Random shots

Flowers, apricots, and sunshine on our coffeetable.
We recntly found this park near our office. We walk through here on our way to and from the bus stop.
We took this while climbing up the cascade the other night on our way home from an evening workshop. There are many gardens and fountains included in the cascade and it's especially beautiful at night with the lighting. It's a work in progress and will be breath-taking when complete. Actually much of Yerevan is a work in progress - there is building construction everywhere. I'd love to come back in 10 years and see what it has become.

More from Trip to Ani

Typical farming equipment in this part of the world.
I asked Dad to get nearer to this russian thistle so I could include it in a picture of him - he took me seriously - ouch!
Some lovely desert color.

Trip to Ani

Here we are at Ani - well, actually Ani is now in Turkey, so we are across the ravine from the actual city ruins, since the border is closed. Ani was once the capital of Armenia, back in the 8th century, I think. We took our P day and went on this day trip with a tour group from Yerevan. Three other Sr. Missionary couples also went.
On the way back from Ani, we stopped at this Church that was built in the 4th century. There are caves under the building that were used in times of attack. We dropped down into one which was a nice break from the heat.
The tour package said it included a meal. You never know what that might mean, and in this case it was a picnic by the side of the road. The vans just pulled over - some women spread a couple of tablecloths on the ground, sat down and began cutting up tomatoes. They handed a some bread to each person and offered cold soda - that was it. Cows had recently been in the area, so we had to watch where we stepped - very rustic - but somehow charming - like stepping back in time. We had a great day complete with a touch of sunburn.

Malatia

This is our Malatia Branch meetinghouse. The building also houses a small market on one end and a taxi service on the other. It's about a 30 minute bus ride for us from our apartment. We often see pony cart rides being offered around the central square in Malatia.

Mother of Armenia

On our morning walk we often go through the Mother of Armenia Park not too far down the hill from us. The statue is very large - you can see it from all over the city of Yerevan. She is flanked by a missle on one side and a tank on the other. The view of the city below is taken from the base of the statue. We like to walk there, because it gets us out of traffic and the walkways are nice and broad. We don't see many people out for exercise except here in the park. The Mother of Armenia is where a Dedicatory Prayer for the country is said every June 24th - she is actually a holdover from when idols were worshiped here, but now she somehow blends in with the state Christian religion. Doesn't look like a force to reckon with, with her sword and shield?

window view

The view out our sunroom window. I don't know if you can see the barbed wire along the top of the wall. Can you believe it - We are next door to a Russian military installation! It's a far cry from East Dover.

Yerevan Shenka

Can you see Dad? This is our apartment complex - our building is actually behind this one.

Bye Bye McOmbers!

Our Branch held a going away party for the McOmber family who have been here in Yerevan for 3 years. He works for the US Embassy as a PA. Our Malatia Branch is small - and now that the McOmbers have left, even smaller. We love the members - they are all so kind to us.