Day 1 & 2
While we were in Digin Ardemis’s room we all couldn’t believe that this day had come. We were all anxious to leave and see our homeland. We finally left for Logan Airport, we had to wait in line to get our bags weighed, so I had a long talk with Gregory, Beyina and her dad. Finally we got everything done and left for Paris. The airplane was big, but the seats were cramped. After six and a half hours passed we got off the plane and stretched. We were finally in Paris we were bored so we played on the PS3’s over there, we had fun.
We were finally going to Armenia on the last plane. It was only five hours long. When we finally reached Armenia I couldn’t believe it! At first I was homesick and missed my family, but then when I saw it, the hotel, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was beautiful. And I said maybe I can wait for a few days. I love Armenia so far I hope it’s like this for the whole time we are here.
Carlo Vosbigian & Emma Surenian
Day 3
On our first day of excursions, we went to Vakharshapat (now Echmiadzin). In 4th century King Yervand was founder of Echmiadzin. We went to Mayr Tajar. Mayr Tajar was built in 301-303 B C. It felt so good when we prayed and lit the candles. Local newscasters interviewed us. After visiting the Mayr Tajar we went to the Cultural school of Echmiadzin where we saw lots of Armenian historical artifacts. The school is for kids who can come and learn art. We had lunch and the young artists performed. Then when we were done the workers made us food and we ate, and it was delicious. When we were done eating the kids did a mini concert. We were all dancing and singing and had fun. Everyone bought souvenirs.
We visited Oshagan where St. Mesrob Mashdots was buried At Oshagan we went to St.Mesrob Mashdots’ grave. It was very special. I am so lucky to see all of the things that I learned in school. It was fun to run around the yard and find our carved Armenian letters.
Our final destination was Dizernakabert . We all bought flowers. We all went to a big museum to look at the Armenian Genocide pictures. They were all really sad. Then we watched a video of the Genocide and then you can really see how the Genocide happened. When we went through the big memorial we put our flowers next to the fire and then we did the prayer. We had a moment of silents. When we were finished we did a group picture then we went to the bus.
We went to a a really good restaurant called Tabbouleh. It was a really good and yummy food. I hope you guys go there next year.
Vickie Bazarbashian
Day 4
Today we all got up very early and ate a wonderful breakfast then prepared to depart for Karapagh. Our first stop was Gomidas Ayiki where we visited Gomidas’s Cemetary and sang one of his famous songs “Gakavig”. This cemetery is also the resting place of man authors, writers, singers and actors.
The next stop was to Khor Virab where Krikor Lusavorich was imprisoned for thirteen years. Some people were scared to climb down a steep ladder to the dungeon. Once down, the room was dark, small and had no way out. A small opening in the ceiling was used to drop food and water. Once we got out of Khor Virab, we took the bus to Noravank.
On the way, we saw beautiful scenery of the countryside and vineyards. In the hills stood two churches Noravank and Hopabahk. Once we got there, we ate lunch prepared by the local people who made fresh lavash bread and in gratitude we sang to them for entertainment. On the way we saw many sheep herders and their sheep . After the long journey in the bus we arrived in Shushi, Karapagh which is known for its charm, traditions and history.
Taline Chaprazian
Day 5
Today we visited the Shushi school in Artsakh to meet the kids. We went in the principal’s office and she introduced us to the school. The school was brand new with a turf field and a stand to watch what is going on, on the field. We took a quick trip to Shushi Cathedral then went back to the school played soccer, and we won. But those boys in Armenia who played soccer were extremely good.
After that we went to the Shushi Museum and the guy talked about Shushi and the war in Artsakh. Some peoples’ stomachs were bothering them. We got a panorama view of Amaras. Also we saw the Armenian alphabet on the ceiling that Mesrob Mashdots put so that the kids could learn Armenian in an easier way. We were walking on top of the buildings at Amaras and there were a lot of ditches which you really couldn’t see and it was really dangerous because you could fall down them, but we didn’t care because we were all having fun. The hotel food in Artsakh (Shushi Grand Hotel) was way better than the hotel food in Yerevan(Marriot). Tonight was karaoke night!
Ani Ganjian
Day 6
Today we went to the first tank ever liberated in Shushi. I felt so proud that I stood on the tank that freed Shushi. We all had to go up ramps to get to the tank which was put on a high stand. We all climbed up it and took pictures, for me it was kind of scary because I’m scared of heights. Then we went back down and walked to the bus. Next we went to Kantsasar which was built in 1216. At Kantsasar we saw and learned about this dome which had the 4 symbols on it of the 4 evangelists. The lion, eagle, bull,and angel. We all got to sit on a horse there and take pictures and ride on it.
Later our bus driver surprised us and we went to this place where there were goats and a big statue of a lion. We fed some of the goats. Then we went to a restaurant in the village like villagers actually lived there. We saw live chickens, piglets, and baby chicks. The chicks were so cute and some people held them, it fit right in our palms. We ate food there, bought some souvenirs, and left. Later we went to Menk Enk Mer Sarer. Which is also called mamign oo babig. It was so cool. Vickie’s mom said that there use to be a stair case there so you could climb up but it got ruined. We took a big group picture. Some people tried to climb it but it didn’t work.
Next we went to the fallen heroes museum. It was full of pictures of the fallen heroes. Lastly we went to a Military Base, I was kind of scared and excited at the same time. It was very cool, when we just got there we played soccer with some kids there that were just playing on the streets. After we played the soldiers were ready for us so we went into the center they practice. We all sang for them and then went inside to look around for a bit. After that we went to the department where they sleep. The head of the soldiers said that they stay there for 2 years but get 1week of vacation. They showed us where they get there hair cut and sew. This day was pretty cool I had a lot of fun.
Sarine Mahrokhian
Day 7
Today, we woke up and had breakfast at the hotel. We were all very excited because it’s our 7th day. The time has passed by so fast, and none of us want to go back to Boston. After breakfast, we all went on the bus. We got to Berdzor early so we had to wait a little before planting the trees. When it was time to plant trees, I felt so happy because I was helping my homeland in many different ways such as, giving food, keeping people alive with oxygen, helping Armenia not become a desert, and more.
It was really fun planting trees. We also took a lot of pictures. After that we went to the place where previous 5th graders have planted their trees and took a picture with our school’s plaque.
After that, we went to Datev Monastery. To get to the Monastery, we had to take the tramway. It was so fun but really slow. The Datev Monastery was built in 906. From 1390 to 1435 there was a university, a school of miniature and ancient manuscript transcription art at Datev Monastery. It was really beautiful seeing the monastery and the way they make oil in the oilery. It was just really beautiful. Then, we rode back on the tramway. When we got back we saw that there was a park, so we played for 15 minutes. After that, we had a really good lunch at this outdoors place which was really yummy. Then, we got back on the bus for 5 more hours to go to Yerevan.
Patil Mahserejian
Day 8
Today we visited the Broshyan school. We met the kids in fifth grade and introduced ourselves. Then we went to Fallen Heros Bantyon and planted trees. We had a fun time planting the trees in the holes, then watering them. I think by planting the trees together we all got to know each other better.
After that we went to Armenia Tree Project Education Center in Karin. We talked about forests and what they do and give to people. We said that the trees in the forest give us oxygen and fruit. They also give us paper and wood to make houses. We were also assigned partners to talk with. When we had lunch, both the classes taught each other new games. We took pictures near the plants and got on the bus to go to the Madenataran.
When we got to the Madenataran, we saw all kinds of books including the Giant and the Dwarf. Madenataran was built in 1957 by Mark Grigoryan. The Madenataran also has ancient manuscripts and illuminated manuscripts. We saw a rock that said “Whoever destroys our churches will be punished and cursed by God. I had a really fun time looking at the books, planting and learning about trees. Today was awesome!
Beiyna Chaparian
Day 9
This morning we went to the slopes of Arakadz. We took pictures, saw statues of Armenian letters and statues of famous Armenian figures. On the way there we saw a really pretty dog walking around, but the parents wouldn’t let us pet it. On the way to Lori we saw beautiful mountains and the city of Spidag damaged by the 1988 earthquake and was completely renewed. We next went to the famous Armenian poet, Hovanes Toumanians home and museum. We learned about his life and how he had ten children. We saw the downstairs of his house then went upstairs to see his room and his clothes and furniture he made himself.
During the bus ride we listened to Victoria read a fairytale by Hovanes Toumanian and listened to peoples jokes. After that we went to a restaurant. It was really good. The view is amazing and you would never see it anywhere else but here. The river near the town we ate lunch at was going very fast and was beautiful because of how the water toppled over the rocks. After eating we went to Sanaheen monestary. It was mostly damp and dry on the inside. We learned that the Turks would break the khatchkars in half so no one would know when and who made it. When we got to the main room it was raining hard. It was really hard to walk on the rocks.
On the way back to the hotel which won’t be for a lot more time. It was really fun to be on the bus with all of my closest friends. We’re all thinking about a party tonight. The moon is full and is soo pretty and bright. I’ll finish this by saying kisher pary and good night.
Nairi Enright
Day 10
Today was a free day for the parents, so we went to “Kaskad”. We saw many statues there that were made by different artists. We went through a small museum made by an Armenian artist. After touring the small museum, we took the escalator up to the top of Kaskad.
Kaskad is a place that just looks like a big staircase and when you get up, it’s the best view of Yerevan. We took pictures then went down the stairs. We walked to the children’s art museum and we were amazed by the wonderful art done by the young kids. One painting was a picture of a brother and sister playing in one of those old red wagons. The artist was a kid that was only 13 years old. Do you know the pictures in old restaurants, like Johnny Rockets? It looked like a real painting that an adult artist couldn’t even do. For lunch we went to Gusto’s pizzeria again and ate pasta.
All travelers had a free afternoon, so me, Carlo, Gregory, Beiyna, and Victoria with our parents went to the Play City to go-kart. The Go-Karts were pretty fast but all of us were very careful driving them. The others went to shop at Vernisage. At night, for our cultural event we went to a performance of Armenian folk dance and music. They used no microphones or speakers, but the sound was incredible. They sang my favorite song “Aragil” and danced to Aram Khachaturian’s famous “ Sabre Dance”. This was one of the best days we have had so far.
Emin Abrahamian
Day 11
This morning we went to the arch of Yeghishe Charents. It was really pretty. It also had a great view. We got to see mountains, a village and other wonderful sites. Yeghishe Charents would sit there every day looking at Ararat Mountain. He would sit there because that’s the best view of Ararat.
Then we went to Garni Pagan temple. Garni is the only pagan temple in Armenia. We also saw a king’s bathhouse. It said we worked, and worked, and worked but we didn’t get anything. That means that the slaves wrote that. Then we went to Geghard. That’s where the holly water is. If you are sick, and you drink the water you wouldn’t be sick again. But if you weren’t sick and you drank the water you will never be sick. Also Geghard is the only church carved or made from a boulder. Another name for it besides Geghard is AyriVank because it’s made out of a boulder.
Then we went to Lake Sevan. It was really pretty. We went up 122 stairs to the peninsula. Once we looked at the church we went back down Sevan and we all dipped our feet in. It was really cold. We all had a lot of fun. Then we went to the English Learning Center. We got to meet really nice kids. We played musical chairs and charades. It was really fun. That was an amazing day. We had a great time.
Christina Kew
Day 12
Today is May 28, Armenian Independence Day. We went to Sardarabad. There we saw the tower which displays 12 bells representing each of the 12 provinces. The 2 bulls on either side of the tower represent strength and victory. There were various groups of the Armenian military such as the police, army and marines.
We saw stealth fighter jets which flew really fast above us and let out red, blue, and orange colored smoke. We heard sonic booms (that’s when all of a sudden a jet goes really fast). We watched the beautiful celebration, then climbed Sardarabad, sang the Sardarabad song and took a picture.
Next, we were interviewed by various news stations. Then we took a walk to the National History Museum. But sadly because it was a holiday we couldn’t go in and see the 5,500 year old shoe.
Victoria Sarkissian
Day 13
Today we went to Sassoontsi Tavit statue that Yervant Kochar made. We also went into a museum that talked about the first train that came into Armenia in 1899. Nigola the 2nd helped build the railway by donating the money. When we were in the museum we saw a timeline that showed how the trains in Armenia changed over the years. We took a picture with King Arkishdi.
We went into the Erepuni museum and saw the birth certificate of Yerevan that Arkishdi made. We saw pipes that transported water in the B.C. age, spears, armor that protected the soldiers from arrows and spears, the helmets that we saw had inscriptions of battles, and there was also a shield that weighed 60 pounds used just for decoration during war. When people were digging to build a building they coincidentally found some pots with three holes that they had put a person’s ashes in bury it so the ashes would go to heaven. But they only do that to high ranked people.
When we went to the Vartan Mamigonian statue we took a picture and we talked about what we learned about him. We went to Grand Candy and everyone ate bonchigs (fried dough). Everyone got candy for relatives, and friends. After free time we are going to our final dinner. Everyone is both sad that we are leaving Armenia and happy that were leaving to see family. During these two weeks we all saw our ancestors’ homeland, and how they live. Armenia has been a great experience for everybody. See everybody Friday at school!!!!!!!
Gregory Cormier