It snowed today in Yerevan. It was nice. A nice reminder of what Montreal streets are like at this time of year. Sorry Lena jan, but I do love snow!
I have been giving Armenian line dance lessons for 2 weeks now. Every Wednesday we get together at a friends house where a large empty room awaits us. I was hoping we would get more attendance, but I guess 6-7 at a time is not bad. It’s actually a good way to get away from all the work and family chores. It’s also a good form of exercise, which I lack. I MISS playing squash!
I am attaching a log that I had written upon my return from Lebanon. I was hesitant to post this, but I think I feel more comfortable sharing these thoughts now.
OLD LOG:
Back home, what a great feeling!
We just got back from Beirut yesterday. I wanted to log many times. But first I had no access from where I was living on Tabarja beach and then when I had access, the system was so slow that I couldn’t even check messages. Well, where to start. I could mention that it was 20 Celsius on New Year’s eve and I could mention that we had a killer view of the sea EVERY MORNING. But I could also say that Bourj Hamoud was so cool and so was Jbeil.
All of the above is true. I loved my Lebanon experience. I had always been surrounded by Lebanese friends who couldn’t stop gloating about their country... that actually turned me off of Lebanon and all what it had stood for. Then i met new Lebanese people who actually made me want to visit the country (namely my wife who was born and raised there). If Lebanon could produce someone like her, then it was worth a visit.
I didn’t imagine a country that just came out of a war only 10 years ago could look so modern, new and beautiful. The roads were well done (well, no urban planning but at least they weren’t full of potholes). The cafes and restaurants that were built in the old parts of town as well as those who wished to close up their balconies respected the architecture. There were no cancerous extensions on any building. Most of them were freshly painted in Yellow, Orange and Blue which gave the city a genuine Mediterranean look. The downtown area was breathtaking with the old and new mixed with a fresh style. This center includes 11 mosques and 11 churches, one of the central one being the St-Yeghia, Armenian Catholic Church. One of my favorite parts in the downtown area was the pedestrian streets and sidewalk cafes. IT was great!
Home, Armenia. First the charming Zvartnots greeting.
It was a bit drab and dull driving from the airport home. It was the first time I saw Armenia in its true grey and depressing colors. I was confused at first. I asked myself “what was I thinking moving here?” Many thoughts went through my mind and when we finally pulled up on Mashtots, I remembered why I was here. I saw the potential and made a wish. I wished that I will be one of those who will paint the walls and preserve the heritage and architecture. That I will be one of those who will speak up when there is injustice on my way to making Armenia what I want it to be. And what I want it to be is a prosperous, comfortable and safe place for me, my family and my friends. As to all those who choose to join me here in Armenia to work, live and build this country, rest assured, you have a friend who will greet you and embrace your brave move.
I have been giving Armenian line dance lessons for 2 weeks now. Every Wednesday we get together at a friends house where a large empty room awaits us. I was hoping we would get more attendance, but I guess 6-7 at a time is not bad. It’s actually a good way to get away from all the work and family chores. It’s also a good form of exercise, which I lack. I MISS playing squash!
I am attaching a log that I had written upon my return from Lebanon. I was hesitant to post this, but I think I feel more comfortable sharing these thoughts now.
OLD LOG:
Back home, what a great feeling!
We just got back from Beirut yesterday. I wanted to log many times. But first I had no access from where I was living on Tabarja beach and then when I had access, the system was so slow that I couldn’t even check messages. Well, where to start. I could mention that it was 20 Celsius on New Year’s eve and I could mention that we had a killer view of the sea EVERY MORNING. But I could also say that Bourj Hamoud was so cool and so was Jbeil.
All of the above is true. I loved my Lebanon experience. I had always been surrounded by Lebanese friends who couldn’t stop gloating about their country... that actually turned me off of Lebanon and all what it had stood for. Then i met new Lebanese people who actually made me want to visit the country (namely my wife who was born and raised there). If Lebanon could produce someone like her, then it was worth a visit.
I didn’t imagine a country that just came out of a war only 10 years ago could look so modern, new and beautiful. The roads were well done (well, no urban planning but at least they weren’t full of potholes). The cafes and restaurants that were built in the old parts of town as well as those who wished to close up their balconies respected the architecture. There were no cancerous extensions on any building. Most of them were freshly painted in Yellow, Orange and Blue which gave the city a genuine Mediterranean look. The downtown area was breathtaking with the old and new mixed with a fresh style. This center includes 11 mosques and 11 churches, one of the central one being the St-Yeghia, Armenian Catholic Church. One of my favorite parts in the downtown area was the pedestrian streets and sidewalk cafes. IT was great!
Home, Armenia. First the charming Zvartnots greeting.
It was a bit drab and dull driving from the airport home. It was the first time I saw Armenia in its true grey and depressing colors. I was confused at first. I asked myself “what was I thinking moving here?” Many thoughts went through my mind and when we finally pulled up on Mashtots, I remembered why I was here. I saw the potential and made a wish. I wished that I will be one of those who will paint the walls and preserve the heritage and architecture. That I will be one of those who will speak up when there is injustice on my way to making Armenia what I want it to be. And what I want it to be is a prosperous, comfortable and safe place for me, my family and my friends. As to all those who choose to join me here in Armenia to work, live and build this country, rest assured, you have a friend who will greet you and embrace your brave move.
posted by Raffi N at 4:10 AM
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