Six weeks in Armenia...Volunteering

Kareen Boyadjian
USA

Six weeks ago, countless thoughts were circulating in my head as I was driving to LAX to finally embark on my trip to Yerevan, Armenia. The preparations were made, including living arrangements, work appointments, orientation dates, and a collection of relatively generic, yet comforting thoughts of what I expected to participate in throughout the trip. However, in hindsight, all the planning and imaginary expectations couldn’t possibly have prepared me for such an inconceivable experience.

When I first reached Yerevan, I was not aware of how prominent the language barrier was. Back in Los Angeles, I attended an Armenian school for 15 years and so I believed my language experience was more than necessary to get by in Yerevan. My assumption could not have been more incorrect. It was when I first heard the lightning speed at which the locals spoke, and the effortless insertions of Russian slang that led to me believe the language may take some getting used to. Furthermore, it took close to a week to easily understand the great majority of daily conversation that took place in my work environment and otherwise.

Daily wardrobe, on the other hand was a little more difficult getting used to. Coming from Southern California, I’m used to the daily uniform consisting of jeans, a t-shirt with converse all-stars of every color. Once again, I could not have been more wrong. In Yerevan, the daily wardrobe consists of tight jeans, skirts, frilly tops and high heels. In rain or shine, through potholes and up multiple flights of stairs, high heels must be worn at all times, and any other type of footwear, signals “tourist.” At that point, one might as well be wearing a gigantic camera around their neck with a map in their hands and a LA Dodgers baseball cap.

Things to note when first arriving to Armenia:

Do not have expectations

Try to have an Eastern Armenian friend with you at all times… they really come in handy!

If you’re a Western Armenian speaker, remember, “gor = oom em,” “yao = eli,” “hajees = khntrem” “T = D” “K = G” “P = B” “S = Z” “ooghigh = straight”

In the work place, it is okay to work at a slower pace… everyone does. (don’t slack off though)

Getting the Armenian menu – the biggest compliment
Getting the English menu – slight insult (you’re probably wearing sneakers)

Work environment is very much similar to a family environment… don’t be so serious

SAS Supermarket delivers!

You will always different because you look different, speak different and act different… instead of imitating them, observe them, and embrace the differences.

Everyone stares… it’s okay, it’s not because there is something in your teeth

Always carry manr’s (change)… everyone hates making change

Kareen Boyadjian is volunteering with ReAnimania Film Festival.

Wednesdays with Tatevik - March 3, 2010

Tatevik Revazian
Denmark

So today I received a wonderful email. I can stay longer in Armenia. I don’t know the exact date I will be going home, but the fact is that I will be here in April to enjoy the great weather, go on excursions and see parts of Armenia I’ve never seen. I do not want to leave ”im hayrenika” (my homeland). Because of my good mood I had the need to just enjoy it. The result was that I found the Sacre Coeur of Yerevan! Right now I am sitting on the top of the Cascade with the most beautiful view of the opera, and the mountains are slightly visible in the background. On my way up couples were enjoying each other’s company and some were drawing – the only thing that is missing is a bit more sunshine (although I am not complaining about the weather here) and some music.

It should not be a surprise anymore- I’ve had a great week again. A couple of days ago I went to a concert with the other volunteers. The band, Reincarnation, is the only raggae-band in Armenia and the music and performance was awsome. We had a wonderfull time dancing like crazy and laughing.

Another great thing is that I bought a great piano (pianos are very inexpensive here), which means I have no limits to practicing anymore. This was one of my goals coming to Armenia. I’ve heard so much that the musical education is great here –and there is no doubt about that.

Friday we (all of the AVC and other Birthright Armenia volunteers) went to Sevan’s (Kabakian, Birthright Armenia) beautiful house and had a great time eating together, hearing the new volunteer from Argentina sing, seeing Sevan’s children dancing, and playing games.

I finally finished learning the alphabet, so now I can be proud to say that I can read and write Armenian. Now I just need to practice hard to be more fluent. It seems like a small achievement, but the feeling is great. Being able to speak Armenian has enhanced me a lot, but being able to read and write makes me feel even more connected to Armenia.

I went skating this week with my cousin and some friends. The Hamalir (Sports Complex) is a great place. We had a blast. Afterwards my cousin invited me to the house of his friend because the family had heard a lot about me and they wanted to meet me. We had very interesting discussions and one of the subjects was very close to my heart. The little sister in the family, 16 years old, reminded me very much of myself. I could see a special drive in her, but as is the case in so many families they saw this has a weakness, because a girl has to be modest. But I felt that the parents actually wanted to listen to me. My opinion was important to them. Because I am a girl with my own opnion, but at the same time I share their values of being respectful. It seems that they understand that being independent as a girl does not necessarily mean not respecting the surrounding environment. I think this is one of the subjects we are going to discuss tonight at the Birthright Armenia forum, which is just perfect!