Back to School Time in Yerevan

September 1 is an excitement for children, students, parents in Armenia.  Some employers even give a day off to parents who have first grade pupils, because everyone gathers around the schools and watch children so wonderfully joyful with their beautiful eyes open, want to see their kids' first serious step towards growth.

Schools, Universities, Collages, all together start their academic year, and Yerevan decorates even more by multiples of pupils and students, talking, walking, discussing their new studies, teachers, friends, and with the colors of flowers, schools bags, held by school kids.  The most excited are the first graders.  Their eyes are so curious, so happy, so hopeful and open.


Let us only watch them in the class, where they all share what they know on their very first step entering new life of study, accomplishment and growing!

We want to share here 2 minutes video of a class of 2008 in the School # 161.  Look at these kids!

If you find more and interesting videos, you want to share with us, please come to our blog and post here.

Videos of Armenian Kids Performing

September is coming, back to school season, when our children are getting ready to get to their studies again, after long vacation and summer time rest.  Month of September associates with children, excitements of first graders, parks and streets are full of pupils, alone, in groups, with parents.  All of a sudden, Ponchikanoc (Armenian Donuts' place) gets even more crowded, especially after classes ...

Drivers should be careful, children are allover, crossing the streets, engaged in hot discussions of their new classmates, teachers, lessons.


We decided to do a quick search on YouTube and find Armenian talented, lovely, kids and share here in our blog, for fun and warmth.

Here they are 5 videos, you would love:

1.  A boy that plays duduk during a wedding.  Very professional :) the guests even forget the main purpose of the gathering :)

2. Counting :) Lovely song by Elmira and Alla.  Mek, yerku, yereq, chors ...

3. Maria in the kindergarten, trying to paint a leaf, which is blown by the wind.  She tries really hard to perform and be the best :)

4. Maria reciting well known poem "Kikos' Death :)  Gnaci vati, uneca voti ... :D


5. Oh this drummer is just very funny :)))

Little Margarita, living in Holland, she learned Armenian Alphabet and you can see how she recites the letters and how her smaller sister also wants to say something :)


If you could find other funny and lovely kids' performing, you can share your videos on this blog.

Waiting to see your shares :) 

Armenian Diaspora Power of Armenia

I watched a dance (see posted at the end of this note) and emerged in a thought which wanted to share with you.  This is what came to me while looking at the brave and strong movements of young men, with the audience joining into a charming choir.

It's not about talking of the topic that harms us Armenians to the deep.  It is not about why we Armenians had been spread out away from our home country, working hard to keep the identity, and making our kids speak "Hayeren".  It's not about the numbers, and geographic locations of the Armenian Diaspora, and that we are more outside than inside Armenia. Its not about wars, hardships, hungers, killings.  It is not about today's economic crisis, strange unemployment and closure of small businesses, which leads to increase of Armenian Diaspora Community.  Yes, Diaspora is our pain; we really hoped to be all together in Armenia, talking, thinking, breathing Armenian, struggling to build Hayastan!  However, I want to share a thought that is in my heart deeply appreciating everything which happens in our nation's history; good or bad, turning into good for all of us and for even all of the world.



This note is about the Power of Diaspora. I've been to many countries, Israel, Russia, US, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Holland, etc. When people ask me, what I saw and what I experienced, do you know, what I say?  I meet Armenians; I meet them allover the world, in small and large cities, in provinces, villages, cultural places, dining areas, in the streets. They all talk about Armenia, they all want to know how is Armenia doing, they keep their vacations and try every year travel to their homeland.  Yes, Hayastan is their homeland, strong backing.  You don't know, but if something happens to Armenia, their homeland, they all will stand to protect, pray and support.  Whatever happens to us Armenians is to the best, if we stay in Faith and keep our Love.

What do you think, when you watch them?  

Armenia's Got Talents!

You cannot learn this, it has to be graced by God.  They come naturally, in their warm and bright colors, with lively and clear eyes.

Look for them everywhere; in the schools, at kindergardens, in the streets, in the homes, in Yerevan, in the villages.  

Agree?  Let's just look around, let's discover them.  Just watch this vidoe and get inspired, find out more granted talents and share with us, we will publisize here, for everyone to enjoy visiting, experiencing Armenia's love!

More interesting information in this Global TV Channel.  Please share with us here if you know other awesome clips and videos.  We will all watch them with love!

Karchevan Village: the Marvel of Nature

Armenia is indeed a mixture of different “cultures” in the sense that each region, each town and village has its unique culture, its own customs and traditions. Karchevan (one of the smallest villages in marz Syunik) is not an exception. Despite its modest sizes, it is among the must-see places of Armenia.

The village is located in valley on a small hill surrounded by huge mountains. The climate is very mild and has healing features. Karchevan is distinguished by the small cozy houses with slanting roofs. Every corner, every street, every house, everything in the village is so harmonious that it seems they are all part of nature.

The population of the village is very small – about 350 people, and I guess all know each other. This feature also adds its own spice to Karchevan and makes the village a unique place. The majority of the population is specialized in cattle farming, viticulture, horticulture and sericulture.

People in Karchevan also have their characteristic features. They are usually very courteous, well-bred and hospitable. Their houses are very neat and clean.

The small St. Astvatsatsin church (17-18th centuries) “decorates” the village. It had been closed for several decades and served as a storehouse for grass in the Soviet era. Fortunately today the church is renovated and serves its purpose.

Say Good-Bye to Summer

In a few days the summer holidays will be over and the new academic year will welcome Armenian students. The summer holidays – the longest but always short, sometimes boring but always expected. The holidays will be over and students will hurry to schools and colleges. On the first of September thousands of alarm-clocks will ring early in the morning to awake thousands of students and school-children.

The first of September, which in Armenia symbolizes the beginning of the academic year, is also a national holiday in Armenia: Armenians celebrate the Knowledge Day. The most interesting thing about this day is the preparations for the first day of school. Parents usually get new snow-white shirts and blouses, new shoes and schoolbags for their children; girls get new haircuts, buy stylish notebooks, pens, pencils and other stationary.

Classes in Armenia usually start at 9 a.m., and at 08.30 the streets are already full of cars and people hurrying to school. The 1^st of September is definitely the most favorite day for many people, as it is not a usual school day, but rather a day for welcome, for telling each other about the experiences they had in summer. After the classes most students do not hurry home. They often get together in cafes or restaurants to celebrate their special day.

This year Armenian schools will welcome more than ten thousand first-grade pupils. They too will hurry to school with huge bouquets of flowers, to hear the first ring of the school bell and to make their first step to the undiscovered world.

September is coming.  So say good-bye to summer and get your notebooks ready!

Wish you all good luck and new achievements in the new academic year.

5 Things that Amaze Tourists about Armenia

Armenia is not a very popular travel destination. Some people do not even know where the country is situated. Others know very little about Armenia and that is why our country still remains an undiscovered mystery. What are the things that amaze tourists visiting Armenia? Today I had a talk with my friends about it and here is what we have discovered:

Standards of living

That’s true that Armenia is still a developing country and standards of living are not on the highest level. But they are far from being on the lowest level either. Tourists sometimes “see” Armenia as an extremely poor and undeveloped country, where people have never seen a PC and have never heard of internet.  Things that amaze tourists are means of transport (especially the underground), number of cafes and restaurants, quality of service and so on.

Armenian girls

Girls and women in Armenia are very dressy, no matter where they are. In Armenia high-heel shoes, stylish dresses and nicely done hair are not for special days. You can meet nicely-dressed girls at schools, colleges and even in the supermarkets. This type of dressing is not very common in the world especially in the western part. The eyes of tourists are not used to the beauty of Armenian women. :)

Level of English language

When tourists try to ask something in the street they are often afraid that no one will understand them. But this hardly happens. Many Armenians especially the youth have excellent English language skills and will readily help tourists. Russian, French, Spanish, Italian and German are also common in Armenia as foreign languages.

Hospitality

Hospitality is the characteristic feature of Armenians that differentiates them among others. Armenians are exceptionally guest-loving nation. They are always ready to help foreigners in any way they can, give them shelter, food, tell them about their home-towns, accompany them and show them the places of interest. And they do it with a smile in their faces, a smile that is not taught, but comes sincerely from the bottom of their hearts.

Food

Armenian food is something that makes visit to Armenia a must-have experience.  Tourists speak more about the unforgettable taste of fruits and vegetables. Armenian national food is another thing to remember in Armenia. Even bread itself has a special taste and smell.

The New Swinging Bridge: Khndzoresk Welcomes Tourists

There would hardly be anyone who would not agree with the statement that Armenia is more attractive and beautiful with its undiscovered miracles. Every corner of Armenia has its own history – a legend,  a myth connected with it.

Khndzoresk village (located in the South-East of Armenia, marz Syunik) is not an exception. About a month ago thanks to the efforts of Khndzoresk residents a swinging bridge was opened. The 160-meter long bridge weight 14 tons and connects the two banks of the village, the so-called old and new Khndzoresk.

The amazing thing about the bridge is that it was constructed by the residents of the village, with their own hands and no machinery was used for the construction, and even for the transportation of materials (they used horses). Everyone would agree that this is a very brave and patriotic act. The aim was perhaps to preserve the natural and historical heritage of their hometown, as the new bridge can help you see, feel, hear, learn and experience many things about ancient times.

The construction of the bridge was initiated by a local entrepreneur. According to him, he wanted the bridge to serve as a road for the youth to get back to their roots.

According to the estimations of the local people the bridge can “hold” 700 people at the same time. To be frank enough, I myself would be scared to death to step on the bridge; while Khndzoresk residents do not even doubt the durability of the construction. The bridge runs over a deep canyon which is amazingly beautiful with its rock formations and caves. Until the 1950s people used to live there.

St. Hripsime church (17^th century) and the tomb of Mkhitar Sparapet (Armenian national hero who won many victories over the turks in the 18th century and was killed on his way to Khndzoresk) can also be found nearby.

Khndzoresk has always been a tiny village with its unique image and perceptions. Hope the new bridge will add its unique colors and spice to the small village and the lifestyle of its residents.

Photo © Abraham Balabanyan

Vardavar: All you Need is a Bucket Full of Water

Vardavar in center of Yerevan

You probably know that Armenians are the first nation in the world that adopted Christianity as an official religion (301). Thus Armenians have a number of religious holidays that they celebrate all year round. Some are not that popular and few people know about them, others are celebrated nationwide, such as Easter and Christmas. And there are some holidays that belong to the “must-experience” group of holidays. The most popular one among them is Vardavar, when people pour water on each other.

The holiday, though celebrated till today, dates back to the Pagan times. It was dedicated to Astghik, the goddess of beauty, love and fertility. Armenians presented her with roses, and this is where the name Vardavar comes from (“vard (վարդ)” = “rose”). Today the holiday is celebrated in summer – 14 weeks after Easter.

The mood and the atmosphere of the day is unexplainable. One should, or rather, must experience the fun and joy that the holiday offers. The funny thing is that there are no rules for the game. And everyone has the right to pour water on anybody, even if the latter did not agree to be one of the victims. Passers-by (especially well-dressed girls with nicely done hair) are the main target. Some take it easy, others get crazy, but what can be done. Nothing. There are no exceptions to the rule. That is why most people cancel all their meetings, classes on that day and try to stay at home.

Vardavar

In my family Vardavar starts right in the morning, when my mom wakes us up by pouring a cup of cold water on us J . Then the “celebration” continues in the house, until someone realizes that the house is wet enough and suggests continuing the game outdoors.

In the evening when the hot weather gives in, the celebrations stop and people start to get out of their “hiding places.”

Dolma Armenian Summer Festival

Armenian Summer Dolma with pepper, eggplant,
cabbage and tomato 

If you plan to visit Armenia, there are several traditional Armenian foods that you should taste by all means. Make sure to taste one of the most delicious and popular Armenian dishes called dolma. There are all kinds of dolmas: dolma with grape leaves, summer dolma, “pasuts” (fast) dolma, “sut” (fake) dolma.  The real dolma is made of grape leaves and Armenian women spend long time to prepare it.

This national dish of Armenian cuisine needs grape leaves, minced beef meat, rice, onion, basil and other spices. You must put one kilo minced beef in a bowl, then you add one cup of washed rice and minced onion. As you mix them together also add a tablespoon of tomato paste, a tablespoon of dry basil and savory, 150 grams butter, black pepper and salt. Add half a cup of warmish water and start to knead the stuff either with spoon or hands for 10 minutes. Once the kneaded stuffing of dolma is ready, take a grape leave put a tablespoon of the stuffing on it and roll it. After rolling the grape leave dolmas put them in a saucepan, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and some water to cover it and cook for 20 minutes.  You can prepare the same with cabbage leaves.

Summer dolma is made of stuffed eggplants, pepper, tomatoes.  Shake Balekjian shows how to make summer Dolma.  Armenians like to prepare summer dolma.

“Pasuts” dolma, as it is served as vegetarian dish for fasting does not use any kind of meat.  Instead it uses beans, peas, rice, lots of other spices cooked in oil and stuffed in sour cabbage.  “Pasuts” dolma is usually quite big in size, and one would be enough for normal portion.

“Sut” dolma is made of rice, oil and spices.  Since it is stuffed in grape leaves, it looks like real grape leave dolma, but there is no meat; that is why it is called “fake”.  It is very tasty, and even though takes long time to prepare, one eats it really quickly, like sun-flower seeds J

Real grape leave dolma is usually served with matsoun – Armenian national sour yoghurt and garlic.

Dolma is a very popular traditional Armenian dish usually prepared for festive tables such as New Year or just for special guests. In different regions of Armenia people cook dolma with specific change of ingredients, like Ashtarak and Echmiatsin dolma are made of lamb. In Ashtarak they often make dolma by stuffing apple and quince.

Dolma has a ritual significance in Armenian culture. Last year, for the first time there was even organized Pan-Armenian Festival of Dolma in Sardarapat Memorial, where 22 cooks from Yerevan and regions presented different Armenian recipes of dolma. This year Armenian Dolma Festival will take place again July 11 in Sardarapat, the purpose of which is to make traditional Armenian dishes popular and showcase the cultural values of the Armenian cuisine. 20 pavilions will be serving Armenian dolma.  The Festival had quite good reactions and results, so the organizers decided to make Pan-Armenian Dolma Festival every year. 

What is Easter in Armenia?

Easter is tasteful and energetic, colorful, blossoming, because lent is over and spring joy enters everyone’s heart christening for resurrection and new life.  Armenia’s Easter is truly lively. It is a holiday one won’t stay home. Aspire, optimistic, buoyancy and hope gyrate in the air. Churches and streets are full of families, young people, and children. Aroma of incense and voices of praises emerge from the churches where people are endlessly moving in and out and around.

Easter (in Armenian Zatik) is belovedand the most expected holiday in Armenia. Armenia has been Christian country since 301, and since then Easter has been popular and participative public holiday. Everybody in the streets, at home in friendly and family gatherings greets each other and says: “Christ has arisen". The answer is “Blessed is the resurrection of Christ".

Lenten fasting season lasts for 40 days before Easter. Christians, who want to fast, keep themselves away from sins and eat only vegetarian dishes. During fasting Christians attend the church and confess their sins, read Bible, keep themselves away from lasts. Towards the end of lent season a week before Palm Sunday is celebrated, when Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem. It’s a wonderfully decorated day: streets and homes are full of palm branches, people are crowned by flowers.

During lent Armenian families also put lentils or other sprouting grains on a tray covered with a thin layer of cotton, and keep it in a light place of the house until Easter when sprouts appear. These green sprouts, symbolizing spring and awakening of nature, are the “grass" on which people place colored eggs to decorate the Easter table.

Next Easter day is a day of joy and triumph against cold and darkness. Spring holiday and resurrection! Armenians have preserved the beautiful biblical lore which refers to red eggs and cheorek (sweet bread): “When Christ was crucified, his mother took some eggs and bread wrapped in the shawl. When the Mother saw her Son crucified and his arms bleeding, she knelt down and cried. The Mother’s tears and Son’s blood dropping on the shawl colored the eggs and bread. Then the Mother put the shawl on her head. Since that day people began coloring eggs red on Easter day and women began wearing shawls when visiting church.

Everywhere in Armenia in Yerevan and in every city Easter is celebrated with traditional events, dishes, songs, greetings. Especially remarkable are revels and merriments in Ejmiadzin, Dilijan, Garni and in many other places. Armenia hotels offer Easter discounts.

The Easter atmosphere will be proliferated upon everyone. Special Easter liturgy will be held in Main Cathedral of Armenia in Ejmiatsin and in all other acting churches.  Garni Pagan Temple also will join the celebrations and provide traditional Easter eggs, as presents.

PEOPLE, TOURISM AND CULTURE - ARMENIA AT ITS BEST!

Laurent Nadeau, my husband and I Louise Aznavour began our love affair with Armenia about 10 years ago. I was invited to give a series of workshops at the American University of Armenia (AUA). The caliber of the students was remarkable. Enjoyable experiences accumulated over the years as the invitations to offer volunteer professional services to companies and even consulates became part of our ‘excuse’ to go back to Armenia.

Jonathan's relaxation

Since then Armenia has pulled us back multiple times. Each time we stay about 5-6 weeks and play the role of volunteering professionals as well as grateful tourists. Laurent, a successful entrepreneur and a highly seasoned traveller is totally enamoured with this mesmerizing country and especially its people. He freely offered his positive opinion during one of my seminars (visit You Tube - Louise Aznavour Channel )

Relaxation from seminar

At every opportunity, I believe, Laurent will find reasons to organize vacations in Armenia. He loves the people, enjoying extremely good and clean food as well as seeing pretty sites. Most of all we love arts and each night it is possible to find an activity from going to Opera (in an impressive Opera House ) with quality productions or attending a Jazz Concert or strolling in the streets  filled with boutiques and lovely coffee houses. Laurent says to his friends and colleagues: “Take me back to Armenia/Yerevan anytime.” And that rings good to my ears. It is unfortunate that I have kept us away from Armenia for the past while being so busy with the publication of my e-book “Goodbye Stress - Hello Success” 

This part of the world is addictive especially with the intellectual and emotional depth it provides. It is time to go back. Armenia is calling!

 Dr. Louise Aznavour, PhD Psychologist Montreal - Canada www.stayingupbeat.com

The Soviet Arcade Games of Gyumri

In the Central Park of the town of Gyumri, once called Alexandropol after the Czar, and still referred to as "Leninakan" by most locals, across the gorge from the Russian military garrison, and down the hill from the town’s Ferris wheel, is a small, square building with "Attractions - Games" written on the outside. Inside the building are a dozen Soviet-era arcade games and attractions. Give the middle-aged lady who works there 100 drams-worth about 30 cents, and she'll give you a Soviet 15 Kopek coin, enabling you to travel back to 1987 and experience the best in Soviet entertainment technology.

"Snayper-2," a target-practice game

Today, a father and his young son are the only other people in the arcade besides myself and the attendant. The father helps the son shoot targets in "Snayper-2," a target shooting game, then the boy challenges me to race him. This is the only true video game in the room. I control one little car at the bottom of the screen, and the son controls another other. To move the car, I twist the wheel. I have to fully spin the wheel to move the car across the screen. I avoid hitting other cars on the road, and when I crash into them the little 16x16 pixel drawing representing my car goes red and gets a broken wheel. As we're getting to the end of the race, the screen goes blank. The machine hasn't malfunctioned-electricity has gone off in the town.

This game never quite caught on like its famous cousin, Tetris.

"Morskoy Boy-Water War," a submarine simulator

15 kopek coins

Sam is an American Peace Corps Volunteer who lives and works in Aragotsotn Marz. This piece originally appeared on his blog: www.heyamerikatsi.com The views and opinions expressed are his personally and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Peace Corps. 

Armenia's New Year Eve and Food

New Year Eve is still a big celebration time in Armenia, a nice close family gathering, keeping together, sharing last minutes of the past year.  It's a lofty moment, as there is an Armenian saying and belief: "The mood you start the New Year will last through the whole year round".   People even try to close their dept, apologize and stay away from arguments.
Closer to 12:00am all the family is already around the table full of national Armenian food: tolma, ham, qufta, lavash, multiple salads, fruits, nuts and more. Food is plenty. It is not for the number of people around the table. The food is for as many guests, as possible to the size of table and the room.

Banakum on Shant TV

Very very popular Banakum comedy on Shant TV on YouTube.  People love to watch these young soldiers struggle through 2 years of army service :) Taste of dialects from allover Armenia, characters, humors and jokes make the movie so pleasant for children and adults.

Especially teenagers just love this funny serial.  They repeat what was told on the serials and sing the Banamuk song "Zinvorner enq menq!!!". 

All the series of the movie are available on YouTube, these funny stories about Armenian soldiers.

Garni Will Welcome Guests at the New Visitor Center

On Friday 25th of March they opened their doors in Garni.  This was a joint project between the Ministry of Economy and UNESCO office.  The Garni Visitors' Center is in the House of Culture, on a small square, about 200 meters away from the temple.  After the presentation we toured in the area.

First we visited the temple, which also now has a crafts store and booths with goodies and sweets made by the locals.  The gates were crowded with Iranian, was windy and cold.  The gorge was magnificent, as always.  Now entrance ticket is required for getting in.

Next stop was at Geghard, where the priest was uncomfortable with the crowd of Iranian, who had to be shown how to behave in the Monastery.  The local people here were ready too, with the music, goodies and crafts, even the crafts seller speaking Persian language :)

Our guide was Alina, "garnetsi", mean from Garni, and she was brilliant.  Vaghinak, the head of the Visitors' Center prepared another show for us: lavash-baking, and which was more important for hungry people, - eating barbecue and fish. The dinner was decorated by the "Shvi player" and Priest singing Komitas.

Success and green way to the Garni Visitors' Center.  This was a nice and also promising start.

Crafts People in Vernissage

The outdoor market is located right next to the Republic Square, active only on the weekends, colorful, crowded, live.  Vernissage attracts almost every visitor of Yerevan.
This is where you see the talented people, displaying their amazing handiwork right on the ground or on wooden stands.  The buzz of the negotiators exclamations and discussions in different languages occupies the atmosphere.  There people not only make their living, they create and maintain the taste of the craftsmanship, making the whole experience historical and personal, real and ancient at the same time.

They also learned English and you can hear them telling the price of an item and bargaining and arguing the value of their merchandise.  
There are dolls with Armenian national costumes, silver and gold jewelry, nativities made from wood and obsidian (a glass-stone), chess, vessels, large and small statues, embroideries, toys, carpets...

Visiting Vernissage is a must, if one is interested in people, interaction, fun, buying great gits and taking warm memories of  Yerevan capital life.

Armenian Baptism

Let's view very sweet video and some photos on the theme without explanations.

Armenia is in Party These Days

Armenia's Independence Day is especially colorful in Yerevan. Celebrations start 21 September around 6:00pm usually in the Republic Square.

Armenian music is unique in that it incorporates peasant, secular and ceremonial rhythms in all its styles, and can easily be identified as a "mountain music" in the way it imitates the elements and natural surroundings.  At the same time, the music of Armenia has been constantly evolving throughout its history, incorporating new dimensions while retaining the core of its own specific sound.

You can partake and experience the fullness of culture the Republic Square Yerevan alone, not to mention other squares, such as, Cascade, Komitas Conservatory, and many others.