Cathedrals and Stone Crosses and a New Apartment!

The past few days have been full of more Yerevan wandering, plus lots of running around--meetings with my Embassy contact, university administrators, and runs to multiple cellphone/internet companies, not including the move to my apartment! Luckily I'm all moved in with my incredible host mom in my amazing soviet flat, and to mark the end of my first week in Yerevan and a successful internet connection, here are some new pictures!

A dreamy, typical cafe lunch--fresh salad, lime/raspberry tea, and chicken kebab! I ordered this all in Armenian--it felt very exciting!

One of the parks that's a part of Yerevan's green belt. It's such a great city for strolls~

I feel really good about this little orange elephant and his beret!!!

Dubious. One thing I'm still getting used to is the lack of American food chains--no Starbucks, no McDonalds, no Target or chain book stores or even department stores. I'm not implying I miss them--it's just surprising!!

Yerevan's cathedral, dedicated to St. Gregory the Illuminator (who helped make Armenia the first Christian nation). It was built in 2001, to commemorate the 1700th year of Christianity in Armenia.

The few times I've been abroad long term, the first weeks have always overwhelmed me a little--I have a lot of those worries about understanding and being understood, making friends, trying to balance expectations with goals and hopes. When I got to St. Gregory's I sat down and immediately knew I needed to meditate a little, so I pulled out my worn copy of the prayer of St. Francis, which has to be the ultimate encouragement to "be your own champion."

Of course, if Saint Francis doesn't get you jazzed, Andranik Ozanian will! He was an Armenian freedom fighter who fought against the Turks and Azeris in the early 1900s. He's a big national hero in Armenia--the country's Robin Hood and Washington, all in one? He's so badass that he's astride two horses (one of which is trampling a snake).

Very close to the shopping center in Yerevan is a little side street where stonemasons carve khachkars, Armenian stone crosses.

I couldn't believe this was stone--the carving is so gorgeous and intricate I was sure it was wood. During my research before I came to Armenia, I read once that the stone cross was one of the iconic symbols of Armenia, like Mt. Ararat and the pomegranate.

One of the ubiquitous Russian Ladas that have almost killed me. I feel very safe in Yerevan, except when I cross the street!

Mt. Ararat at sunset

No words necessary~

(Mom, I told you everything in the stores were Russian--obviously I was wrong, HAHA)

Like I mentioned, this weekend I moved into the apartment I'll be staying at for the next year, which is the home of a wonderful Armenian women who often hosts travelers and Peace Corps volunteers. I am so thankful to the Fulbright embassy people for arranging this--I don't know if I've ever met someone so kind, and just from the past few days together I know I'm going to learn and laugh with her so much.

My room!!! I think it looks small in the picture (made smaller by my crazy unpacked clutter, which will soon be remedied!) but it feels so spacious, much bigger than any room I've ever had. The window makes it very light and airy during the day.

I debated leaving my little Pluto in the picture (street cred!!1) but when Zina (my host mom) saw him, she said, "Ha! All girl have talisman. You see mine too?" And she proceeded to show me into her room, where a little stuffed bunny reigned over her things. Soul sisters? I'm thinking.....yes. (also I am SO referring to stuffed animals as "talisman" from now on!!!)

The fantastic view from my bedroom window. I love my 'hood!! :)

That's it for now! It's getting late and I've been on my computer too long. This week should be great--the other Fulbrighters are here, I'm meeting with my university tomorrow to figure out my schedule, and I'm also having coffee with my potential Armenian teacher! Things are slowly falling into place :)

Love from Yerevan,

Lusi