The other night I attended the opening of the 3rd Annual Pan-Armenian Games, which took place in the Hrazdan Stadium in Yerevan. It was the first time I had attended one of these ceremonies. Although the entire show was pretty good, the people I was with claimed that the first year ceremony was the greatest.
I must say that I was quite disappointed to find out that only 15 or so Canadian-Armenians are participating this year. What's even more sad is that Montreal, with an Armenian population of 40,000 or more, has only 2 athletes representing their city this year. Iran was definitely the most impressive. Tehran alone had over 200 participants.
There were a couple of accidents when the fireworks show began. Sparks were raining all over the stands where the athletes were seated, as well as on the huge banners which quickly caught on fire. Nevertheless the music and fireworks show continued while the fire truck was putting out the flames. As we always say "Only in Armenia".
After the opening ceremony I went to Caucasus restaurant. The food was pretty decent, especially the pork with garlic and wine, as well as the harisa (the most Armenian dish out there). Yes, I agree with Haig that the place was very smoky, which brings me to another topic. 'Thomas Twinings' (the popular tea-house on Abovian) was the first non-smoking cafe/restaurant in Armenia. Now both 'Yum-Yum Donuts' stores are also non-smoking.
Today I had a chance to check out the Toronto vs. Pasadena Men's Basketball game. The Toronto boys were doing great 'till halfway into the game when they started getting lazy. Pasadena ended up winning the game. That game was followed by Tbilisi vs. Gyumri.
Since I'm always talking about city renovations I must say that behind the Opera House, where there has been non-stop construction for months, is looking really good. Toumanian Street is a mess; Abovian is completely closed; Baghramian has been a mess for a month; Republic Square, although still a mess, is looking better and better. Also, Cascade is looking beautiful. When looking from above, the flowerbeds look awesome. Now if only Ernekian sped up his airport construction as smoothly as Cafesjian is with Cascade. The airport mess, which most visitors and residents of this country know about, has been at its worst this year.
If I'm not mistaken there are a few more weeks left 'till the Lincy Foundation renovations are finished. I've heard that most of the theatres have been preparing new pieces which they will present this autumn. I'm just hoping that they'll have heating.
I must say that I was quite disappointed to find out that only 15 or so Canadian-Armenians are participating this year. What's even more sad is that Montreal, with an Armenian population of 40,000 or more, has only 2 athletes representing their city this year. Iran was definitely the most impressive. Tehran alone had over 200 participants.
There were a couple of accidents when the fireworks show began. Sparks were raining all over the stands where the athletes were seated, as well as on the huge banners which quickly caught on fire. Nevertheless the music and fireworks show continued while the fire truck was putting out the flames. As we always say "Only in Armenia".
After the opening ceremony I went to Caucasus restaurant. The food was pretty decent, especially the pork with garlic and wine, as well as the harisa (the most Armenian dish out there). Yes, I agree with Haig that the place was very smoky, which brings me to another topic. 'Thomas Twinings' (the popular tea-house on Abovian) was the first non-smoking cafe/restaurant in Armenia. Now both 'Yum-Yum Donuts' stores are also non-smoking.
Today I had a chance to check out the Toronto vs. Pasadena Men's Basketball game. The Toronto boys were doing great 'till halfway into the game when they started getting lazy. Pasadena ended up winning the game. That game was followed by Tbilisi vs. Gyumri.
Since I'm always talking about city renovations I must say that behind the Opera House, where there has been non-stop construction for months, is looking really good. Toumanian Street is a mess; Abovian is completely closed; Baghramian has been a mess for a month; Republic Square, although still a mess, is looking better and better. Also, Cascade is looking beautiful. When looking from above, the flowerbeds look awesome. Now if only Ernekian sped up his airport construction as smoothly as Cafesjian is with Cascade. The airport mess, which most visitors and residents of this country know about, has been at its worst this year.
If I'm not mistaken there are a few more weeks left 'till the Lincy Foundation renovations are finished. I've heard that most of the theatres have been preparing new pieces which they will present this autumn. I'm just hoping that they'll have heating.
posted by Der Hova at 3:40 AM
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