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Yerevan is the capital city of Armenia. It is historically and culturally a fascinating place. Some type of settlement has existed at the same location for over 2787 years. While my wanderings were mostly confined to where I could get on my own two feet (and microbus/metro/taxi), I was able to get an excellent feel for the city, especially it's center. The earliest record of settlement was found at the ruins of ancient Erebuni. Cuneiform records found at the site of the ruins mark the castle as having been built by Argistisi I in 782 c.e. with the help of 6,600 captured slaves. Armenians are a proud people, and Yerevan reflects this. Galleries of Armenian artists, monuments and statues dedicated to Armenian composers, authors, architects, poets, and heros are everywhere. They are only outnumbered by cafes, ... read more

On my first weekend in Armenia, I was privileged to join a group of students from Yerevan State University on a trip to Karabagh. I am incredibly thankful to Prof. Yeranosyan for allowing me to join him and his students on this fascinating adventure. The following story is based on that trip. By 7:00 am friday morning we were ready to go. Gor and I met Constantine (Cot) and his girlfriend Tanya (Tan) downstairs and split a cab to the University. We arrived first though more students trickled in slowly, as did Yeranosan, the organizer. A school bus and micro bus pulled up, setting Yeranosyan into action. He called everyone into a circle, read off our names, and organized us onto the two busses. As Lusine is good friends with Yeranosyan, my group, Gor, me, Cot, ... read more