3 churches were uniquely designed and they have special spirit within them. It seems as if we were in direct contact with God and no one else around us. At St. Gayane we participated in a wedding ceremony of Armenian couple. Bride and the groom had crowns on their heads, and they were the king and the queen of the day. It was really touching.

Leaving Etchmiadzin, I was very enthusiastic and full of spirituality. (Armine Bagiyan-AEGEE-Yerevan)

Discovering Armenian “bazaars” and markets (note 6)

I had time to do some things before meeting with my friends again .It was really good chance to see “bazaars”and markets. I went to ‘SAS‘ market which is really popular here to check prices and for buying some drink. Suddenly I saw pomegranate wine with the shape of pomegranaten. Price was quite reasonable for it but I didn’t want to carry all day. I will buy one to my sister for sure. Anyway I bought a drink with cucumber and yoghurt. They call this as “okroshko” if I am not wrong 🙂
I needed to find a bazaar or something like that. I asked to a young armenian about that because as I saw generally they can speak english. Smiling guy suggested me to see ‘Petak bazaar’ and he said it is just 2 dollar by taxi. I took a taxi to bazaar and I felt hungriness. Thanks to God, I could find something to eat in front of bazaar so I ate delicious kebabs with my otroshko. The kebab man served me a glass of apricot vodka as complimentary. He couldn’t speak in english but he had a pure smile.. such a beautiful universal language.. I entered in bazaar and first thing that I realised, was that there were  many thing to buy as a gift such as interesting foods,old brandies with charming bottles…I am sure I will buy many before leaving. I finally could go to meet with my friends after spending hours here with speaking local people..I walked a little to take a bus to city center.(100 amd or aprx. 0.3 dollar ) I started to wait for my friends in republic square and there was lovely water show. When my friends arrived here I started to think about why there are many charity for drinking water ?? They picked me up to the bar which is called as ‘Calumet’ . I drunk many kilikia beer when i was sharing stories with friends.We decided to go Genocide monument museum. I think it will be really interesting experience for me.. lets see..(Ali MANTO- AEGEE-Ankara)

First morning in Armenia, visit to “the Matenadaran” and my new friends! (note 5)

Next morning I woke up from a loud noise which was coming from the street. As  I looked out the window I saw a lot of cars driving in a line  and  beeping loudly. They were decorated with flowers and  ribbons. I was wondering what it was when I suddenly noticed bride and groom sitting in the back of the car and realized   “that was an  Armenian wedding”…” Nice start for  my first morning in Armenia”,- I thought and remembered my friend’s words who told me that the best way to learn  about  Armenian culture and  traditions is through attending Armenian wedding… and yes …never missing  a chance to party in Armenian style… :-))

Now let’s come back to my plans for today… While  traveling in the plane I  looked through  a guide book from where I learned that the first and must visit place in Yerevan is “ the Matenadaran” where ancient Armenian manuscripts are kept. I dressed up, took my bag and camera, went downstairs, had a little breakfast with my roommates and then left the hostel.  It took me fifteen minutes to get to “the Matenadaran” by foot. In front of the main building was a statue of  Mesrop Mashtoc, who compiled the Armenian alphabet.  There were six other sculptures of  Armenian philosophers, scientists and artists  in front of the entrance. The exhibition hall was in the first flour where the best examples of  manuscript books and illustrations to them from ancient times and Middle Ages  were shown. “The Matenadaran” is a major center for study and preservation of Armenian works on history, philosophy, mathematics, medicine, astronomy and geography.  The most ancient parchment book is the Gospel of Lazarus written in  887. On a separate stand  was the largest Armenian manuscript in the world,  weighing 34 kilograms. In addition to Armenian manuscripts there was also a collection of documents in  Arabic, Persian, Hebrew, Japanese and Russian. In the exhibition hall I noticed  a  manuscript with beautiful  miniature in gold. The guide told me that the author of the miniature was Toros Roslin, famous Armenian medieval painter… After the exhibition hall we went to  a room where the  manuscripts were being restored and a woman who was working their showed us the technique of restoration… WOW!

I left “the Matenadaran”  in the afternoon with the warmest impressions and with  two good friends whom I met there… We decided to meet again in the evening and explore the night life in Yerevan.Maybe we’ll go to a club and chill out a little…

(Ani Berberyan-AEGEE-Yerevan)

Great tastes, brilliant restaurant!(note 4)..

The hostel was right in the center of Yerevan and very close to main bus routes. When I entered into the hostel I realized the friendly atmosphere. My room was very comfortable, shared with 3 people. Great roommates!! Interesting people to exchange travel stories with! After a brief conversation with them and placing my luggage I went out to eat something before going to sleep.

Near the hostel there were lots of Mexican and Italian Restaurants. But I preferred to eat some typical Armenian food. After walking for some 10 minutes I found a lovely restaurant. I found a table in non-smoking area and ordered a menu. After Aveluk, lentil soup and an Armenian salad (Eetch) I tasted Ishli Qufta. Great tastes, brilliant restaurant! The prices were moderate, the service was excellent.

After leaving the restaurant I decided to use a different route back to my hostel to see what else is around. I have passed lovely looking tea-houses and thought I can visit them later. Then I went back to my hostel and after checking mails I, wondering what would tomorrow bring, went to bed. (Hilal IŞIK- AEGEE-Ankara)

Armenian too “hospitable” taxi-driver, US Embassy and little Las Vegas ;)..(Note 3)

….So,  after waiting for some 15 minutes finally I managed to find a normal taxi, saying normal I mean a taxi , the driver of which  is not smoking and is able to communicate in English. While sitting in the car and getting to the city center I got a strange feeling or maybe better to say a question which worries me even now; why the Armenians arw so hospitable for the guests, as since I got in this taxi the driver is trying to give me something; strange, yes? first he advised me to take a chewing gum, later piece of fruit (by the way it was an apricot) and now is already asking me to go and to have lunch with him…and I have decided already to find out during my journey if it is just a first sight myth or something real that Armenians are so hospitable nation.

Well , I am looking through my map and again a strange feeling; oh my God, too many places to go, would I manage everything? I was just thinking about so many historical places in this land, when suddenly I got my strange already third feeling; we have entered into “Little Las Vegas”…..yeah yeah guys, do not get shocked, I am in a district where along side the road on each side are numerous big and small casinos and playing houses.

Really amazing ! Really not a common thing for many countries to have so many casinos at one place. So, we are already on the freeway and are getting to the city center and …..I again got shocked!!! In right of the road is the US Embassy, but it is not just an embassy, it is something indescribable; in two words, the building is starting and you have to go on for 2-3 minute through freeway and only then it is over.

At last I have seen the famous Armenian Brandy Factory Ararat, which is located on a high hill above the city. Now I am already standing with my luggage in the front of the hostel in which I am going to stay for upcoming nigts. Time to get in and to continue my journey…..(Armenak Minastyants-AEGEE-Yerevan)

Shining Yerevan…(note 2)

…I have a map… the weather is shining. I feel that it will be a great trip for me. “Zvartnots” airport is really beautiful. According to the map, there are 12 kilometers from “Zvartnots” airport to Yerevan city center. I think, I should take a taxi to reach my hostel which is in the city center. Also, I have to make a plan of my trip.. if I do not make it, it is impossible to visit all great places …, impossible to find time to taste Armenian delicious dishes and drink Armenian fabulous cognac…( Mert Kaya-AEGEE-Ankara)