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Graduation and Celebrations in Ijevan July 2019

Disclaimer: Before I write this story dear reader, I must write an important disclaimer.  The story will include my getting sunburned and dehydrated.   When my dear friend Narine, who sent me on this latest adventure, saw my sunburned face the next day she was upset and felt it was her fault.  She and Erine, the two young women who arranged for me to attend, hold no responsibility for my stupidity.   I am, unfortunately, not blessed with beautiful Armenian skin or even the olive tones of my own brother and sister.  I have always been the fair-skinned pasty-faced member of the family who gets redder while everyone else turns a beautiful tan.   My siblings told me it was proof that I was adopted.   So, Narine and Erine, my redness was my fault alone and thank you for having me in attendance. On Tuesday, Narine asked me if I would be interested in attending the graduation event at Yerevan State University- Ijevan branch.   It was where I had given three classes, and they were invit
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The Wooden Village Part 1

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As I began to know Narine the first few months in Noyemberyan, she told me often of a magical place that she called the wooden village.     Every time she spoke of it, she had the look of someone much older than she remembering sacred moments of a past well spent.   Her eyes would sparkle as though there was a candle inside illuminating the wrinkles of her brain to unfold the hidden mysteries.   A smile would creep upon her face like the smile of someone remembering the taste of their favorite dessert or a first kiss.   I wanted to know more, and she would always tell me one day we will visit, and she would tell me more.   In October, I was allowed to go with her family that has become like my family to celebrate her birthday.   She had selected the site of her celebration as the khachkar at the top of the mountain followed by a visit to places they played and the wooden village.   The day was so overcast and cold. I have documented that in another story.   I saw glimpses of why th
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Armenian National Poetry Recitation Contest 2019

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Poetry Contest About the first week of March this year, I was contacted by the Peace Corps volunteer, Liz Baron, who oversaw the Peace Corps side of the National Poetry Recitation Contest. She asked me if I had time to assist the teacher in Koghb who was interested in having some students compete in the contest.  I assured Liz that I would be happy to help and asked her to share my contact information. Before I go on with the story of my NPRC adventure, I will need to explain the NPRC.  The contest is a partnership with the Peace Corps and the American University of Armenia and the Partnership & Teaching NGO in Goris.  Students in forms (grades) 7 -12 from all over Armenia have the opportunity to compete in regional contests.  The poems, or portions of speeches, are in English and the students are encouraged to improve their English pronunciations as well as comprehension through the pieces.  At the regional competitions, a winner from each form will be selected to compete i
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Arevik, Vahan and Marriage Customs in Armenia

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Խնամխոս, Khnamkhos is the best I can explain in English is an older Armenian custom where the family of a groom who wants a bride goes to the home of the bride with cognac, of course, to explain to the family that the young woman has been chosen to be this man’s bride and there is an inspection. I will fill in some more details but sitting and listening to Arevik talk about the custom was fascinating today.  But to tell you how we got on the subject, I must start at the beginning of the afternoon when Narine’s brother, Vahan, woke up around 1:15 in the afternoon and joined us having coffee on the front porch. Narine and I had attended the Noyemberyan Victory Day celebration at the WWII monument in town.   She invited me to join her for coffee after the celebration.   Narine’s tatik, Arevik, her mother, Irene, and I were sitting on the couch on the front porch when Narine appeared with the coffee.  She started laughing so hard because Arevik was speaking local language (bar bar)
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