KnightOfArmenia Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 On June 16th, 2004, I shall be returning to Armenia for the first time ever; aside from my uncle, I'll be the first of my family to have gone there since Shah Abbas forced us to leave Jugha. I'll be staying there for two months exactly (returning on August 16th), and am making a checklist of everything I'm going to see. Here is a partial list (if you know of anything in particular that I simply have to see, feel free to add): Sardarapat Tzitzernakabert Yerablur (in particular, the graves of Monte Melkonian and Andranik Zoravar) Republic Square Khor Virab Echmiadzin Stepanakert Aragats Tatev Note, this is a small portion; I'm not mentioning most of the myriad things to see in Yerevan (I'm also bringing a grand US, to help out the economy in some small way). Also, glad to be back to the forums... College this year is much harder than I thought it would be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Accelerated Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 .... Sevan Tsakhkadzor Alaverdi Sanain+Haghpat (+ Mikoyans museum also around there) Jermuk Garni+Geghard and most important of all make sure your photo camera doesnt get crushed in the luggage <_< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azat Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 2 months...... How I envy you. I am going back for sub 2 weeks on the 5th of June. But I am still very excited. I can tell you that upon initial arrival it is going to be very emotional. The next couple of days after you start to wonder if you belong there or not, but soon after that you realize that Armenia is truly a magical place. It is the most inspirational trip I have ever taken in my life(was there for the first time in 20+ years 3 years ago) KOA if you have a bit of time read this thread, has many of the memories of some of the members here and lists some places to visit http://hyeforum.com/index.php?showtopic=8596 Good luck. Take lots of pics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bellthecat Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 Returning to the "fatherland"? Hmmm ... a bit of gender confusion here, I think. Also, I don't recall there ever being any statues of "Father Armenia". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mx5 Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 I myself am taking notes from your posts the places we should visit ,our visit should be in mid july ,if any of you are back before that date please inform me your impressions and give me some advice you think its usefull. thanks in advance.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vava Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 (edited) Have a great trip Knight. Be sure to take plenty of notes and pictures. Those of us who would love to visit, but for so many reasons, will not be able to in the near furture, will be able to see & feel through your eyes & heart. Edit: and you too MX Edited May 9, 2004 by vava Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sip Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 On June 16th, 2004, I shall be returning to Armenia... Ok I understand the lovely dovey poetic sentimentality about the use of the word "returning" but it's a bit much don't you think? I would have used the word "visiting" as you can't return to somewhere you have never been before Have a great trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mx5 Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 Have a great trip Knight. Be sure to take plenty of notes and pictures. Those of us who would love to visit, but for so many reasons, will not be able to in the near furture, will be able to see & feel through your eyes & heart. Edit: and you too MX thanks vava, Seaphan you cant help yourself from beeing philosophic ,can you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sip Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 I just get this shock that shoots through my entire body when I read something that doesn't syntactically or semantically fit into the frameworks I am used to. If I had to use the proper word, I guess I just like to get "technical" about things ... it's in my blood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExtraHye Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 You guys are so lucky, I would love to go this year!!! Have a safe trip everyone, don't forget to take lots of pictures!!! Edit: If you have time, make sure to visit Artsakh. It was breath taking... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
America-Hye Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 To get the whole picture you would have to visit Gyumri, which is in the same sorry state it was when I visited ten years ago. Go see where they are building the largest American Embassy in the world on an island inside a lake near Yerevan. Also check out the Tufenkian's hotels. They are very interesting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnightOfArmenia Posted May 9, 2004 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 bellthecat: What?!?! The term "Hayrenik" has never crossed your path before? Sip: The term would be semantically correct, as I am returning to the place where my family originates from; as I connect myself to my family, it is a return. From what I've read and reported on, Gyumri and Spitak have improved greatly; international help, and especially help from Kirk Kirkorian, have at least met the needs of the people there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
15levels Posted May 9, 2004 Report Share Posted May 9, 2004 Knight, not sure if anyone mentioned Aghbat - its a monastery complex up north on the border with Georgia.. built in 10-13th centuries. Breathtaking place. You must see it. Have a great trip. I will be going myself in few month. Summer is the best time to visit (man, the fruits, the fruits!) Rouben ps. Look out for the girls in mini-skirts (aka Maral' jokes)- that is in fashion in Yerevan these days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vava Posted May 10, 2004 Report Share Posted May 10, 2004 Nice to see you back Rouben, I hope things are well... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnightOfArmenia Posted May 10, 2004 Author Report Share Posted May 10, 2004 Mini-skirts? Latest fashion, eh? Oh, and will a thousand spend well there? I know that the places that cater especially to foreigners/mafiosos charge a lot, and I'm more planning on going to the smaller places where my money will really help the people rather than fatten the pockets of the Grzo and crew, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boghos Posted May 10, 2004 Report Share Posted May 10, 2004 Hello Knight, Have a great trip. Tatev is a place I particularly like and I am glad you´ll be visiting it. mx5, I have always defended that if an Armenian from the diaspora is really serious about Armenia and Armenians he should visit the country. Have a nice trip and good luck with your plans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arpa Posted May 10, 2004 Report Share Posted May 10, 2004 (edited) On June 16th, 2004, I shall be returning to Armenia for the first time ever; aside from my uncle, I'll be the first of my family to have gone there since Shah Abbas forced us to leave Jugha. ): Sardarapat Tzitzernakabert Yerablur (in particular, the graves of Monte Melkonian and Andranik Zoravar) Republic Square Khor Virab Echmiadzin Stepanakert Aragats Tatev Congratulations and bari vayelum Hayastani Aspet. I have many sentiments and emotions about this propsect not the least of which is jealousy. :) From the nature of the potential sites of interest one would assume that the "pilgrim" here is a member of the Armenian religious or church community. The ensuing suggested sites of interest only reinforces this assumption that the only sites worth visiting in Yerevan and Armenia have somehow to do with church and religion. It may be true that Armenia does have a rich religious heritage and many of those monuments have historic, cultural, aesthetic, architectural and, most importantly spiritual and sentimental value, yet we forget that at the present, just as in the past we have had a life, culture and civilization besides and alongside our religious heritage. Some responders did mention other sites of interest yet I failed to see anyone suggest sites of real cultural value. Let us start at the bottom. Would it not be a thrill to see and even ride the Yerevan Subway? Many in the diaspora may never have seen a subway yet Yerevan is one of the few cities that has one, and it is good. The recently renovated Opera House? And attached to the back of it the Philharmonic Hall? The Matenadaran? The comedy theater named for Hakob Baronian which is in the block of Hotel Armenia. Many architectural and cultural gems within walking distance. The Parliamnet? The University? The Art Gallery? Museum of history right at the Hraparak? Erebuni Museum? Haghtanaki Aygi and the War Museum right under the protective skirt of Mayr Hayastan? The Sports Complex? The Hraztan Stadium? You may even see a soccer game. Khosrovi Argelkaran an hours drive from Yerevan? The house museums of Toumanian, Isahakian, Parajanov, Charents, Sevak, Khachaturian, Saryan and many others? What did I leave out? Oh! I know! Just walk down a street and meet Armenia's most precious assets, the people!! Click on the map below and see definitely-not-a-complete list of sites in each city and region. Enjoy!! http://www.cilicia.com/armo5_clickmap.html Let's see if we can add sites other than churches. Edited May 10, 2004 by Arpa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Proud EXPAT Posted May 10, 2004 Report Share Posted May 10, 2004 Knight if you have any questions email me I'll be happy to help. proudexpat@yahoo.com I moved to Armenia a couple of years ago from North America, have seen quite a bit and can give you my impressions. Geghart, as popular of a tourist desitination as it is, can not be missed. When you visit Khor Virab, maybe you can make it out to Noravank (which is another hour drive from KV). Then you can head over to Jermuk, then down to Tatev. This is a long stressful trip to do all in one day, but maybe you can stay at a B&B somewhere. Check out www.bedandbreakfast.am You must also go up north and visit Gyumri. It's quite underdeveloped, but the old beautiful architecture has been preserved, unlike what is happening to the buildings in Yerevan. Plus Gyumretsis are somewhat friendlier than the new Yerevantsis. Plus their accent is cool. In Shirak province you should also try to go to the border and check out our old capital of Ani (obviously from the Armenian side.) Tavush is a beautiful province you can't miss. Dilijan city/town is popular and of course Haghardzin. These are some popular places, but you should definitely check them out. No matter what, try your best not to complain when you are here. Too many spyurqs come here and can't stop complaining about things, instead of trying to understand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Proud EXPAT Posted May 10, 2004 Report Share Posted May 10, 2004 (edited) Mini-Skirts? Guys I live here in Armenia and I have only seen someone wearing a mini-skirt only once so far this year. And I am usually out walking around Yerevan quite a bit. Don't know where this mini-skirt rumour came from, but the new fashion this year is completely pink, from top to bottom or baby blue. Once in a while you'll see someone wearing completely white, but that was last years fashion. Black is STILL in. Sad. Let's not even talk about the clothes the majority of guys wear. Today was 31 celsius and they were STILL walking around in black suits. Edited May 10, 2004 by Proud EXPAT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arpa Posted May 10, 2004 Report Share Posted May 10, 2004 Black is STILL in. Sad. Let's not even talk about the clothes the majority of guys wear. Today was 31 celsius and they were STILL walking around in black suits. It is sad indeed. I cannot forget how men were doing menial jobs like sweeping the street, cutting stone or digging ditches in two piece suits. It was probably the only decent clothes they had left over from their weddings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arpa Posted May 10, 2004 Report Share Posted May 10, 2004 Speaking of the Yerevan Subway, this is indelibly etched in my memory. During one of my visits I met a mother and son from Vanadzor. He was a ten year old boy and she was a forty something, college educated teacher (unemployed at the time). After we visited for a time I took them to see Yerevan. After some pizza and icecream, the highlight of our encounter proved to be when I took them on a ride on the subway, a trick I had only learned the day before. I still cannot forget the expression on their faces. One could pick up their eyes off the floor of the subway car. I could understand the young man's amazement and awe, but I could not understand the mother's reaction until she told me that, having born in Vanadzor some fprty years ago, a town only 50 miles north SHE HAD NEVER BEEN TO YEREVAN BEFORE!! Btw, what is the Armenian term for subway? Storerkia Ertevekum? The one in Yerevan is known as "metro" named after the Paris Metro, an abbreviation from "metropolitan". http://www.cilicia.com/armo5_metro.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nairi Posted May 10, 2004 Report Share Posted May 10, 2004 Yerevan dartsats Im Yerebuni Darer es antsel Bayts mnatsel Aysqan tari As for things to see in Yerevan, I think the song says enough Don't forget Mashtots' grave. Other than that, I would suggest for you to look at and absorb the real life there, the every day things, the ordinary. Don't let the "richness" of Yerevan city center fool you and watch out for crooks trying to sell fakes for trice the price. I think you have to fall for this a few times until you understand what I'm talking about. How many things did I buy that I thought looked great but broke within two weeks after my arrival back home? From that perspective, nothing has changed since Soviet times. Besides everything that has already been said, what I enjoyed most was going to Komitas music hall and sit there in the afternoon and listen to musicians practice or perform (for free). The sound and music is an absolute gem. These are the things that will make you forget the corruption and poverty for a while. I also went to a music school where kids between 8 and 15 performed, including my 14-year-old cousin. These are the things that struck me most. And of course the little vans (buses) that take you wherever you want for 20 or 50 drams. They're SO convenient, also because all the men give you a seat when there is none As for traveling around, I personally liked staying in one place and trying to absorb as much as I could of it. By the end of the month I felt almost at home in Yerevan. But that's me. I hate rushing from one place to the next and not having time to let it all sink in. We did make a few day trips outside of Yerevan (Geghard: picknicked there!!! and on our way back from Khor Virab had khorovats near a huge jayr where we also drank water from the source!! Absolutely breathtaking nature!!!), but I mostly stayed in Yerevan. 1000 dollars for two months: good luck Then again, I guess it depends on what you want to do (or not do). Oh and at the metro station, hide your camera. They won't let you take pictures I'm serious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExtraHye Posted May 10, 2004 Report Share Posted May 10, 2004 Oh and at the metro station, hide your camera. They won't let you take pictures I'm serious. Really???? But I took tons of pictures last time I was there. They didn't say anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nairi Posted May 10, 2004 Report Share Posted May 10, 2004 Really???? But I took tons of pictures last time I was there. They didn't say anything. Chgitem, maybe it's me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arpa Posted May 10, 2004 Report Share Posted May 10, 2004 Btw, what is the Armenian term for subway? Storerkia Ertevekum? The one in Yerevan is known as "metro" named after the Paris Metro, an abbreviation from "metropolitan". I take that back. Since then I learned a few more terms. First off, "sharzhasandugh" (moving stairs)is used for "escalator" and another is "storgetnia", probably a translatuon from the London "underground". You may by now know my allergy to long compound words, and specially the unnecessary addition of "utyun". So. Let me suggest another word for "subway". (Oh! Quiet Sip!. We're not talking about the sandwich shop. :) How about "storughi"??!! As to cameras. I also took photos, even in a moving car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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