Part One – Absent in Armenia

Good morning, good afternoon and good evening readers,

Today, we went to a dissemination seminar where new volunteers were introduced to the Armenian Red Cross and its activities. Amy and I have concluded that it is important to be surrounded by the Armenian language as we are learning it. But lawdy, lawdy it is overwhelming. We participated in all the activities, with some translation at the beginning and then less as the day progressed.

One hour and forty five minutes later…

I am in the corridor waiting to use the toilet. In all honesty, I am just wasting time. I need a wee a tiny bit but I probably could have held it. I just had to leave the room as I was drowning in the sea of the Armenians. My brain was picking up the occasional word like “Inch (what)” and “Ropar (minute)”, but “What minute?” isn’t really a conversation is it. I am pretty confident in group activities back in the UK and to feel this way is really uncomfortable. This new language thing is really throwing me off. Even with the translation I find it difficult to fully engage and participate.

I am now back in the room, sat at the side reading “The Book of Joy”. Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu… save me brothers!! One of the volunteers came and sat next to me. They asked what I was reading, and we then discussed joy. Turns out they follow many beliefs that are similar to Buddhism. Oh man, what an interesting guy. He has told me several times before that his English is not that great, however he still made the effort to sit with me and have a discussion about joy. These people are so inspiring. I can learn from them every day.

Part Two – Never go to Bed on a Negative

Amy and I ummed and ahhed as to whether to go home after the seminar or meet one of the volunteers. We’ve decided that if the day has been challenging, it is important to meet with a volunteer one on one. Also, we really wanted to meet with this volunteer. Let’s turn this ship around boys, away from the treacherous waters.

It was definitely the right idea. We went to this amazing restaurant in a courtyard. It was hidden behind a tourist souvenir shop and you would never ever had guessed it was there! They also had this old truck which they used as a stage for live music. The restaurant served traditional Armenian food. We had cheese, bread and a kidney bean salad. I then had Dolma and oh mama that is some good grub! It is minced meat wrapped in this cabbage like leaf, served with sour cream. The others wanted to take pictures, but I had my head down and was seriously tucking in!

We chatted about education in Armenia, their progression into careers and also the drinking culture here. Apparently, for thirteen years old to be the first time you have gotten drunk is quite young. LOL. I am such a cultured alcohol consumer.

Today’s lesson: No matter how treacherous the road made be, you must always keep going, as you will never know what is waiting for you in a hidden courtyard.

In kindness,
C x