Why repatriation to Armenia is a good idea right now
My son [NAME REDACTED] is about four months old now, and despite his inability to speak, he’s become quite communicative. My wife says he’s trying to bond with me, and what he really wants is for me to talk back to him. Since he seemed particularly chatty this weekend, I thought I’d strike up a conversation. Naturally, I first brought up the weather. I also inquired about his views on dividend investing. Then, as I casually leaned up against the door frame, I let out a “Crazy times we’re livin’ here, eh?” — nothing. The muted howling noises only increased in intensity.
Out of ideas, I reached for the nearest book. ‘All he really wants is to hear the sound of my voice,’ I thought to myself as I flipped the cover and started reading:
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Well, unfortunately it’s not all fairytale in Armenia. I have lived outside of it for 27 years, since I was 6. My mentality (and many other people’s) is so different from people in Armenia that it’s unbearable for me to be there more than a week. And from what I hear from my relatives there, it’s not good there and even the new government sucks. I don’t find the economic prosperity only is a good idea to move to Armenia (for many people like me). I’ll take the gator in Florida any day over moving to Armenia lol
Hi Susanna,
Please could you be so kind as to provide an example of a difference in mentality between people in the Republic of Armenia and Floridians that would make it unbearable for you to stay in Armenia for more than a week.
With an attitude like that you’re probably better off not being here either. Enjoy the gators!
Raffi, thanks for your lovely article. I also believe that there hasn’t been a better time for us diasporans to finally repatriate to the motherland. My wife and I were supposed to have begun that journey this past March had the pandemic not hit, but we’re definitely coming to join you next March. As Susanna says above, we know it’s not all fairytale, but it’s OUR motherland. Let’s not fool ourselves, we will not be able to survive as Armenians outside our lands no matter how many schools and churches we build. Those are all sandcastles built at the beach that will be washed away much sooner than we think.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Mr. Pogarian. You are coming next March? You ARE a knight! When you come, drop-in on us in Yeghegnadzor!
It is not fairy-tale alright and poor people (those who, after 30 years, have not yet been able to adjust to the transition from planned to market-economy) are still suffering. But as Mr. Elliott cleverly points-out, with remote work, you can do whatever you are now doing from Denver as well as from the top of our mountain in Yeghegnadzor. (Incidentally, I have better internet in Yeghegnadzor than I do in Canada, for 1/5th the price).
I would add for those who still poo-poo repatriation: Դուք ինչպես, օտար աշխարհներ ընկած’, չեք մեռնում վշտից? (H. Shiraz)
Antoine, thanks for the encouragement to repatriate. We definitely will visit you in Yeghegnadzor. We are planning to settle in the village of Gosh in Tavush. How long have you been living in Armenia?
Asbed Jan:
Tavush is beautiful. You have a wonderful dynamic Srpazan Bagrat Galstanyan. I am sure you will enjoy it.
In answer to your question: We came to Armenia in May 2002 supposedly to volunteer for one year only and feel good that we served our Motherland. But within 3 months we had fallen in love with the people (that we had heard so many negative things about in the previous years) and this is how we bought an abandoned house on the top of a mountain.
Armenia is not a fairytale and it’s not for everyone. But it is an exciting time to be here. And there are opportunities — to make a living, to have experiences — for those that seek them and for those they fit.
Armenia still needs to develop and grow economically . Yes , the standards of living may be low but for Armenians in the West , it is assumed they will come in with more capital . Meaning they and invest with lower risk in business and real estate and develop jobs and industries . The West , Canada and the US especially is oversaturated . Businesses , gigs , jobs are all oversaturated. Armenia if the policies are right can be what Kuwait and Qatar were in the 90s and 2000s . A place where diasporans and expats can make a better living than in the West.
My heart yearns for Hayastan. Born in the U.S, but I have always felt a calling to go “home”.