Envoy Hostel Blog

The history of independent Armenia has only seen one Olympic champion so far - wrestler Armen Nazaryan won Olympic gold in Atlanta, 1996. Overall Armenia has had 13 Olympic champions showing good results in wrestling, weightlifting, and athletics. Clearly the team sports are not one of our strengths.

In Beijing Armenia was represented by 25 athletes competing for medals in seven sports, including boxing, wrestling and weightlifting. The bronze medal winners were honored by a concert held on the Republic Square in Yerevan on August 26. The names of the 6 medalists are: Hrachik Javakhyan (boxing), Roman Amoyan (wrestling), Yuri Patrikeev (wrestling), Tigran Gevorg Martirosyan (weightlifting), Gevorg Davtyan (weightlifting), Tigran Vardan Martirosyan (weightlifting). Thus having got 6 medals Armenia with the population of nearly 3 million people counts the 2nd per capita after Slovenia and 3rd in medals per athletes participated.

«Les Griffonnés» - the theatre company from Lyon, France, made a tour around Armenia, having presented their plays to children and adults, young and old in the streets, theatres and alternative places. “Our goal is to do an exchange with people, to give and receive emotions. For us theatre is life and relation with the public. So in Armenia we made an unforgettable trip and established wonderful relations with people.”

On 31st of July, 2008 «Les Griffonnés» ended its tour about Armenia and stayed at Envoy Hostel for three days. “We will never forget this place and the others we have visited. And forever Armenia will remain in our hearts!”

http://www.ciedesgriffonnes.blogspot.com/

Our mission group from Laguna Hills, California, enjoyed our visit to Armenia in late May of this year. Other than my husband and me (Don & Lana Gray), no one had experienced this culture or unique mission experience. We linked up with the National Leadership Institute in Yerevan, consisting of young adults who have a passion to develop Christ-like leaders. We had the opportunity to do some painting at a disability center outside the city and ended that experience with playing with the children.

On Sunday, June 1, we traveled to the Mughni village for church services and organized games for the Sunday School children there. The afternoon was spent varnishing doors and woodwork in the cultural center building. We were also richly blessed by giving Bibles to some young adults with disabilities who recently completed an Alpha course. The Sunday School teachers of the National Leadership Institute were especially touched by the gift of prayer shawls. These shawls were made by ladies from our church in California, Lake Hills Church and brought smiles of gratitude to the faces of the young teachers.

My husband and I enjoy taking groups (usually young adults) to the country of Armenia every year, and we’re always excited to share our love for the people and land. This group, like many others, were fascinated by the sights, the history, the language, and the people. Even though we come to bless others, we return to America being blessed and filled with such gratitude for the time spent in Armenia.

It might be summer and being the dry season there is no sign of rain but wet weather gear is recommended, just for today! If you like to cool down with a splash or two of water then this is your lucky day!

Vardarvar, is the major summer holiday (The Feast of Water), and the most favourite one for the kids, is strictly observed among Armenians. The festival, rooted back to pagan times, was associated with the goddess Astghik. The name ‘Vardavar’ is derived from ‘vard’ in Armenian – ‘rose’ in English, that people offered to the goddess of water, love, beauty and fertility as a celebration. The festival was held during harvest time in hope that they would have abundant harvest.

Today the holiday represents the Transfiguration of Christ and is celebrated throughout the country on the first Sunday, 14 weeks after Easter. People splash water on each other, irrespective of age and gender. So don’t be surprised if you get soaked while walking in the street. Many children are waiting for passers-by with buckets of water to refresh them on a hot and dry summer day! In fact why not get in on the act, grab a bucket and join the fun!

No easy feat! Hostelworld rates hostels as top only if greater than 80% rating is achieved! Thanks to our guests we have achieved high ratings and recognised as a top hostel. Feedback has re-enforced envoy has helpful staff, good and clean facilities all delivered from an excellent location.

We like to take this opportunity to thank our guests for their support and positive feedback. envoy not only wishes to continue providing good service but is always looking at ways to improve our offering.

Spot the Hostelworld sticker when you visit envoy next!

envoy manager’ Sveta was invited to present at the recent European Hostelling Conference held in Barcelona on March 1-3. The topic we were asked to present was “The difficulties encountered by Regional Hostels in the Face of Bad Publicity”.

The conference attended by 250 participants from hostels around Europe gave envoy the opportunity to put Armenia on the map! Many were unaware of Armenia and that there is a European standard hostel in the heart of Yerevan.

It also gave the opportunity to share experiences and research other hostels. It was reassuring to learn that our hostel is up to the standard of some of the best in Europe. Equally, it was a great to leave with a list of fantastic ideas we would like to consider to further improve our service to our guests.

To find out more about the conference workshops please visit: http://www.gomio.com/ehc/workshop-rounds-barcelona-08.aspx

April 2008 has truly been a rich month for rock and metal music in Armenia. Recently envoy welcomed some of the participants of the festival, four Georgian bands.

The concert organized by Zhesht.am and Vibrographus, was held on April 18. The Festival will be concluded with Rock Nation, a joint concert that will take place in Yerevan State Puppet Theatre on April 30th at 20:00.

Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan winning the February 19 presidential elections, was inaugurated on April 9 and became independent Armenia’s third president. The ceremony was held at the Opera House.

The inauguration was followed by a parade and concert, then 15 colourful hot air balloons splashed the Yerevan skies from the Republic Square.

envoy will soon be offering special tours with a taste of the local culture! Want to get an idea of village life, learn a little of the history and lunch with the locals? This will be perfect for you!

Find out more, email us on info@envoyhostel.com