Armenia and America: A Shared History

Until Next Time Armenia, by Hillary Ferreira

Before coming to Armenia, I was unsure of the expectations I would have upon arrival. I honestly did not expect to fall in love with it the way I did. I absolutely adored everything from my internship, the people, the views, and the food. I honestly could not find anything... Read more →

Tatev, by Hillary Ferreira

Out of all the places in Armenia, The Tatev Monastery became my favorite place at just the first glance, and it was one of the most famous tourist destinations in Armenia. Let me first start off by discussing the gorgeous views that we all saw just trying to get to... Read more →

The Perfect Last Day, by Hannah Presad

As Friday approached, we discussed in amazement at how the past three weeks had passed so quickly. It did not seem like three weeks had passed, or that we would be leaving Saturday night. Friday was our last outing day, where we would be venturing to Tatev Monastery on a... Read more →

Final Thoughts, by Leo Field

I had a wonderful time in Armenia. There was so much to do in the short time we were there. The weekend trips to monasteries outside of Yerevan were beautiful. The food was amazing, even when it was staring at me. I will miss the fresh cherries and gata. My... Read more →

Yerevan Drivers, by Leo Field

Yerevan has the best, and worst, drivers I have ever seen. In the three weeks we spent in the city, I never witnessed any accidents, although I did see the aftermath of such incidents. There were times when I believed we would be in a car accident. A few of... Read more →

Yerevan Journal, Days 19-21

In our last remaining days in Armenia, Linda and I took an overnight excursion to Goris, a small city in Syunik Province nestled in the mountains of southern Armenia. The history of Goris dates back to the Stone Age, the Middle Ages--and, at the risk of collapsing history, there were... Read more →

Yerevan Journal, Days 15-18

Last night, Linda and I had the pleasure and privilege of touring Victory Park in Yerevan with an informed and hospitable local tour guide, Dr. Gevorg Ter-Gabrielyan, Chief Executive Officer of the Eurasia Partnership Foundation (EPF). Dr. Ter-Gabrielyan, who cares deeply about Yerevan and the Armenian people, is also a... Read more →

A Hike in Dilijan, by Jack Herndon

On Sunday, we went to Dilijan national park for a hike to a 13th-century monastery. The path was steep, uneven, and muddy; at first, I didn't understand why someone would build anything up there. As we reached the top, I noticed that it was perfectly secluded and quite beautiful. The... Read more →

The Monasteries, by Leo Field

The monasteries we have visited have all been unique. Each has its own history and the design of these compounds has been different every time. The monasteries are, or were at the time of their construction, located in secluded areas that are relatively tough to get to. Geghard, for instance,... Read more →

Yerevan Journal, Days 9-14

Time moves slowly in Yerevan but passes quickly. The parks, public squares, museums, music, interesting people, ethnic diversity, monocultural complexity, and fabulous café culture could keep a tourist busy for a long while. But I feel compelled to "look out the other window," toward everyday Yerevan, the living past in... Read more →

"Trip Advisor": Restaurants in Yerevan, by Hannah Presad

Tsirani: Tsirani is a beautiful Armenian restaurant near Republic Square in Yerevan, Armenia. Serving Armenian barbecue, homemade bread, and traditional desserts, this restaurant is a must try for visitors new to the city. The staff was very welcoming and accommodating for large groups. One unique and delicious suggestion they made... Read more →

American Perspectives of Armenia, by Brenna Keuter

As I began to inform my family and friends that I would be traveling halfway across the world with the LION Program, the primary questions I was asked were where Armenia was and why I had chosen to go there specifically. Over the past year or so I have realized... Read more →

Yerevan Journal, Day 6

Today, I try to put myself more in synchrony with the pace of Yerevan, by walking more slowly and with more mindfulness. One senses that Armenia is a watchful country, a place where every small detail is taken in, where outsiders reveal themselves by their gate and patterns of movement... Read more →

Yerevan Journal, Day 3

The focus of the day was a visit to our third-party provider in Yerevan, Eurasia Partnership Foundation (EPF), an NGO with a strong mission: "to empower people to effect change for social justice and economic prosperity through hands-on programs, helping them to improve their communities and their own lives." EPF's... Read more →

Yerevan Journal, Day 2

Before the city awakes, the swallows of Yerevan swoop and soar among the spires and hilltops, over the crumbling ruins of Soviet-era housing projects that are turning to rubble and sand but that still sustain the half of the nation for whom European-style global wealth, conspicuous consumption, and postmodern condo-culture... Read more →

Yerevan Journal, Day 1

First Impressions. Yerevan, a city in transition, is slow to wake. Much of the art and architecture in Yerevan reflects the Soviet influence. The Soviet Union, which supported arts education and public culture, demolished regional styles and forms in favor of a severe modernism defined by concrete geometricism, with accents... Read more →

On the Web: Destination Armenia!

Travel writer Meg Pier's take on the cultural richness, vibrancy, and historicity of travel and tourism in Armenia: "The reasons to travel to Armenia are many; let me share some of the country’s distinctive draws for travelers interested in encountering a rich cultural heritage and having a transformative experience! Best... Read more →

On The Web: Interactive Map of Armenia

First Travel Tours of Armenia has provided this useful, interactive map of Armenia. Here you can preview key tourism sites and toggle between map views and satellite views. Read more →

On The Web: The Adoption of Christianity as a State Religion

According to the Institute for Armenian Studies of Yerevan State University, "the adoption of Christianity as a state religion had a great impact on the later progress of Armenian people and state, on spiritual life and culture, science and world-view. For centuries, the spiritual and ideological leader and defender of... Read more →