Message EVS in Yerevan, Armenia Any writing that deals with Armenia, whatever it is, can not fail to devote a few sentences, if not more, the symbol that unites all Armenians worldwide: Ararat.
That's why, before addressing any other topic, I wish you magnificence about this over the centuries and despite all the misfortunes to which she was able to attend, has retained its pristine beauty.
Ararat was also biblical author, and not the least. It is at its highest peak that Noah decided to tie up the day of the Great Flood, and his choice was not so benign. Besides the fact that Armenia would soon become the first country to officially adopt Christianity as religion, the sacred mountain was preferred to others for its natural physical qualities: The largest of its two peaks (Grand Massis) and measure more 5100m. The second (Small Massis) peaks at about 3850m.
It is with great pride and emotion that one contemplates from Ararat the Republic of Armenia, when the clouds are willing to let us admire. During these moments of grace, Ararat dazzled by her beauty, so all original Yerevan.
Thus, when the weather is clear and the sky clear of all clouds, I can observe it at leisure, and each moment is magical.
the balcony of my room, Ararat speaks to me. He delivers me all the secrets of life. He advises me, reassures me, soothes me. Lorsqu'Ararat is facing us, huge, all doubts disappear, leaving only enough room for this in this unique happiness.
When you have the chance to admire it, you realize one important thing: it is not we who look at it is he who watches over us.
From my apartment, his image seems almost every morning when dawn has just risen, and that fresh air just hit me the face. I
indeed fortunate to live in an apartment vast, where the view is magnificent on Ararat. Admittedly, I live about 10km from downtown of the capital, causing disadvantages: not always drinking water especially in summer, building from the Soviet era, daily transport costs, but the proximity of Ararat typical of an Armenian church compensates widely.
In addition, the neighborhood feel is totally different from the city center. Here, all the neighbors know me, talk to me and they invite me home, and I do the same. Employees of shops where I'm going to do some shopping, as well as vendors who sell fruit and vegetable stalls on the roadside, recognize me, and our discussions are very friendly. Here, there is also a great support.
So many differences with the downtown Yerevan. In the center, the population is more distant, colder. The churches are quite rare, even gardeners.
There are also many tourists, which dramatically transformed attitudes.
Arguably the neighborhood where I live is a small rural town, away from the clubs, the eventful life, there are a few night clubs but this is a scourge that affects all Yerevan and its environs.
short, life is pleasant here.
My apartment is typically Soviet: large rooms, nearly as many balconies, very spacious, but old.
An old TV, no washing machine or dishwasher.
But the Republic Armenia, Yerevan is not that!
Although more than 1 million people live in the capital (for a total estimated population of about 4million) and that all administrative structures are there ...
Other cities, other places have important interests. I think
Etchmiadzin, a holy place, where most everything related to religion Armenian Apostolic (Christian official of the Republic Armenia). That here lies the cathedral that was built during the early years of the adoption of Christianity.
Just behind the residence of the Catholicos (Armenian Apostolic representative). In addition, you can visit museums that juxtapose the sacred architecture, to see thousands of objects of religious art, among which is the spear which pierced the breast of Jesus Christ.
Another important venue, Khor Virap (Deep Trench). It was in this pit that was thrown Saint Gregory the Illuminator, for 13 long years on the orders of Tiridates III, then King
Armenia St. Gregory the Illuminator was the one who brings the evangelization of Armenia to Christianity in 301, or 11 years before the Roman Empire.
This pit, which sits on the church built on the orders of the king (after his recovery by Gregory), is visited. This is something really impressive to be in the pit, where Christianity was born Armenian.
Republic Armenia is a mountainous country. Many mountains are accessible to hikers!
The best known and probably also the most beautiful, are the Aragatz (over 4000m), Mount Spitaksar (over 3500m) and Mt Sevkatar (about 3200m).
The Lori region (north of the Republic Armenia) is also a very beautiful area, where nature still holds an important place.
The 2nd city Republic of Armenia (Gyumri) is also a place to visit. I did unfortunately have not yet made, but I intend to go.
Other obligatory passage: Sevan. The lake, whose area is about square 1416kilomètres, is located at 1916m above sea level and is surrounded by mountains.
But do not expect too can swim in water at a pleasant temperature, because it never exceeds the 18 degrees!
In addition, you must protect yourself from the sun because it burns more than it does bronze in Sevan!
But this area is still magnificent, and deserves one goes there.
short, I do not want to spend this text into a tourist guide, so I'll stop here.
But know that the Republic of Armenia is the perfect compromise between nature, mountains, rural life and the eventful life of the city. Here you can take long walks, just as you have fun and hang out with friends in bars, pubs, nightclubs (yes!), Discos, etc.. Capital.
Other obligatory passage: Sevan. The lake, whose area is about square 1416kilomètres, is located at 1916m above sea level and is surrounded by mountains.
Only Do not expect too can swim in water at a pleasant temperature, because it never exceeds the 18 degrees!
In addition, you must protect yourself from the sun because it burns more than it does bronze in Sevan!
But this area is still beautiful, and deserves that one goes there.
short, I do not want to spend this text into a tourist guide, so I'll stop here.
But know that the Republic of Armenia is the perfect compromise between nature, mountains, rural life and the eventful life of the city. Here you can make long hiking, as you have fun and hang out with friends in bars, pubs, nightclubs (yes!), discos, etc.. Capital.
Yerevan is a city that never sleeps, you know!
On a bit more my volunteering here, everything is going very well. The framing is perfect, combining support and Freedoms. Support when problems and concerns. Freedoms of movement, professional freedom as well.
In short, I'm free as a citizen here, while being "protected" box.
In addition, my project deals with subjects that I like: webmastering, graphics work, engeering with Armenian organizations Europe, etc..
As I am of Armenian origin, working as European Voluntary here I really like. After my EVS in a few months now, I have many projects here.
This experience made me a lot: -Knowing another culture (although I already knew the culture of Armenia, the Armenians living in France have cultural differences with Armenians living in Armenia Republic).
-Meet other European volunteers, other motivations, philosophies.
-Earning the trust in me see the fruits of my work and feel useful.
Being a bit more sociable, and drop some barriers, some prejudices.
-Living in perfect harmony with the country, like any other citizen.
-Acquire new professional knowledge.
This volunteer has been that happiness, and gave me new perspectives.
It's not often that I venture gratitude towards the European institutions, but it is clear that all European volunteering made available by the European Commission are very successful and very often the whole meet expectations of volunteers.
