Yes, Yerevan is getting colder and colder. The snow from a few days ago is still everywhere, and sometimes it's slush, sometimes it's so cold that the slush turns into ice. Walking around is more interesting now. Especially when there are locals who insist on continuing to wear stilleto shoes... perhaps it helps them, but I saw this one lady with a broken heel trying her best to balance... huh? I don't get it. Risk breaking my ankle for beauty? I think not.

There's cheer-oo-chamich everywhere! Are they really from here.. or are they Turkish? I will definitely be asking when I buy some to take home with me. And I'm wondering if the state of "orange" is going to allow me to take home oghi and dried fruits. We'll find out.

New Year's is SUCH a big deal in Armenia. Everyone is running around doing their New Year's shopping, and I can only imagine the average family's festivities that evening. As for my plans for that night, I'm not quite sure, but I think I'll be joining some close friends. :)

My days here are really vacation-like. I wake up when I want, I leave when I want, I sleep when I want... etc. I have to admit it's nice not to have responsibilities. It makes the vacation 10 times better when it's in Armenia... better and of course more interesting.

Shnorhavor Nor Dari yev Soorp Dznoont Polorin!

TSUH! :)~

Raffi N, I was worried for a second there. I have already spoken to my cousin about setting a time to look at apartments to buy. We agreed to start looking this summer.

I am more positive than ever that I need to find my way to Armenia. Not that I needed a reminder. It's Christmas day and I have gained possibly 30 pounds in a span of 24 hours. Man I'm huge. My pants don't fit. My sister and her husband came down for Christmas and they are playing pool. It was a good Christmas. Didn't need anything else but family. I wish my cousins were here, but they were in spirit... and via phone. We opened our gifts last night at midnight. Santa was VERY good to me. I got a digital camera... the Canon Rebel. For those who know, yes I realize how lucky I am. Let's just say a 1 GB Card was necessary in order to handle what this camera does. 6.3 Megapixels, SLR, you name it. I also got a nice knitting kit... my family seems to know me well. I have a whole bunch of new knitting projects in mind now. My sister and Shant also got me the DVD of "Finding Nemo" which we watched together today. I'm not one to encourage family sitting around a TV and calling it family time, but this movie was too cute and best watched with my family. Jana, the fishies are soooo cute!

Anyway, I'm off to Chicago tomorrow morning during the "Orange" Security Alert. Oh, I'm in for some waiting in lines. They say I need to be at the airport at least 2.5 hours in advance. Tomorrow should be fun. I'll be there through the New Year for AYF Convention and to party Chicago style! I always have fun in Chicago!

Merry Christmas everyone! And have a wonderful New Year!!!

Back to the world of high speed internet. I arrived in Washington last night after a loooooong trip home. My sister and mom greeted me at the airport. I was so tired, I threw in my first of four loads of laundry and passed out. This morning, I woke up to a big pile of washed and folded clothes 12 hours after I fell asleep. Apparently my sister did my laundry for me because she tried to wake me up a few times and failed. I have the best sister in the world!!!

Armenia was perfect from beginning to end... except for being too short. I got back to work today and spent all day just catching up. Between cleaning my office, the rest of the office, my inboxes, etc.

There's more to tell, but I'm so tired so I will save it for another day.

Finally back in Yerevan. Let me say that I have been paranoid about weather for no reason! The weather is GREAT!!! It's sunny during the day, but cold... and colder at night - but if u bundle up, you're fine.

I spent a few days in Dzaghgatsor, which was like Lake Tahoe... beautiful! Heavenly resort eat your heart out---"Splendor" can almost match you!

Yerevan is so different in the winter. I actually like it... but of course there's no snow or rain yet. There are so many different prospective plans for New Year's eve, it's hard to decide which! I think I might end up at one of the parties organized at one of the hotels... we will see! I plan to sleep all day on the 31st and wake up late afternoon... so my nene-ness can keep up with the locals! These people know how to party!

This week will be spent with the LA folk who are here, and the Greek, and the Aussies, and then... I will relax. :)

Raffi K. -- I don't have your new number mate!

TSUH! :)~
heyyyyyyyy jannnnnn yerevan!

Well it's my last night in L.A. (technically it's already Wednesday and in 12 hrs. I'll be at LAX). This past week I've been somewhat nervous about this trip, mainly because I don't know what to expect. Will I be able to hack the cold? the snow? wow.... I'm a Southern-Cali born and raised girl... the only time I've been exposed to snow was at winter seminars... for about 2 hrs a day.. when we were out in the snow playing. But to have the weather have a direct affect on your life.... is something different.

Earlier today I was ecstatic about my trip... and I was looking forward to being BACK HOME for the holidays. This evening I got news that a good friend's father passed away...and now leaving is a little more difficult than it was before. I will definitely not be here for my friend... :(

With that said... I was planning on taking a picture of a street close to my house -- an OVERLY-DONE street (my brother and I call it.. "avelortutyan marmnatsum" street) and post it for all to see the ridiculousness of decorating here. It's really like that commercial.... gotta have MORE than your neighbors... MUST have it.. MUST outdo the rest. Hivantner.

Anyway, so I'll be logging from Armenia for the next month. :)

TSUH!:)~

So I'm back in Armenia. While I feared I would have been left behind all the activity, I managed to catch myself up on the last year and a half... as much as possible.

Still jetlagged, I slept in on Friday until 6pm and woke up just in time for Paplavok. Oh how I missed Paplavok (jazz club). Saturday was a whole other story. I woke up surrounded by art as Alex was having an art exhibit in his home. The day started that way. Plenty of new and old faces came through and I had the chance to catch up with some friends. From there, I went to Artbridge with Sylvie whom I met last time around. We had lunch and continued to Vernisage to purchase one of the many nardi/tavloo boards I have been asked to buy for people. We then hit the internet cafe, went to her place for tea, met up with Raffi Niziblian, his lovely wife and a girl name Nayiri from Cyprus whom I met earlier at Artbridge, went to the theatre for a play, went to dinner at Mer Gyough with the Niziblians and Nayiri, and then continued to a Salsa night club. Raffi suggested I log this and I hesitated, but that's a whole lot in one day not to log about. So there it is. A day in the life of Armenia.

Yesterday was less exciting and a day to absorb. I had lunch at Artbridge again with friends, did a mega Vernisage shopping spree for Christmas gifts, went home and took a nap only to wake up to news about Saddam Hussein being captured. Torn emotions as I am happy he is caught, but am not too naive to realize that Bush just won the next presidential election. It would be nice to see Dean in the White House, but let's see how this Saddam thing pans out.

Now I'm catching up with myself and getting things done. I'm at Arlex again where I had a chance to sit with Tom for a brief moment to catch up. I had the chance to finally meet Rhoda in person after emailing for so long on the Hover project. And of course, I have been accused of bringing snow with me as the snow is already starting to sit on the ground.

It sure feels good to be back!

Well, my life has been a little less complicated than Raffi Kojian's. I give Kojian a gold medal for patience...

However, I do have several things on my platter that will make my life interesting for the next few months. Aside from my 9-5 job and the classes at night, the concert scene here in Boston will be hopping. A team of us are organizing two interesting concerts here in the Boston area at the end of Janaury. First, Gor Mkhitarian is coming to town. Then, we are flying in Lilit Pipoyan into Boston for a concert on January 31, 2004. You can grab details on these concerts at www.armeniamusic.net if you are in the area and want to drop by.

The process of putting together a show can be a little funny. Dealing with Visa's for Armenian artists, the airfare, accomodations, the concert hall all requires a little patience and optimism. But, I am happy to say that both artists are being very reasonable with their requests and the way they go about conducting themselves.

While Lilit is not on my label, she is a musician I have admired musically for about the last year. Actually, Arsineh lent me a copy of her first disc "Lialusin" and it is a strong debut disc. The Diaspora here on the East Coast doesn't get as much exposure to Armenian artists as say, LA does. So, the Lilit show should be special.

Peace.

I recently sent this email around to all my friends and received a great response from everyone that I wasn't expect. I didn't want to post it originally because I hate to use this log to promote anything, but in this case, I am actually promoting an idea. the listings I include are merely suggestions and I am sure there are plenty of other products I am leaving out, but I wanted to get the thought out there. This is something I truly believe in and thought it might be good to share with others. If I missed someone and you are truly offended, I'm sorry, but feel free to post it up. Raffi, tell me if you want me to take this down, I will. Sorry it's so long, but otherwise, enjoy!


Friends and Family,

I am e-mailing you PURELY from me myself and I to advocate supporting the Armenian market for Christmas. Year after year, we continue to purchase products from big stores, sometimes things people already have, or not necessarily something they need or want.

I have a suggestion, and this is in no way inspired by any marketing scheme at all. This is purely coming from Arsineh and I benefit in NO way. Even the products I have involvement with listed below, I don't benefit at all by anyone purchasing at this point. I am just trying to spread good will and a good idea.

In the past few years, I have been buying my Christmas gifts for my family and friends through Armenian vendors. Two years ago, I was fortunate to be in Armenia so I bought all my gifts from Vernisage (flea market in Yerevan)... cheap AND quality AND the money goes to an Armenian. Last year, I purchased most of my gifts at the Hairenik Bookstore.

This year, I have already received emails suggesting specific gift ideas that I really liked and it sparked an idea to spread this concept. Please look at the list of suggestions I have below and consider shopping through Armenians this year. This way, when Armenian organizations complain that people cant afford to donate because they spent their money on Christmas gifts from big corporations, you can say that your shopping was your donation!

I hope this helps with gift ideas!

Sirov,
Arsineh Khachikian



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POMEGRANATE MUSIC:

These are some CDs to consider. Many of you know my involvement with Pomegranate, but this isn't self promotion. These CDs are really good gifts. I would suggest the first one (Six Fables), it is unbelievable!

Hover Chamber Choir of Armenia: Six Fables
www.cdbaby.com/cd/hover2

Hover Chamber Choir of Armenia: Armenian Voices
www.cdbaby.com/cd/hover

Gor Mkhitarian: Yeraz
www.cdbaby.com/cd/mkhitarian

Gor Mkhitarian: Godfather Tom
www.cdbaby.com/cd/mkhitarian2

Bambir: Quake
www.cdbaby.com/cd/bambir

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BANDAZ RECORDS

This is another CD I designed. This is more for the "modern Armenian music" lovers with that traditional twist. It's like Nune, but edgier.

Cascade Folk Trio: Old Street
www.cascadefolktrio.com

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ZULAL

This is just a friends CD, but I think it is amazing. It's an a cappella folk trio singing traditional Armenian songs. It only has a few songs, but a good small gift.

Order Online: www.hyefamily.com, www.arpmusic.com

Order in Stores at: The Hairenik Bookstore at 617-926-3974, The Bookstore at St. Vartan's in New York, or Armenian Delight Store, 2591 West Chester Pike in Broomall.

Order from Zulal: Email us at connect@zulal.org with 'CD Order' in the subject line. Please include your address and desired quantity.

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TRADITIONS

This is another friend's CD. The band is the Michael Gostanian Ensemble. This is good for the traditional kef music lovers. There are some great song selections on this one.

www.kefmusic.com

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AREV ENSEMBLE

Yet another friend's CD. This is the other kind of traditional Armenian music... with more zourna, duduk, dhol style music. This is "listening" rather than "kef" music.

www.arevensemble.org

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OTHER CDs I RECOMMEND

I am becoming a huge Alla Levonyan fan as my dad just picked up her latest CD for me. I now have all three and they are amazing. Otherwise, I recommend the following:

Alla Levonyan: HayastanAlla Levonyan: Msho Aghtchik

Alla Levonyan: Gnam Hasnem

Nune: Sayat Nova

Shushan Petrossyan: (I don't remember the names of the albums, but they are all good.)

Tata Simonian: Shaba Daba Dash (for you dance lovers)

Rouben Hakhverdian: Anthology (This is a collection of his best work and I think the best CD he offers)

Armenian Navy Band: ???? (All the CDs are good for world music lovers, but I warn you, it isn't your typical Armenian CD. This is out there, but VERY quality if you like that kind of music... also sorta hard to find.)

Harout & Rouben: ???? (These guys together are actually very good and I am not traditionally a Harout fan, but this is a quality CD. My favorite songs are track 2 and the last track.)

If you really want more suggestions, email me and I'll name a few more off. All can be purchased at one of the stores liste below.

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NAREK.COM

I am a big fan of this website because they are good at what they do and they have everything! This is mostly for CDs, books, DVDs, etc. We just bought specialized Armenian Christmas cards for the ANCA with our own message. We got it in a couple days and they look fantastic. I HIGHLY recommend this website.

www.narek.com

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HAIRENIK BOOKSTORE

This is a given for East Coasters. Obviously, they have books, but they also have CDs, posters, bumberstickers, flags, calendars, these sorts of things. I had great success shopping here last year.

Just call, it's easier: (617) 926-3974 and speak to Lena.

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SARDARABAD BOOKSTORE

This is a given for West Coasters. Same thing as Hairenik, but maybe with more selection as there is higher demand in LA. They have good crafts from Armenia, too. They have a decent CD collection with a lot of the CDs I listed above.

Office phone : (818) 500-0790

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MADE IN ARMENIA DIRECT

This is a great website, but a little pricey for the right reasons. They sell artifacts from Armenia handcrafted by specialists from Vernisage (the outdoor market in Yerevan). The quality is the best Armenia has to offer and it shows in the price, but if you are looking for a more high-end gift, here's the place to go. They prepare everything and ship it over to the US in advance, so if you order now, it is already available in the US for shipping.

www.madeinarmeniadirect.com

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ARMENZONE

Now THIS is a cool way to go. EVEN if you don't want to get an Armenian product, there is still a way of supporting Armenians without spending an extra dime, just by ordering products from major companies. What you do is you go to www.armenzone.com and they list major stores on the right side, like: Office Depot, The Sharper Image, Amazon.com, Dell, Toys R Us, Disney Store, Target, Cheap Tickets, Orbitz, petco.com, Madison Avenue, buy.com. All you have to do is click on those options THROUGH the armenzone.com website, and whatever you purchase from those major stores, a percentage goes to an Armenian organization or school. The listed organizations are:

Armenian Cultural Foundation, Armenian National Committee of America, Armenian Relief Society, Homenetmen, Chamlian Armenian School, Glendale, CA, Ferrahian Armenian School, Encino, CA, Krouzian Zakarian School, San Francisco, CA, Mesrobian Armenian School, Montebello, CA, Rose & Alex Pilibos Armenian School, Hollywood, CA, Tavlian Armenian Pre- School, Pasadena, CA, Tufenkian Armenian Pre-School, Glendale, CA, Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School, Santa Ana, CA.

THIS is awesome. You don't spend any more money then if you went straight to the website, but a percentage still goes to the above, distributed evenly.

www.armenzone.com

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ARMENIAN TEA

A little addictive, but I love this stuff. The greatest part is that it is available at certain stores throughout the US. The packaging of these teas is adorable, but better yet, the tea is SOOOOOO good. I have no idea who these guys are, I just love their tea. I used to have it when I was in Armenia, but when I got back, by chance I was at a café in Boston where I found the same tea listed on the menu. They do good distribution, but check out their website... nicely designed and good info. The way this is prepared, it makes a great gift.

www.armeniantea.com

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There hasn't been much to talk about in the last couple of weeks. Thanksgiving came and went, but otherwise, it's been quiet around here. Yesterday we had a Christmas party at the ANCA office and the snow storm sent the timid home, but we still had a good group of people there. But the big thing for me right now is that I am visiting Armenia next week. I leave on Wednesday and arrive Friday morning. It's now been one and a half years since I was last there and it feels like a century. Although I'm only going for 10 days, I feel like I need it to get a jumpstart. I remember the thing I struggled with the most when I returned is how you feel less here, while in Armenia, emotions are magnified. I would just like to remember how that feels again. I haven't felt myself in a while. Hopefully this will refresh my memory.

I was suppose to be in New York this weekend, but the snow got in my way. I actually was looking forward to seeing my sister and her husband in New Jersey, but I'll just have to wait until Christmas.

The snow here is beautiful. My drive into the city is a scenic drive through a hilly wooded area alongside the river. The trees were covered in snow and it was stunning. Too bad I didn't have a camera.

Looks like New York will be having a white Christmas. Fresh snow is breathtaking.

Well if Raffi K. can log about nothing special, then I guess so can I. :)

It's been a hectic couple of weeks. After my trip to Philly, I came back and of course it was back to work as usual. Thanksgiving week was quiet, since everyone at work had decided to take the whole week off. Thanksgiving day my dad decided that we would go car shopping. Of course I knew this meant, we would go to the Honda dealer (this is our family's 4th Honda). So we ended up trading in my 97 Honda (awwwww) for a newer one. Atleast now I have this XM-satellite radio thing, which is cool cause there's over a hundred channels and no commercials. Too bad there's no Armenian station... (anyone know how we can start one?) Well, the following day I made my way back to the east coast for a friend's wedding. It was so cold in NJ, now I'm worried what Hayasdan is gonna be like.. .. uh oh!

I bought my hayasdan ticket, and I'm very excited to be there during the holidays. This morning I was watching the news, and all they could talk about is how the White House is decorated for Christmas. And then when I read Raffi's log about how in Hayasdan it's not really decorative, or anything...I couldn't help but wonder.. what's up with America spending ALL THAT MONEY on those decorations in the White House when budgets are being cut in education across the nation, and there are people out in the middle east who will not be with their familieis during the holidays... etc. So, does all the money they spent on lights and ribbons come out of their paychecks? NO... it comes out of OUR paychecks.

While I was in Jersey I missed Alla Levonyan's concert at the Alex, but I heard it was AWESOME (of course). I love her class and her voice.... incredible. After I came back from Jersey, I too felt that itchy thing in my throat, but two nights in a row i did the tooti oghi remedy thing, and now I'm back to normal.... Raffi, you should try it. :)

That's all for now...
TSUH!:)~