Destination: Armenia

Armenian: Lesson 2

Fri, 18 May 2007 | By randomstance | Views [671]

Things to say, let's go play: Kezee shat ge seerem - I like you very much Hookis - my dear (literally my soul) Hoc yegoor - come here Air-tank - let's go... ...Eat - jasheenk (or) oodenk ...Dance - bareenk ...Sleep - bargeenk ...Play - khagh-... Read more >

Tags: Culture

Armenian: Lesson 1

Fri, 18 May 2007 | By randomstance | Views [661]

Basic Greeting Words: * Parev = hello * Ench Bes es? = How are you? * Lav em = I'm well * Shat lav em = I'm very well! * Took ench bes ek? = How are you? (plural/formal) * Toon ench bes es? = How are you? (sing./informal) * Paree = good (like ... Read more >

Tags: Culture

I Go Deep Into the Well

Tue, 15 May 2007 | By markarianlawrence | Views [2879] | Comments [4]

A very interesting thing is happening with me. I hit Monday and realized that my trip was in its final week. I am very ready to be home in so many ways. I miss Kristina, our children and grandchildren so much. And I miss our friends as well. So I thought ... Read more >

Tags: Adventures

Gallery: Aragatsotn and Ararat Provinces

Tue, 15 May 2007 | By markarianlawrence | Photo Gallery

Gallery: Statue and Building Tour

Sun, 13 May 2007 | By markarianlawrence | Photo Gallery

Almost Kicked by a Duck

Sat, 12 May 2007 | By markarianlawrence | Views [2776] | Comments [3]

Jack Datisman is Ukrainian by descent. I think he is the second generation born in the U.S. Before I left, he sent me an email with some very sound advice - I know he was thinking about my welfare and I took his words to heart. Jack first warned me that ... Read more >

Tags: Adrenaline

Gallery: Tavush Province - Northern Armenia

Fri, 11 May 2007 | By markarianlawrence | Photo Gallery

Khorovats, Vodka and Cigs, Oh My!

Fri, 11 May 2007 | By markarianlawrence | Views [1820] | Comments [2]

So I am really traveling now. I made a productive decision to leave Yerevan and come to Tavush Province. This area that I'm in is so much like Switzerland must be. There are sharp valleys with houses and towns up and down both sides. Fast raging rivers ... Read more >

Tags: Culture

Vayots Dzor Province - Sisian

Fri, 11 May 2007 | By markarianlawrence | Views [1782]

This seems like so long ago, this will be a short article. I finally did get to Sisian about a week ago if I remember correctly. It was a long ride in a marshrutka (mini-van) and I didn't know if we'd have any stops so I didn't drink any water for hours ... Read more >

Tags: On the Road

Fashion and Culture and Food

Tue, 8 May 2007 | By markarianlawrence | Views [941] | Comments [10]

My good friend, Steve Snyder, and I talked a lot about blending in before I left. We figured that I knew enough about Armenia not to dress totally out of synch, that I looked Armenia enough and that I had enough of the language to blend in. Well, not ... Read more >

Tags: Food & eating

Gallery: Vayots Dzor - Southern Armenia

Tue, 8 May 2007 | By markarianlawrence | Photo Gallery

I Take a Sick Day

Fri, 4 May 2007 | By markarianlawrence | Views [1895] | Comments [3]

Well, I knew it would happen and I'm actually glad. I was planning on leaving for Sisian this morning but a wild and crazy night left me with a mild case of the traveler's woes. But to start the story, I must tell you about my evening with Artur Mikoyan ... Read more >

Tags: Food & eating

Gallery: Day 5

Thu, 3 May 2007 | By markarianlawrence | Photo Gallery

I'm Now a Pro Duduk Player

Wed, 2 May 2007 | By markarianlawrence | Views [649] | Comments [3]

So today was very emotional for me but does have a funny conclusion. I went to Tsitsernakaberd (Fortress of the Swallows), the Armenian Genocide memorial. The biggest day of the year is April 24, Genocide Remembrance day. Thousands and thousands of ... Read more >

Tags: Culture

Gallery: First Four Days

Wed, 2 May 2007 | By markarianlawrence | Photo Gallery