My New Enthusiasm for Armenia

We are now visiting Yerevan, capital of Armenia. We have been here three days, and here are some quick first impressions.

On Saturday, 24 December we caught a four hour Aeroflot direct flight from Moscow to Yerevan. Unsurprisingly, the large majority of people flying to Armenia were Armenians, though surprisingly (at least to me), all the announcements at the waiting area and on the plane were in Russian, no messages repeated in Armenian. While were were in line to board the plane, I said something to Maria in English, and the girl in front of us turned around and looked at me like I was the biggest idiot she’s ever seen (all girls are born with a natural gift of being able to convey confusion, disgust, and disappointment all in one expression). These mysterious early encounters eventually explained themselves, which I’ll get into shortly.

I have been on various airlines in the USA, Europe, and the Middle East, and I do have to say that Aeroflot has the most beautiful smartly dressed stewardesses I have ever seen. Though in fairness, Russia has the most beautiful women in the world so perhaps they have an unfair advantage. The flight itself wasn’t too miserable for me, and perhaps it was these blue darlings flitting through the aisle that made the usually agonizing experience of flight in a sardine can more bearable.

Anyways, our hotel is right next to the Yerevan Cascade, which is perhaps the most recognizable landmark in the city.

I eventually came to find out why it was unnecessary to have airline messages broadcast in Armenian. Apparently, just about every Armenian person alive speaks fluent Russian. Fortunately, I sort of speak a little Russian after 3 months of classes, so am able to navigate most social and commercial situations with little difficulty. Though when we first landed at the airport, I struggled a little to convey what I wanted to a woman working in a cafeteria, and desperately asked if she spoke English. Nyet English, she answered, shaking her head a little at such a weird and stupid question.

After 3 days, I have many more thoughts, which I’ll share as I have time. For now, here are a few photos.

Ian Kummer

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