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Katie
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| Posted: May 14 2006 at 11:54pm | IP Logged
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We just returned from a few days in Armenia, and I thought my Catholic homeschooling friends would appreciate some of the fun we had. I don't have pictures developed yet, but I'll add some Wikipedia links.
We drove to Yerevan, the Armenian capital. It is about 5 hours from Tbilisi, and a gorgeous drive through the Caucasus mountains. It was disconcerting being in a country unable to speak the language at all (or Russian) - reminded us of when we first arrived here - but we found many more English speakers than in Georgia. The Armenian language has its own orthography, as does Georgian, so we didn't go to the trouble of learning yet another alphabet for a five-day trip!
Yerevan was beautiful and showed signs of rejuvenation only beginning to show themselves in Tbilisi. The people were warm and friendly.
Some of the highlights were a visit to the religious center of the Armenian church at Echmiadzin where we saw one of the spears that is supposed to have been used to pierce Christ's side on the cross. It was huge; a great big weapon with a head the size of a hand. Also supposed to be on display was a piece of Noah's ark, carbon dated 6000 years old, but unfortunately it was travelling to Russia, much to the disappointment of the children. We did get fabulous views of Mount Ararat, though. Mount Ararat
We also visited The Temple at Garni and Zvartnots as well as the beautiful monastery at Geghard Here there is a chapel hewn out of the rock and intricately carved and decorated, the life's work of one craftsman. It was amazing.
Thanks for sharing in our fun!
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MaryM
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What a fascinating trip. Thanks for sharing.
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Mary M. in Denver
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Erin
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Katie
This is great  Thanks for sharing, can't wait till the children come home so I can show them.
I've been meaning to ask you, how long are you in Georgia for? And more embarassingly where is Georgia? 
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Erin
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Katie
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Erin,
You are not alone in wondering where Georgia is. It is a former Soviet republic, we are nestled south of Russia, north of Turkey, east of the Black Sea and north/northwest of Armenia and Azerbaijan. If you look on the globe for the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, you will see Georgia somewhere between the two.
Even on our expensive Montessori puzzle maps, poor old Georgia doesn't get a piece on either the Asia or Europe maps. No one can decide where to put it, so it ended up on neither!!
Funny story: we have friends who have lived in the former Soviet Union for 12+ years. Their children have only lived overseas, but go home to their cabin in Minnesota every summer. Before coming back, they stock up on peanut butter and chocolate chips at the local supermarket. While at the checkout, the checkout lady enquires "Are you off on a trip?". Yes, to Georgia, says their 7yo daughter. "Don't they have peanut butter and chocolate chips in Georgia then?" asks the checkout girl. "No, and they don't speak English, either," chirps little Morgan!!
The funniest thing is, my friend didn't even bother to explain that they were referring to the OTHER Georgia!
We should be here until January; we've been here nearly two years now. There's a chance we'll stay for another 2 and a half years, but it's more likely that we'll be posted elsewhere.
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| Posted: May 15 2006 at 6:21am | IP Logged
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Thanks for sharing, Katie!
How do you pronounce "Tbilisi"?
- stef
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JennGM
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Katie, I hope you can post a few pictures. Thanks for sharing this wonderful trip. I'm with your children, too bad the piece of Noah's ark wasn't there.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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Katie
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gukkhser wrote:
Thanks for sharing, Katie!
How do you pronounce "Tbilisi"? |
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Tuh-bee-li-see (NOT Tuh-blee-see).
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Mama Moon
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Thanks for sharing this. Sorry about the Noah's Ark piece. How sure is it that the spear and piece of Ark are authentic, I mean, what do the sceptics say ? In Ethiopia next door they say they have the Ark of the Covenant..but no one but the Ethiopian Coptic priests who guard it have ever seen it.
Wow, I wish I had been on your trip. You sound as if you saw a lot. How long did you stay? I suppose the size of Armenia makes it easier to move around.
Thanks! 
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Katie
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I have been meaning to investigate the authenticity of the artefacts, but haven't had time. I know the Noah's Ark piece was carbon dated 6000 years old, which is a feat unto itself, really! I know the sceptics point to the story of Gilgamesh and not it's uncanny similarity to Noah and his ark. I once watched a documentary on this but am unable to recall what it was called.
As far as the spear goes, I'm going to do some digging.
Mama Moon, may I be nosy and ask about Eritrea? My dh is pushing heavily for Africa as his next post, and I'm trying to educate myself about the pros and cons of the regions and countries. My understanding is that the border dispute has flared up again and Eritrea is not as stable right now as it had hoped to be. Can you educate me further? And if it is not too pertinent, can I was what takes you there? Feel free to ignore that question if you would rather not answer.
Thanks!
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Katie
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For thos of you with enquiring minds, some articles on the Holy Lance:
Holy spear article
And another
And finally a website with lots and lots of Armenian history
Enjoy!
My own take on all of this, is that genuine or not, it certainly opened my children's eyes to the crucifixion as historical event and not Bible story. This was more effective in that than any of the myriad things we do at home and at Mass to convey this.
And if you're looking for an interesting vacation, here's an Armenian tour.
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JennGM
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Katie wrote:
For thos of you with enquiring minds, some articles on the Holy Lance:
Holy spear article
And another
And finally a website with lots and lots of Armenian history
Enjoy!
My own take on all of this, is that genuine or not, it certainly opened my children's eyes to the crucifixion as historical event and not Bible story. This was more effective in that than any of the myriad things we do at home and at Mass to convey this. |
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Great stuff, Katie. I had come across Ancient Mysteries: The Quest for the Holy Lance on the History Channel a few years back, and it really pieced together some things. I had no idea that the lance was still around, nor did I realize all the names used for Longinus' spear. And it was my first introduction to St. Maurice...here's more. Apparently he might have carried the lance, too. He's also in tradition considered to be black.
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Mama Moon
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Hi Katie - I have added some more
We have done Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea in this corner of Africa. We have avoided Somalia with the children. I had better not give personal opinions here but you can read the following site
Sudan has two very hot dry dusty months.
The climate in Addis Ababa is great (except for the one rain season) and no malaria but is at a very high altitude so you must have a strong heart. Eritrea has an Italian influence.
If you are lucky enough to chose the country of your choice they you have to choose Kenya! Nairobi has no malaria, perfect climate and you can buy everything. Loads of organic fruit and vegetables. Anyone who has been there will tell you that. If you don't enjoy that one with your family, then you are on the wrong continent. Then Uganda and Tanzania way back 2nd and 3rd choice (malaria, hot, humid).
I would never take my children to live in DR Congo or Rwanda, Burundi.
I have been to South Africa, but could not bear the relics of apartheid and if you have girls, remember it is very violent at all levels of society. I don't believe it will feel comfortable for a couple of generations. Zimbabwe was a good post (but problems now) but also an uncomfortable racism feeling problem. I think Namibia could be like that too but life is easy there (German influence).
Malawi is degrading, violence, and malaria...
Mozambique has wonderful Portuguese influence (gentle lovely people) but not in a good state. Angola has Portuguese influence too but I don't know anyone who goes there for an easy life.
West Africa is not our style. Neither is North Africa.
I would feel better further down from here in East Africa.
One thing we take into consideration is the risk of malaria. We never take the prophylactics (these are to expensive for us and besides we believe they ruin your health). We go for prevention of bites so we prefer not to hang around in those areas.
Apart from the obvious ones, it then becomes very much a personal choice.
Most expatriate families connected with embassies choose countries with good schools. We cannot afford them and I suppose you will continue to homeschool anyway. In any case you should realise that apart from the lucky ones (including the American and British Embassy), not all employers will help you out with fees. Some like the EU will help if the total of your children's fees are costing you over half your salary or up to a certain amount per month. Other consultants get half the costs reimbursed. With fees for International Schools homing in around 15,000 USD a year per child, I'm not sure what you come under, but it is something to keep in mind (I note you have 4). I have an American friend with 4 kids all paid for - now that's the equivalent of a super salary! Maybe you will be one of the lucky ones  Local government schools would probably not be considered an option to most expatriates.
Hope this helps. Let me know it this didn't cover your particular concern.
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Katie
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Mama Moon,
It does help, and gives us lots to consider, and also verifies things we've heard from others (like Kenya being a great choice!!). We won't get to choose, as my dh works for Peace Corps, so particularly unstable countries and more developed countries aren't an option anyway. We do get those astronomical school fees paid for, so I consider it my little gift to the American tax payers when I homeschool my kids!
Thanks again.
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ladybugs
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I can't get the hyperlink to work but check out this website:
www.spatulatta.com
Go to the recipes section and click on Armenian Adventure.
Then, have us over for dinner .
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Love and God Bless,
Maria P
My etsy store - all proceeds go to help my fencing daughters!
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momwise
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Mama Moon wrote:
| If you are lucky enough to chose the country of your choice they you have to choose Kenya! Nairobi has no malaria, perfect climate and you can buy everything. |
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My brother taught (and did everything else ) in Mombasa. He did get Malaria  . We have a few wonderful things from East Africa including our prized Nativity with 4 Wise men. My dh would die for a trip there.
Mama Moon wrote:
| West Africa is not our style. |
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My dh's family (edited: I meant ancestors) comes from the Ivory Coast. You won't offend me--just curious--how is it different from East Africa? Climate, social customs, religion, manners, etc. or all of the above?
Katie.....thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about Armenia!!
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Mama Moon
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Hi there, Momwise,
It is really just personal like preferences between Portugal and Spain, France and Italy, UK and Germany, Poland and Hungary...
Trying to be objective I would say that in West Africa the climate and pollution is worse, if you have a difficult job you it can be impossible dealing with bribes, and it just seems more difficult to do anything. I feel insecure and less safe. We also feel that in general things are less stable and all this combination makes it more stressful.
I find it easier with E.A. customs and dominant British heritage and Christians are a majority which affects the life style.
These are just my feelings which relate to our type of life and in our family situation.
Hope you all get to visit Kenya some day!
Blessings
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4Real Forums : Across Time and Place
Topic: Armenian Adventure
