Monthly Archives: October 2011

Burger drives Diaspora mini-economy

Posted by on October 29, 2011 1 comment

Last week a new burger/sandwich/pub opened in Yerevan named ‘The Factory’.  It is owned by Diasporan partners, from I believe two different countries and is right next door to Yerevan’s first youth hostel (Envoy – also opened by Diasporans) which will undoubtedly supply it with some customers.  Going in, it’s a clean newly remodeled place which used to be dead space on that block.  It offers literally a breath of fresh air as you first enter into the non-smoking room, and the whole place seems to have one of the better ventilation systems in an otherwise smoky restaurant scene.

If I had to guess I’d say about half of the clients have been Diasporans when I’ve gone in (yes, three times already, perhaps too many burgers for one week?).  The meat is supplied by The Meat Shop, which is soon to open a butcher shop and is owned by… yes, Diasporan partners from again a couple of different countries.  Their space is in a retail space in a newly built building that has also never had a business in it before.  A dead space.  These spaces are coming to life, and a new mini-economy is being created. Read more »

6000

Posted by on October 28, 2011 No comments

As I was working on the Map of Armenian Attractions in Karabakh, I added Armeniapedia’s 6,000th article!

French Everywhere

Posted by on October 28, 2011 No comments

Over the past few months there seems to have been a French invasion of our city (feel, let’s not overdue it, the real invasion is done by the Iranians). Everywhere I turned there was a group of people (different age groups), speaking in Parisian French (could be Marseille or Lyon even). At first it seemed quite cool, then it just became so … overwhelming. You really thought you were in a European country (not that there is anything wrong with that).

Even my company, Deem Communications got into the action by organizing an open air concert with Elodie Frege on the eve of the arrival of the French President, Sarkozi.

The past few days have also been very … umm… oui oui! I spent a good part of my day with French investors looking to build several big projects here. Now, will it happen? not sure, but the fact that they were here during the 10th anniversary of the French-Armenian Trade School near Sasuntsi Davit statue and during the International Assembly of a French Speaking City Mayors (yes, including Tremblay from Montreal), was just … oh la laaa…

If this is sounding like a complaint – IT IS NOT! I wish there were more. More Germans. More Italians. More Japanese. More British. More Brazilians. More Argentinians… and yes More CANADIANS! This will only make this land a more interesting place (yes, more than it is now)!


Shopping in Armenia

Posted by on October 27, 2011 3 comments

When I first moved to Yerevan almost nine years ago, shopping was not the easiest thing to do. From clothing/shoes to groceries, I always felt like I was missing something from back home. Armenia has come a long way since then. Dozens of franchises have sprung up across the city and just yesterday Aldo Shoes opened up it’s (very large) doors on Abovian Street. Shoe shopping just became a lot easier. Now if they would just hurry up and open a Trader Joes!

Diversity and Armenia

Posted by on October 26, 2011 3 comments

I am often asked what I miss most about living in the United States or what it is that Armenia does not have- that I need. Ten years ago I would have said- bookstores and cafe latte’s- but cafe latte is a staple at most of the places I frequent and my i-pad has become my bookstore… and over the years I have realized that really- it is the diversity that I miss.

I miss different nationalities- different backgrounds and seeing a beautiful rainbow of colors and flavors and hearing the sweet sound of different accents and languages on the street. I miss celebrating Passover with a friend, or being invited for Barbeque Chicken at a colleagues house, or being a guest at a Quincenera or celebrating Greek culture at the LA Greek Fair.

I miss the diversity (and I am sad that my children do not get to experience it)- it is still the one thing that tears at my heart when someone asks “Do you miss anything about the USA?”.

No pizza for you!

Posted by on October 25, 2011 3 comments

Here’s the kind of story that illustrates the sort of thing we’ll never understand in Armenia…

Diamond Pizza is right by the corner of Republic Square on Abovyan.  It’s a few stories high, and has a great rooftop patio with a great overview of Republic Square from above.  The pizza is respectable, and a bunch of us had headed up to the rooftop in order to enjoy a bite in great weather. Read more »

earthquake

Posted by on October 23, 2011 No comments

That was one of the longer and stronger earthquakes I’ve felt.  I wonder where the epicenter was?

Update: We all know by now the earthquake was exceptionally strong, and epicentered near Van, in Western Armenia.  We also felt a couple of the aftershocks here in Yerevan.

Clickable maps of Armenia

Posted by on October 23, 2011 4 comments

This week I’ve added a couple of fun maps to Armeniapedia.  One is the highlights of Armenia and Karabakh map,  You can just click on the markers to get the name of the attraction, a photo and a link to an article.  I think it will make life easier for tourists trying to figure out what Armenia has to offer, and where to go.  I plan to do a series of much more detailed maps for each of the regions, which will include all of the minor sights as well.

The other map is of the Armenian sites in Turkey (which includes Western Armenia, Cilicia and other regions as well).   Read more »

The Sky Was Falling, And It Still Is

Posted by on October 21, 2011 2 comments

The sky was falling. Shahik had brought home a virus. I got sick, Arthur got sick, our friends caught it and Shahik was getting worse. After two days of no eating, little drinking, sleepless nights and no playing- mother’s instincts took us to the hospital. 

He was admitted to the ICU and was put on an IV immediately. I put him in his doctor’s outfit so he could feel like he was part of the healing team. We spent 5 days in the ICU before the virus was done wrecking havoc on my sweet four year old.

There were many scary tests that took place- and waiting for the answers was without words the most heart wrenching experience of our lives. In those days, we imagined the worse- sobbed and lived out nightmares in our head about our son’s health. Watching the other children in the ICU was devastating- especially Alik who was our neighbor- he did not have the resources, support and devotion that Shahik had. Even though we helped, I knew in my heart it was temporary relief and that he would be left without a long term advocate. Shahik continued to be weak and the healing was taking longer than my ability to keep my sanity.

Then the test results brought smiles and relief for us. The biggest smile came when I saw Shahik return to his normal self- his funny impressions of his grandparents and his cute gestures came back with his health and brought Arthur and I back to life. We were blessed and we were lucky. The sky was no longer falling for us.

But it still is for many of Armenia’s parents. Children’s health care is a major issue as is providing children a healthy environment and healthy choices. This was one more experience to push me towards advocating for children’s health. As the recipient of such a blessing, I feel it is our duty as parents to help create a healthier environment for all of our children. I have been delivering health care relief for almost a decade in Armenia- but it is never enough and our children still suffer- we need to do more- we need to do much much more.

Let’s discuss how…

What about schools?

Posted by on October 20, 2011 5 comments

Yesterday I went to the parents meeting for Amassia. Their school is just so great. The teacher explained what they have been up to since the beginning of the year. The Waldorf school works on epochs (era). This time, the epoch was the Natural Habitat. Amassia has been obsessing on mushrooms and wild plants. she has been asking me to youtube some of the most bizarre animals. She has been collecting small pebbles and rocks for show and tell… I love how involved they get in their material. One of the students had told the teacher that he never thought about grass or wild flowers and would usually stomp, crush them. Now, he said, I have respect for them… that was so funny and perfect.

Their Armenian teacher had surprised us with publication of all the children’s creative writing, short stories. It was a book. A real book. Amassia’s picture had made the cover!

So, if anyone asks me “are you happy with your child’s schooling in Armenia” my answer so far and has been since we have moved here “VERY MUCH!”

It's good to be back!

Posted by on October 20, 2011 2 comments

Almost ten years ago, I knew little of Armenia. Just that my brother had volunteered three months of his time here that summer and that I needed to one up him. So through the Armenian Volunteer Corps, in June 2002, I embarked on a life changing journey to Yerevan. Other than visits to my parents in the US and work trips, I have not left Armenia since. Why? Well… it’s simple. I LOVE LIVING HERE.

I’m excited that Raffi has restarted this blog and hope to be able to show you all a glimpse at what life in Armenia is like… for me. I am now married (to a hayastanci :) ) and have two young daughters. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to raise my children. I work for a great international nonprofit that enables me to interact with some of Armenia’s brightest students and professionals. Oh – and driving back from Gyumri yesterday, I saw my first snow!

YES, we are back. Won't you join us?

Posted by on October 17, 2011 No comments

One of the reasons I decided to move to Armenia was all the fantastic stories told on this blog. I read Alex Sardar, Raffi Kojian, Madlene Minassian and all the others with great interest. Now, I hope that we will be able to inspire another set of repast to join us in Armenia and create amazing stories of their own.

Of course, this is not the only way to attract more people towards Armenia. I understand that people need work, schooling (for kids), medical/health, (everything else will come … ).

I suggest that nurses/doctors, school teachers, dentists, political scientists, journalists and lawyers read and get inspired to eventually, maybe, why not… move here!

Looking forward to see more repats on the streets of Yerevan, Gumri, Vanadzor, Ashtarak or other cities, and why not, villages of Armenia!

Today’s story is simple. Over the weekend, one of our close friends held their daughter’s baptism in one of our favorite church, Sourp Zoravor (Asdvadzadzin). This church has become ours over the years. We have become used to attending Easter mass, weddings, baptisms and more ceremonies there. I no longer seek the Montreal churches so familiar to me. That is a great feeling to know that you know associate your life starry with local landmarks.