Michelle Hagopian’s Blog Posts from Armenia and Artsakh

Sept. 26

Today was my last day in Artsakh and it’s currently my last night in Yerevan. I leave tomorrow morning and I have mixed feelings about it: Am I glad to return home and get back to a semi-normal sleeping schedule? Yes. Am I happy about leaving the homeland? Not really.

I had one final breakfast with Baroness Cox and the team this morning at Nairi Hotel in Stepanakert, Karabagh. Last night–my final night with the group–Lady Cox gave me a necklace with the Armenian letter “M” (for Michelle) that she had had blessed by a Der Hayr at Gandzasar on Wednesday when we hiked to the church. I was so moved to receive such a meaningful gift. Every time I wear it, I will think of the phenomenal woman who gave it to me and the unforgettable experiences I shared with her and the Armenian people.

As I waved goodbye to the entourage gathered outside the hotel, I looked toward the mountains of Artsakh and braced for the six-hour cab ride to Yerevan. We left at 10:30 a.m. and didn’t get to the hotel until 5:30 p.m. because of a stop at Dzidzernagapert (the Armenian Genocide Memorial) in Yerevan. I couldn’t leave Armenia without visiting and paying my respects to those we lost nearly 100 years ago. We didn’t make it in time to visit the museum, but I will save that for my next trip.

Our schedule changed late last night; our group was supposed to meet with the Nagorno-Karabagh president in the morning and then head to Yerevan afterward. But that meeting was moved to later in the afternoon and I switched my plans to allow for a visit to the memorial and to relax a bit before waking up early on Friday morning.

I found the memorial striking. My cab driver got out of the car to accompany me and take photos of me there, which was very thoughtful. It was everything I had seen in photos and video, yet I was not aware it was so close to the city itself. For the longest time I had envisioned the monument miles away from urban life so that those who visit experience solitude. But I found its location fitting. I had one of the most stunning views of Mount Ararat, and today was so clear that I could see all of it for the first time on the trip.

To overlook Yerevan and the entire landscape framed the memorial in the best way possible. Music was playing and wreaths were laid out on the walls of the monument, with flowers surrounding the flame in the middle. I was overcome with emotion to think of the sacrifice and struggle we have endured to be where we are today. I got chills taking all of this to heart in such a powerful place.

After Dzidzernagapert, I was happy to return to the Ani Plaza Hotel, mainly because I knew I would have clean water again. In Artsakh, I experienced a shock to the system even though I drank only bottled water and used that for brushing my teeth, too. I think I accidentally slipped up and swallowed some water while showering, or perhaps the water used for our tea wasn’t completely sterilized after boiling. Regardless, the last few days had been a challenge.

And it made me think: I am only experiencing a few days of discomfort and sickness. What about Karabagh natives who have to deal with contaminated water day in and day out? It made me realize how fortunate we are in the West to have basic things like clean water, where we don’t have to think twice about brushing our teeth with tap versus bottled water.

But it also made me realize the importance of ongoing and expanded U.S. aid to Artsakh, something the ANCA works toward every year. Annually, Artsakh only receives about $2 million in foreign aid from the U.S. government. We continue to work to increase that.

That’s why the ANCA’s work matters. When you see the people it affects, it makes you understand what you’re doing in a more dynamic way. We need all the help we can get. I hope that, if nothing else, this blog has given readers a different perspective of Armenia and Artsakh. Perhaps something that will inspire you to reach out to us (e-mail me at michelle@anca.org) and join our grassroots effort. Our efforts are only as good as those we are representing, and that is both you here in the diaspora and our family and friends in the homeland.

I leave tomorrow morning for the U.S. and I look forward to documenting this trip further. In the meantime, please consider the issues that face our people and how you might be able to contribute to our cause.

Sept. 25

Today was my last full day with the group—I leave Thursday morning to go to Yerevan because I fly back to Boston on Friday morning. Our meeting with the Nagorno Karabakh President Bako Sahakyan is pushed back tomorrow to 5:30 p.m., which I was originally supposed to attend before heading to Yerevan. But silver lining: with that change in plan, I am able to get to Yerevan sooner to see Tsitsernakaberd, the memorial dedicated to the victims lost in the Armenian Genocide.

Our group is visiting the memorial sometime this weekend, but since I leave early many people strongly encouraged me to make time to visit it myself. I’m really looking forward to doing so—the photos and videos I’ve seen from friends and family are always so moving. I can’t wait to see it in person and experience that memory.

We woke up this morning and headed to the reopening of the “We Are Our Mountains” (otherwise known as the Dadig and Babig) monument. Apparently, when the monument was completed there never was a formal ceremony celebrating and announcing it to Stepanakert. Lady Cox was dressed in her finest, as were the rest of us, and it was so cool seeing the city turn out for this event. Similar to the hospital opening, there were balloons and music and dancing, speeches, and tons of press there.

It’s easy to see just how much the people of Karabakh care about their home. They have been active in every event we’ve attended, out in the streets as we drive by. I’ve seen the spirit and courage of these people in the two short days I have been here. It shows in their kindness and hospitality, whether by offering to make your stay at a hotel better or welcoming you into their museums and memorials. It’s remarkable.

After the reopening ceremony, we journeyed to Gandzasar monastery up in the mountains of Karabakh. The church is believed to be home to relics of St. John the Baptist.

Our buses stopped short of going all the way to the church at the top of the mountain, and some of us walked up the steep incline to get a different perspective of this experience. I was weary at first—being pretty out of shape and in thin mountain air—but it was very worthwhile to hike 45 minutes and see the church as the end point.

We then toured the monastery and received a brief history from a Der Hayr while surrounding the altar. The church looked similar to all the ones we’ve seen, but each one is also unique in its own way. You would think I’d be churched out by now, but it’s a treasure to see each one because it is a piece of our history. It’s well worth the journey to each sacred site.

After seeing the church, we checked out an undetonated bomb that is lodged in the stone wall surrounding the building. It was a remnant of the Artsakh War and most people walk by it without realizing it exists. Baroness Cox insisted we take a group photo in front of it, which she does every time she’s at Gandzasar.

Feeling rejuvenated from our pilgrimage up the mountain, we set off on a five-mile hike down the mountain. We walked more than two hours to a picnic camp ground for another khorovadz, right along a river. It was a gorgeous day here and as we walked down, I couldn’t help but wish I could bottle up everything I was feeling and save it for later. The breeze that hit us at the right time. The smell of the forests. The views of mountains that seemed to sprawl endlessly. I wanted to remember every moment, not just today, but every day of this amazing trip.

We walked along the river and several stray dogs joined us for our walk, which was a nice treat. We gave them water and later food at the picnic. I was a few seconds away from taking one home with me.

Our meal was hosted by a hero of the Artsakh War, yet another friend of Baroness Cox. His name is Aslan and he was so gracious to our group. Over grilled meat, vegetables and bread, everyone in the group introduced themselves as this was the biggest our group had been all week (17 people). Many, including me, got up to give a toast to great friends, the people of Karabakh and our hard-earned freedom.

It’s empowering to see the people who have fought for Artsakh and live to tell the tale. I’ve been in the company of former soldiers who were either pilots or who were on the ground just 20 years ago. To think that Azerbaijan is still violating the ceasefire and threatening our people is appalling.

This trip has given me faces to put to the issues the ANCA works on every day. I’m in a unique position as a guest of Baroness Cox’s because I hear the inside stories. Things like how she is on Azerbaijan’s black list because of her valiant work in Artsakh. It’s unbelievable how resilient this woman is and to see the number of people she has impacted. As Aliyev continues to threaten Armenians, we are not deterred because we have endured so much. And it’s hard to realize in the Diaspora how impacted our brothers and sisters in Armenia and Artsakh are from the repercussions of war, but being here has given me a fresh outlook.

I finally am seeing that the work I and countless others are doing both in the U.S. and abroad is significant. Not that I didn’t think it was before, but meeting the people whose lives have been displaced by war and struggle humbles you and makes you proud to be Armenian.

This journey has been life changing—I am privileged to be able to document it thus far and look forward to sharing more even upon my return to the U.S.

Sept. 24

What a day it has been. It was our first full day in Artsakh and it has been remarkable.

We started the day by attending a formal affair—the opening of the new Stepanakert hospital. I didn’t know what to expect but as we pulled up and I saw dozens of balloons, nurses, doctors, photographers, etc. I knew we were in for a fun day. As we walked into the middle of the courtyard, a line of nurses and students were holding balloons and the band started up for Baroness Cox.

The group in front of Ghazanchetsots Cathedral
The group in front of Ghazanchetsots Cathedral

Our crew walked in just before Artsakh’s president Bako Sahakyan and other dignitaries did. We settled in to take photos and video of the ceremony. Lady Cox speaks so eloquently and even when translated her passion and faith shines in every word.

We took a tour of the hospital after the ceremony, and it was very interesting to see how completely state of the art it was. The new hospital was built around the old one, which was affected by the Artsakh War. To see how our people have struggled and rebuilt during such difficult years was reaffirming and uplifting.

It also proves why the need to recognize Nagorno Karabakh’s self-determination all over the world is so crucial. As ANCA Eastern Region Executive Director, a big part of my job is to ensure we are working hard through our grassroots network to recognize Artsakh throughout the U.S. In fact, Maryland’s governor just referenced Artsakh freedom in a proclamation for Armenia’s 22nd Independence Day.

Our victories in the Diaspora affect everything, just like our victories in Armenia and Artsakh affect the work we do in the Diaspora. It’s even more important that we keep sight of things like Artsakh’s freedom when Azerbaijan’s president Ilham Aliyev continues to threaten to take over both Artsakh and Yerevan (http://www.anca.org/press_releases/press_releases.php?prid=2317). We must ensure that the U.S. and the Minsk group co-chairs condemn threats such as this.

As Armenians, we can never settle for what we have. Because we’ve experienced so much difficulty and struggle, we must continue to keep our freedom close to our hearts and minds. And that’s why I went on this trip – to do what I can to build relationships with those who have been undeniable allies to our people. Like Baroness Cox, who is the biggest champion Artsakh has. And, of course, to witness firsthand the people who have fought for our freedom and thank them and help them in any way I can.

So as we toured the hospital, I kept all that in mind. Afterward, we went to the museums of the fallen and missing soldiers of the Artsakh War. Both of these museums were started by mothers who lost sons and daughters in the war 20 years ago. Their courage and resilience showed in their faces—they were so welcoming and loved having us there. Their families held the front line of freedom for our people and these memorials serve as a way to remember and honor their bravery. The women presented us each with a book of the museum and Baroness Cox received a medallion as well.

We then journeyed to Shushi, the historic town that overlooks Stepanakert and is just a 20-minute drive away. The Ghazanchetsots Cathedral was the main purpose of our visit, and it did not disappoint. It was probably the most stunning church I have ever set foot in.

I could feel the history inside. During the Artsakh War, Azeris used the church to store deadly weaponry because they knew the Armenians would not bomb a church. It was strategic and appalling—as I looked around, I couldn’t imagine such a breathtaking sanctuary being used for evil. But it has withstood war, and it symbolizes the liberation of Shushi and our people.

Our group soaked in the peaceful atmosphere. We went into the basement behind the alter where a clergyman gave us a brief history of the church and the acoustics—there is a spot in the middle of the room that echoes your voice around the entire room (both bouncing off the walls and coming down through a hole in the ceiling). It’s so unique. These are the kinds of things one remembers on a trip like this.

We came back to Stepanakert and rested before going to an outdoor public children’s concert, which was lovely to see because thousands turned out for the event. As we drove back to the hotel, we saw a fireworks display. It was the perfect cap to a wonderful day.

 

Sept. 23

I’ve been traveling with Baroness Caroline Cox and her colleagues in Armenia since Sept. 20. Some members of the group, along with the Baroness, are staying until the 29th, but I have to depart early on Sept. 27. As such, I need to get as much out of my two full days in Artsakh as I can.

The group listening to Baroness Cox
The group listening to Baroness Cox

On Monday the 23rd, our group left Yerevan to travel to Artsakh for the next few days. We figured it would take about six hours to get there, but with several stops the trip ended up being nearly 11 hours total.

We were supposed to take a helicopter to Stepanakert provided by the Armenian government as a gift to Baroness Cox for her 80th trip here, but the weather proved unfavorable. As cool as that would have been, I’m happy to have had a chance to drive through our stunning countryside.

Our first stop was a quick restroom break and to stretch, but our second was spectacular. We drove further up into the mountains to Noravank monastery, a church from the 13th century near the city of Yeghegnadzor by the Amaghu River. There are actually two churches on site—Soorp Karapet and Soorp Astvatsatsin—both of which are built in the traditional Armenian way. But the landscape around the monastery is what makes the site even more remarkable.

Our group spent at least an hour there admiring the architecture, the landscape and the history. There were many tourists there as well, some from as far as China. Baroness Cox has been there a half dozen times at least but still regards it as sacred and one of a kind. I could see why—it was easily in the top 3 of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. It was so peaceful and silent up there that you could hear the bees buzzing around you.

After Noravank we drove a bit further to Parvani restaurant near the Arpa River where the owners prepared a tasty lunch for the group. It was such a unique place in that we literally dined on the river above it on a terrace that jutted over the water. Our hosts were so gracious and provided us with too much food—a common theme in Armenia and in the Diaspora among Armenians—but we enjoyed every bite. Baroness Cox then proceeded to share a few stories with us about her travels to Artsakh, which has happened at every meal so far on the trip. This is definitely a group of people who delight in telling and sharing stories, which I find refreshing.

Following lunch we continued on our drive and as we inched closer to Artsakh, the weather started becoming drearier. We drove cautiously (but not too cautiously…this is Armenia after all) through fog and rain before coming upon thunderstorms and more fog for nearly four hours.

We ended the day with dinner at the Nairi Hotel in Stepanakert, where we are staying this week. It’s definitely different than Yerevan, but the hospitality and charm is still present all the time.

I’ve come to appreciate sleep on this trip as I’ve never traveled overseas and have never experienced an eight-hour time difference and jet lag like this. Looking forward to a good night’s sleep and a new day in Artsakh tomorrow!

 

Sept. 22

Baroness Caroline Cox asked me to join her on her 80th trip to Armenia and Artsakh [Karabagh] back in December 2012 at the Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region (ANCA-ER) Banquet in New Jersey. I was flattered and immediately said yes, not knowing  whether or not I could see the plans come to fruition.

The group toasting with our hosts in Byurakan
The group toasting with our hosts in Byurakan

Thanks to my superiors and colleagues, the trip has indeed come together. And I’ve been here since Sept. 20 with the Baroness and her crew, some from her non-profit–Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART)–and other friends she’s met in her travels. I’m so fortunate to be here.

Today, we had a late start and left the hotel at noon. But before that, I woke up early to check out the Vernissage. It was a treat to see all the Armenian merchants spending their day together—most seemed to be family, or friends at the very least, and played cards and smoked cigarettes to pass the time together.

I perused for a while and used the little Armenian I do speak to converse with the locals. Much to my surprise I pulled it off quite well, but they also understood basic English. It’s a learning process to be sure. I also was able to read Armenian to add more money to my SIM card so I can access Internet from my phone. It’s the little things that boost one’s confidence, isn’t it?

I met the group at noon and we took our bus into the mountains outside Yerevan. We were journeying up to Amberd, a historic 7th-century fortress located 7,500 feet above sea level—and it showed with my ears popping the entire ride up Mount Aragats. The fortress is at the confluence of the Arkashen and Amberd rivers in the region of Aragatsotn. Along the way, Baroness Cox provided us with snippets of Armenian history and her journeys through our land.

As we approached the fortress and the Vahramashen Church located nearby, I saw cows, pigs, and horses all around us as other visitors snapped photos with the scenic background behind them. It was typical mountainous terrain—rocky, brown grass, steep–yet it was so breathtaking and silent that I truly felt at peace. Living just outside of Boston doesn’t provide many moments of solitude, so I’m taking advantage of those moments on this trip, especially thousands of feet above urban life.

We all climbed over jagged rock and down the stone steps to the fortress and the church, which has withstood so many years and so much history. Candles were lit inside and some of the locals were saying prayers. Several of them recognized Lady Cox and thanked her endlessly for her generosity to our people. Everywhere we’ve been thus far, Armenians have realized who Lady Cox is, and immediately introduce themselves and thank her. It’s very moving.

After Amberd, we drove back down the mountain to Byurakan, a village in the same region on the slope of Mount Aragats. It is the site of the Byurakan Observatory, which we were going to visit in the evening, but the weather proved to be problematic to see any stars. We went to a friend of Lady Cox’s in Byurkan whom she met 21 years ago during the dark days of the Artsakh War. He and his friends prepared a fantastic khorovadz for our group as a thank you to Lady Cox on her 80th trip to Haiastan.

The hosts were gracious to Baroness Cox and she was in return, as always. She presented a bottle of liquor to one host and a plaque to another—Stepan, who has been a pilot for her for years, particularly during the Artsakh War. It was a wonderful evening filled with good spirit, hospitality, and delicious food.

Lady Cox has thanked all of us in her group for joining her at least a dozen times each, which just goes to show how appreciative she is of others even though we should be celebrating her and her good work. Always humble and grateful for every experience, she is a testament to the good in humanity. It’s a pleasure to accompany her on this trip and to know her.

Tomorrow we head to Artsakh. Can’t wait to see the beautiful countryside I’ve heard about for so many years and to witness the historic land that has endured so much.

***

Sept. 21

I’m lucky enough to be accompanying Baroness Caroline Cox—a humanitarian and huge champion for Armenians who is visiting Armenia and Artsakh for the 80th time—on what is actually my 1st trip to Armenia.

The reception was a huge soiree with music, food, drinks and good company. President Serge Sarkisian was there and addressed the crowd, and then music and slideshows followed while everyone mingled.
The reception was a huge soiree with music, food, drinks, and good company. President Serge Sarkisian was there and addressed the crowd, and then music and slideshows followed while everyone mingled.

I’m only here one week and the first two days have already proven to be worth the long trip to get here. We’re staying at the Ani Plaza Hotel in Yerevan, a great location, and we spent Independence Day the right way.

After breakfast, we journeyed to Khor Virap, one of our most ancient and beloved sites. I’ve had Khor Virap as my desktop background on my computer for years, yet nothing compared to the beauty and awe as we drove up the path to the monastery. It literally took my breath away (so far, this entire visit has essentially taken my breath away).

The site was crowded because of the holiday, but we were able to sneak in line to experience the dungeon that St. Gregory the Illuminator suffered and survived in for 15 years so many centuries ago. Our group—six of us today—all went down. The Baroness led us all over Khor Virap, from the dungeon ladder steps to the steps of the church. It was truly an unforgettable experience.

To see Mount Ararat so clearly and so close was indescribable. We looked through binoculars and could see the Armenian-Turkish border and the patrol tower that the Turks occupy. I understand our geography and the history, but to see it in person is not the same. To see how close Armenians are to Turks rattled me a bit, even though this was not new information.

The author and Baroness Cox at Khor Virap.
The author and Baroness Cox at Khor Virap.

After Khor Virap, we journeyed to Geghard to pay our respects to another historic Armenian church. A few of us were (and are) still so jetlagged that we nodded off on the bus. The Baroness invited both colleagues and friends she has met through her work over the years on this trip, and it’s remarkable to see the range of people she has reached through her generosity. There are folks here from the U.S., Britain (where the Baroness lives), Burma, Germany, and more.

When we arrived at Geghard, I was taken aback by how secluded it was. What a great hidden treasure in the terrain of Armenia! I tend to get motion sickness, and to be honest once I saw what we’d have to drive through, I wasn’t totally looking forward to it, but I was completely wrong. Every journey is worth it when you’re visiting your roots for the first of many times.

Geghard was gorgeous. The church was busy (again, the holiday), and we saw at least three wedding caravans come up to the church. What a perfect day—both symbolically and weather-wise—to tie the knot. Cars were honking and people were yelling their congratulations as the soon-to-be wedded couples walked up the stone steps.

Our group went to the second floor of Geghard and found a lovely five-woman choir singing traditional Armenian hymns. They were spectacular. Growing up in the church, I’ve heard and grown accustomed to our music, liturgy, etc. But it’s a different experience to hear the harmony these five women created in a space that was so acoustically perfect. I took as much video as I possibly could, but that experience is one that cannot be replicated.

As we left the church and walked among the merchants selling fruit and bread in their stands on the side of the road, I already felt fulfilled. As soon as I saw Mount Ararat in person, I felt fulfilled. We drove back to Yerevan to get ready for an Independence Day reception at the Karen Demirdjian Complex, which was widely attended.

The reception was a huge soiree with music, food, drinks, and good company. President Sarkisian was there and addressed the crowd, and then music and video slideshows followed while everyone mingled. I saw a few colleagues—ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian and ANCA Western Region Board Member Nora Hovsepian—among the crowd. We all went through the line to toast the dignitaries (President Sarkisian, his wife, the president of Artsakh, etc.).

We concluded the day with dinner and drinks, and it didn’t hit me until then how much we had done in one day, let alone on Independence Day. Hands down, the best Armenian Independence Day I’ve experienced (what could be better than being in Yerevan?).

It’s been an adventure so far. I look forward to sharing more with you as I join Lady Cox and my new friends this week!

Michelle Hagopian

Michelle Hagopian

Michelle Hagopian is the chairwoman of AYF-YOARF Central Executive. She has served as the executive director of the Armenian National Committee of America, Eastern Region.

12 Comments

  1. How much more can we take of the “first time I saw Ararat” narrative? Why does our Diaspora press keep publishing these articles?
    Now, 22 years after independence, when members of the Diaspora travel here, we want to hear stories like:
    1) the first time I met Sona Ayvazyan and learned more about her work fighting corruption and demanding greater transparency and accountability
    2) the first time I met journalist Tsovinar Nazaryan and heard her brother Artak’s story which inspired me to join her fight to uncover abuse in Armenia’s military
    3) the first time I met lawyer Artur Grigoryan or journalist Anna Shahnazaryan and understood what it means to protect our pristine forests and demand that big mining companies do business responsibly
    4) the first time I met women’s rights advocate Lara Aharonian and discussed domestic violence legislation and the challenges faced by Armenia’s women
    5) the first time I met Sarhat Petrosyan and learned more about the destruction of historical buildings and illegal construction in Yerevan
    6) the first time I met lawyer Vahe Grigoryan and learned about the six months he sat in jail on trumped up charges because he chose to take cases to protect the property rights of Northern Ave. homeowners
    And the list of talented, inspiring people who can tell you great stories of courage and perseverance is endless … let’s work to change the narrative.

  2. Sara,

    There is a vast spectrum that describes where Armenians exist in regards to their Armenianness as well as activism. There is nothing wrong, and in fact much to gain, from those being drawn to Armenia if simply to see Mt. Ararat and experience Armenia for the first time. I know of very few that would go to Armenia the very first time strictly to fight the issues that exist there. For that matter, I know very few individuals anywhere in the world willing to make such a trip. But if they go once, they will want to go again and again. And each time they go, their ties to the homeland will increase. Their desire to improve the plight of those living there will increase as well.

    We tend to expect Armenians to go from 0 to 100 in half a second instead of fostering growth over long periods of time. I am not promoting a false vision of a fairyland, but at the same time neither do I want to strip the sense of awe and inner emotional links that exist among the youth of the Diaspora from years of living separated from a homeland they still take pride in against all the overwhelming odds of assimilation.

    George Aghjayan

  3. Sara, makes great points. I want to read articles like the ones she suggests. Editor, please give us more of these. But…Ms. Hagopian is no less entitled to write about her “first time I saw Mt. Ararat” experience. I enjoyed it.

  4. I must say I agree with Sarah

    I don’t the narrative expressed by the woman who wrote the article, as it pretty much describes the emotions of every Diaspora member’s first visit to Armenia, but its been twenty years already, its not like this is newsworthy. Why doesn’t ArmenianWeekly/Azbarez focus on real issues in Armenia, so that the Diaspora can have a more mitigated view that isn’t just about the first time they saw Ararat, but also about the business dealings of the President/ Catholicos…This is how Serj Sargsyan dupes Diaspora Representatives into believing the whole “Armenia is a stable democracy in the region, and though there are problems, Serj Sargsyan is doing everything he can to make things better” – Sargsyan and his cronies have learned how to deal with the Naive diaspora representatives..a nice smile, a “we are building a country together” speech, and voila, a cheque in his pocket.

  5. Good points about allowing for the magic of the place to set in. Still I would like to offer Ms. Hagopian the opportunity to experience a deeper sense of awe which comes with building relationships with the human beings doing truly heroic work here.

  6. Thank you for your comments. To clarify, I do not think any Armenian who is visiting Armenia for the first time should be criticized for writing about his or her experience and the awe one feels for that first experience. It’s irreplaceable.

    If you continue to read this blog you will find that I am indeed meeting the people who live in our beautiful land – they’re the ones I interact with every day with Baroness Cox. It’s a privilege to be witnessing first hand how she has impacted the lives of people here, and I am doing what I can with our group to impact them as well. My documenting the trip is only a bonus for me – to see everything and remember it forever through photography and writing is something I had always planned to do.

    I realize there are bigger issues at hand in the Diaspora and in Armenia, but we should welcome and celebrate every Armenian’s pilgrimage to the homeland every time. What’s the point in celebrating our culture if we can’t do that in addition to discussing the important issues?

    Thank you for reading.

  7. Hopefully the next time Sarah goes to Armenia – we will read articles regarding the issues she mentions. Looking forward to them. Michelle – good luck and keep up the great work.

  8. We lived for more then 40 years in the diaspora, we used to drink double black scotch, announcing “Bidi hasnink kou gadarin” while looking at the oil painting of Ararad hanging on the wall, while our people were suffering under the soviet regime. Then we moved to Armenia 15 years ago now we feel the pain and suffering of our people on our own skin but we love our lives and enjoy every minute of the struggle we go through. Diaspora will always be diaspora. In a few words “I was once a Michelle, now I am a Sara.

  9. I found Michelle’s article informative, entertaining, and extremely rewarding. I look forward to more of Michelle’s observations in the future. She sounds like a dynamic leader- a trait not limited to just Armenian organizations and/or issues.

    The content presented in Michelle’s article is consistent with community focus the Armenian Weekly has presented for decades. Yet, the Weekly has evolved in terms of content, scope, and technological access as the Armenian experience has become more enhanced, and in some cases, complicated.

    I would encourage Michelle to continue to share her experiences and let the Editor decide if it is “fit for print”. That, I assume, is the dominant complaint here and on Facebook.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*