Armenia by CNN - On the Road of Armenia

In this beautiful journey in Armenia CNN shares impressions of nowadays Armenia and also tells the history, connecting both present and the past of old, but still young Armenia!

This is a warm presentation of the country spirit, emotional show of Armenia's energy and love.

If I were not Armenian, I would want to experience Armenia, see this miracle of both challenges and accomplishments, emotions that are energetic.

Watch the video and fell in love with the people of Armenia!




You will see economy, IT industry, children, chess, habits, all on a passion that one would indeed want to travel to Armenia and be part of the traditions, power and lively environment.  

Armenian National Food

Armenian is a country rich with flavoursome and fragrant fruits and vegetables, of which its cultivation is one of the leading sectors of Armenian agriculture. Their uniquely succulent taste not only appreciated within Armenia but worldwide, can perhaps be attributed to Armenia’s favourable climate and the purity of its water sources.

Armenian cuisine is one of the oldest in the world. The cuisine is rich in both vegetables and meat and incorporates an extensive use of various herbs and spices. It is said that Armenians chefs use over 300 various types of wild flowers and herbs as seasoning. The most popular Armenian dishes are presented below.

Tolma

It is almost impossible to image an Armenian meal with the absence of meat, especially Tolma. This 

flavoursome meat dish is really a must for one who wants to experience local dining. There are several variations of Tolma in Armenia. One of them being prepared from minced meat wrapped in grape leaves -which is almost always served with garlic yoghurt. The second most popular alternative is “Summer Tolma” where minced meat is wrapped in cabbage leaves or used as stuffing inside various seasonal vegetables such as eggplants, green peppers and tomatoes. During the preparation process, one can smell the aroma of succulent fresh vegetables along with all the famous herbs and spices which are infused as part of the filling. 

Jengyalov hats

Within the eastern enclave of the Armenian highlands, there is the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a place famous for its picturesque landscapes and appetising cuisine. Amongst its various local recipes, its most famous would be “Jengyalov hats”, a must for anyone travelling to the region. Namely a bread dish, it constitutes 21 various types of green leafy herbs, finely chopped and used as a filling inside a thin layer of home made bread. The bread is baked on the burning hot brazier named a “sadj” and is tastiest when served hot, straight from the sadj! The preparation of “Jengyalov hats” has become an established gastronomical tradition over many centuries, gathering all of one’s relatives to be involved in the preparation process.

Lavash

An Armenian meal cannot be complete without bread. Armenia is famous for its production of a particular type of bread, namely “Lavash”, which dates back centuries. “Lavash” is currently listed on the UNESCO world heritage register. This famous bread takes form in a very soft, thin and unleavened appearance baked in a special oven, the “tonir”. “Lavash” bread is paper thin, and can be used as a wrap for anything starting from cheese to fruits. However if you care to try one of the more traditional Armenian sandwiches, one might suggest adding some white cheese along with various greens such as coriander, basil, parsley and tarragon.

Gata

Gata is one of Armenia’s famous pastries. Much like the abovementioned “lavash”, Gata is also baked in a “tonir”. It can be best described as a doughy pastry stuffed with butter and sugar, and sometimes crispy on the outside. In the preparation of Gata, Armenians use a fairly simple array of ingredients however this particular dessert can also be transformed into small unusually delicious cookies. Puff pastry is first prepared, which is then greased with butter and sugar. The dough is then rolled and cut into smaller pieces, and the result – small, soft cookies that melt in your mouth!

Barbecue or “Khorovats”

Armenian barbecue, or best known as “Khorovats” is one other Armenian national food which one must taste upon their visit to Armenia. Khorovats is usually served with grilled seasonal vegetables. It can be said to be one of the favourites of Armenians in the region. Barbecue is of course a meat dish which is well known in all regions of the world, however however the Armenians have a unique way of preparing their own “khorovats”. In Armenia, traditionally only men are involved in the preparation process of this barbecue dish. They are expected to purchase all the necessary products prior, and furthermore prepare the special marinade for meat. Another national peculiarity is a vegetable side-dish prepared from tomatoes, eggplants, and green peppers which are roasted on the fire and then served with the “khorovats” meat.

Spa Industry in Armenia

Wellness and spa centers are a rapidly growing sector of tourism industry. They attract tourists from all over the world. Wellness tourism includes spa, gym, meditation, yoga and many other physical and mental exercises that make us much healthier. The term 'spa' derives from Latin acronym sanitas per aqua which is translated as 'health through water'. And as Armenia abounds in mineral water it is one of the greatest resort countries in the world. 

The geographical location of Armenia, its mineral water, air, nature, and climate is favorable for health industry. There are several recreational areas in Armenia that offer a great deal of health centers where one can be fully relaxed and well treated. These centers offer spa and wellness services, physical fitness activities as well as healthful cuisine. Such areas include Tsaghkadzor, Jermuk, Dilijan, Arzni, Hankavan, Dzoraghbyur, etc. 

Jermuk is known as a town of spa treatment and climate-therapeutic wellness resort. The air is clean and the odor of trees and flowers is spread everywhere. It is known for its mineral water which is exported to other countries as well. It can be used both externally and internally and in both cases it certainly has good influence on our health. Here 'Jermuk Ashkhar' health center complex is situated where one can get a good treatment which includes external and internal use of mineral water; physiotherapy; diet therapy; climate-therapy.

Another resort town is Arzni where 'Health Resort Arzni' is located. The main treatment factors here are mineral water and mountainous climate with low barometric pressure. The water here is very healthy as, for example, it improves the blood circulation and the nutrition of the heart muscle. The health resort here offers baths with mineral water; clay therapy; treatment of spine problems; hydrotherapy: underwater massage, circular, radial, vertical and rain showers; manual therapy: massage, therapeutic exercises, walks in alleys etc.

Hankavan resort area is situated in the picturesque canyon of the river and is surrounded by mountains covered with thick woods. The main curative sources of Hankavan are mountainous climate and mineral water. There are many mineral springs and also places where one can have a bath in mineral water. Here 'Ani Resort' Hankavan holiday house  is situated where wellness services are offered.

Dzoraghbyur, which translates “spring in a canyon”, is also a well known village in Kotayk region, so close to Yerevan and so different in climate.  It is known as resort area, cool and clean air, isolated where one can have great rest and relaxation.  In this small village another spa resort, called Aya Maria Spa Resort Center is located.  Visitors can have different spa services, such as capsule, peeling, wrapping, massages, art therapy and more.

So Armenia provides a wide range of wellness spa centers where one can have healthy rest, fully relax as well as restore good health.


This article has also been published in Artipot.com and Trifter.com

Festivals in Armenia

Every year a number of festivals take place in Armenia during which the visitors have the opportunity to get to know about the Armenian culture, customs and traditions, rituals, delicious cuisine, traditional clothing, etc.

One of the best known festivals in Armenia is 'Areni Wine Festival' which takes place in Areni village. It is a well-known fact that the Armenians are famous for their wine production and the tradition of wine-making has been preserved since ancient times. As we know when Noah's ark rested on the Biblical Mount Ararat, Noah started to cultivate grapes on the slope of this mount. From then on the grape cultivation and hence wine-producing became a tradition in the Ararat valley.

During 'Areni Wine Festival' wine-producing factories as well as individual producers present their wine and one has the opportunity to taste wines and choose the best one according to their taste. During this festival a number of events are organized: wine-making and tasting, food-making and tasting, singing and dancing, as well as various games and competitions. 

During this festival several contests are organized, such as 'Armenia in your eyes' best wine label contest; 'Gold Keg' prize for the best wine among the best wine-producers; Homemade wine-producers contest; 'The best souvenir of the festival'.

Another festival which is worth taking part in is the 'Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival' which is held annually in Yerevan. During this festival new works by Armenian film directors and producers as well as foreign cinematographers of Armenian origin are presented the theme of which is Crossroads of Cultures and Civilizations. It promotes creativity and originality in the area of cinema and video art. The major awards at this festival are the Golden Apricot and Silver Apricot prizes for feature, documentary and Armenian panorama films. 

The main theatre festival in Armenia which takes place annually from October 1 to 8, is 'HIGH FEST International Theater Festival'. It hosts more than 300 artists from 30 different countries (the USA, the UK, Russia, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Israel, Latvia, Croatia and many others) in the world. In the framework of this festival productions in all genres of performing arts are presented such as theatre (drama, comedy, circus, street performances, mime as well as puppetry performances), dance (modern, folk, classic, etc.), music (opera, classical, contemporary, jazz, folk, etc.), etc. The aim of this festival is to create a global culture of collaboration and inspiration.

The Armenians are famous for their handicrafts as well. 'Arts and Crafts Festival' held in Gyumri, Shirak region, is a great opportunity to admire the works by Armenian handy craftsmen, artists, jewelers, carpet weavers and sculptors. This festival includes various events as well, such as theatre performances, national songs and dances, interesting games, etc. The guests are also treated to national dishes. 

The Armenians have their unique national clothing known as Armenian garb (taraz). Apart from being a dress, it signifies much more. By the color and from of taraz it was possible to guess whether the person was married or not and even how many children he/she had. The essential part of women's taraz was the apron on the corners of which a life tree was growing which expressed the idea of couple's prosperity. At the 'Armenian National Cloths Festival (Taraz)' one has the opportunity to see colorful garbs, to learn about the meanings of the colours as well as to enjoy Armenian national music, dances and different performances including puppet performances. 

Those who like the Armenian cuisine can enjoy delicious dishes during several festivals such as 'Bread in the Mountains', 'Tolma Festival', 'Barbeque Festival'. During these festivals individual cooks as well as representatives of different restaurants represent old and new, known and unknown Armenian dishes in separate booths. You will have the opportunity to taste the Armenian traditional dishes as well as to take their recipes. 

So after taking part in abovementioned festivals one will surely get the picture of the Armenian rich culture and unique traditions.  

Enjoy your rest in Armenian SPAs

A spa is a place where mineral water, sometimes sea water and other resources are used for the purpose of improving health, beauty and relaxation. Day spa was always required and nowadays it is considered to be one of the most popular businesses. 

There are many modern spas in Armenia, which offer very effective therapies. The grape and wine spa shall give you an opportunity to feel the magic strength of the Ararat valley sweet grape. Sinking  into the wine bath, you will feel the energy of the Armenian sunny grape, which makes you strong and young. 

Armenian famous “Wine and Grape SPA”, situated in Yerevan, offers you grape and wine bath. It has magical effect on the skin. Still in ancient times the queens used masks and cream made of grape and wine. Your body shall acquire beauty and freshness in the grape and wine spas. It is very effective to have grapeseed peeling, grapeseed oil masks and massage after the grape and wine steam bath. 

 Facial steam bath is made of the grape, wine, grape leaves. It shall widen the skin pores, improves the facial skin metabolism, the blood circulation, contributes to the prompt removal of the died cells. 

 Grape masks  have tightening, renewing, wrinkles removing, skin refreshing effects as there are many useful substances in the grape and wine. Of course, for different types of skin are used different types of grape and wine. After that a grapeseed oil facial massage is coming, which has  positive effect on the skin. It removes  nervous tension and improve the blood circulation. It helps to lose the extra weight and has anti-cellulite properties. 

We all  know about healing mineral water of Jermuk. Annually thousands of tourists come to Jermuk for healing purpose.

 Jermuk “Armenia” Health Spa Hotel is situated in the very heart of Jermuk city. This hotel offers treatment of various diseases, such as gastrointestinal tract diseases, diseases of liver, gall-bladder, gynecological illnesses.

Aya Maria Spa center offers steam bath, peelings, wraps and other SPA services.  Traveling made easy by SPA tour organized by Sputnik.

  “Avanta SPA”offers various massages and therapies. Foam massage with bath peeling on a warm marble table and soapy massage stimulate circulation and tones the skin.

Firming wrap, one of the most popular spa treatment, seems to be women’s favorite one. It helps to eliminate the cellulite and fight against excess weight. The high content of salt and algae mineralize and strengthen the issues. 

Indian head massage is an effective form of massage. The main movement of the massage is rubbing by which the specialist affects the scalp, neck and shoulders.

Foot and leg massage can help reduce stress, accelerate blood circulation. It calms the muscles of the feet, reduces pressure on the toes.

Sport massage is another form of massage, it restores the body after intense physical stress. It has intensive effect on the blood vessels and an increase of muscle strength.

Thai massage has thousands years of practice of curative effect on the human body. Thai massage is concentrated on the relief of human senses because its impact on various acupuncture points along the energy lines of the body.

What about famous stone therapy! It is based on the temperature and energy impact of stones combined with elements of reflexotherapy. 54 black hot and 18 white cold stones are used during the procedure. 

I think you agree with me that aroma massage is a great pleasure. Due to aromas and natural essential oils you feel a deep relaxation. It restores your mental clarity, reduces stress, makes skin elastic and beautiful. Relaxing music and fine fragrances, scented candles activate whole body energetic system and create an aura of comfort and harmony. 

Enjoy Armenian Cuisine in Armenia!

Armenian cuisine includes the foods and cooking techniques of the Armenian people, the Armenian diaspora and traditional Armenian foods and dishes.  The Armenians have old recipes of dishes, which are known and favorite not only in Armenia, but also out of its borders. Like anywhere, the best food in Armenia is home cooking. Khorovats, khash, harissa, kufta, dolma, spas are Armenian national dishes. 

 Khorovats is very tasty Armenian barbecue, which is national food. It is the most representative dish of Armenian  cuisine served and enjoyed in restaurants and family gatherings. It is also one of the best fast food in Armenia. Khorovats is often made with the cuts of pork and potatoes. Armenians outside Armenia usually prefer lamb or beef depending on their background, and chicken is also popular. It is very tasty, when it is made in tonir. 

Armenians look forward cold weather for eating khash early in the morning. It consists of beef, pork or lamb feet that have been slow-cooked overnight in water. It is an old tradition, when all friends and relatives get together to eat tasty khash with crushed garlic and over crumbled dried lavash. Lavash, popular national Armenian bread, is a very thin layer of bread. A vegetarian version of khash replaces the meat with lentils. This version is also served over crumbled dry lavash but is topped with fried onions.

Harissa is a porridge made of wheat and chicken meat cooked together for a long time, originally in the tonir but nowadays over a stove. Traditionally, harissa was prepared on feast days in communal pots and served to all comers. The wheat used in harissa is typically shelled wheat. Lamb or beef is also used as the harissa meat. It is served with butter. 

Kufta is a stuffed meatball made with beef or lamb. It is cooked in the water. One should  cook it professionally for having meatballs. It is served sliced with butter. Now it is also served fried with mushrooms. 

In Armenian cuisine, both wrapped and stuffed dolma is made. Wrapped dolma may use grape leaves (Armenians usually call it terevov tolma) or cabbage leaves (this one is called tpov tolma). Stuffed dolma may use eggplants, tomatoes, peppers, onions. Stuffings typically include lamb, beef or pork combined with rice and herbs. Often, several stuffed vegetables are cooked together.

Spas is tasty and healthy Armenian soup, which may be served hot in the winter as soup or in a hot summer as a cool and refreshing drink. It consists of matzoon, groats  and greens. My Russian friends liked it very much and always asked me to cook it for them. 

It does take some knowledge of Armenian food to enjoy the full variety, and you need to understand that recipes are prepared seasonally, using the freshest meats, vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices available.  You can enjoy Armenian national dishes by visiting us!

Christian holiday-Easter in Armenia

This year Armenian people will celebrate Easter on the 5th of April. As we know it is a great Christian holiday in all Christian countries. Spring in Armenia starts with beautiful holidays. The month April, in which Easter is celebrated, is also the middle of spring. This is one of the best times for traveling to 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. Armenians call Easter “Zatik”. Everybody in the streets and at home greets each other and says: “Christ has arisen”. The answer is “Blessed is the resurrection of Christ”.

Though Easter vacation is short in Armenia, but people prepare with great enthusiasm. Forty days before Easter, Armenian families take lentils or wreaths, put on a tray covered with a thin layer of cotton and keep under sunlight and water it, and till Easter 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. Generally, women color eggs with different images of the leaves or fully red. For achieving the dark red color, the peels of the purple onion are boiled with the eggs. The very day starts with the egg fight, wherein one tries to crack the egg of his opponent. Children roam with eggs in their hands and pockets, “fighting” with each other. The winner gets the eggs of the loser.

Easter day is marked traditionally with meals of fish or lamb, rice and lavash. Fish are usually served either fried or boiled. Rice is mixed with fried raisins and dried fruits and is served with lavash (Armenian national thin bread).

It is an old tradition, when on the Easter day people walk to the church even if it is very far away from home, in remembrance of Jesus Christ suffering for our sins, and make their dreams come true. They can go to several churches during that day.  Holiday travelers would love to take the pilgrimage with the groups.

Everywhere in Armenia in Yerevan and in every city Easter is celebrated with traditional events, dishes, songs, greetings.