Envoy Hostel Blog

Imagine a large, wedding bouquet, formed by hundreds of happy newly married couples! It’s been a really big event for the people of Artsakh and a picturesque festivity for all who witnessed. Stepanakert was in full celebration on October 16. The day has been especially memorable for 1400 Armenians of Nagorno Karabagh; organized by famous benefactor and patriot Levon Hayrapetyan, the mass wedding ceremony has been a good support to people willing to live and raise families in Karabagh. 700 young couples gathered to share the unforgettable moments of making an oath before God with each other. The young couples were blessed in Surb Ghazanchetsots and Gandzasar churches and were wished love, happiness and prosperity. The festivity was followed by a concert, then the newly-weds gathered for a big reception in Stepanakert’s Stadium. As a wedding gift they were given a gift card from Unibank, a sweet start to a long and happy life together!

It’s a dream come true! Finally my long awaited trip to Artsakh became reality. Artsakh as referred to by the Armenians means the “Woods of Aramanyak” and is also known as the disputed land of Nagorno Karabagh. It’s a difficult place to get to, a six hour drive from Yerevan, Armenia with the last few hours a trip not for the faint hearted as you follow a winding road hugging the mountainous ranges of the region. Nevertheless the views are breathtaking and the trip is well worth the effort.

My first stop was Shushi, a city perched up on steep mountain block. It has had a great strategic part in the war due to its positioning. I was amazed to discover how badly affected it had been, few people live in half-destroyed buildings, though they are slowly being restored. Shushi is the cultural centre of the region. Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to visit Ghazanchetsots Cathedral and Kanach Zham Church. I always say its best to leave something unseen so you have to go back again some other day!

Next stop Stepanakert! The centrally located capitol city is clean and lined with trees. What struck as different was the odd naked flame seen up in front of apartment block windows. It appeared that most apartments were equipped with a small barbeque that just extends out over the street below where people can make their khorovatz (bbq meat). Another local culinary delight found freshly baked in the busy open market, is the zhengyalov hats (lavash bread baked with a selection of herbs inside). This bread is unique to the region and is a must to try!

On the outskirt of Stepanakert, on the road to Askeran is the enormous monument of “Mamik and Babik” (Grandma and Grandpa) symbolizing how deeply routed the Armenians are in this region (as only their heads are visible – as if the rest of the monument is buried in the soil).

The trip to Gangzasar monastery was the highlight of the whole journey. The “Treasure Mountain” rests on the top of a high hill and can be seen from a distance.

Oh and if you have learnt a little Armenian it wont be too useful here. The locals speak a dialect of Armenian unique to the region. But people are friendly and happy to help. Some speak English but most will respond to sign language (if you tie the hands of an Armenian behind their back they won’t be able to talk anymore!).

There are definitely many more places to see in Karabagh like Dadivank, Gtchavank and Amaras monasteries, khachkars, caves and beautiful scenery. Hopefully I’ll get to go back soon to see the bits I missed out on this trip! Cheers, Emma.

Greetings from Armenia, Yerevan to all who has ever been envoy resident and all our future visitors!! Envoy hostel has turned three years old. The number of countries represented at envoy is growing - we have had guests from 70 countries and are looking forward to welcoming more. You haven’t been to Armenia yet?! Why not come now, envoy’s friendly staff will greet you in the heart of Yerevan. Take the chance of exploring Armenia’s rich culture and history in most welcoming atmosphere.

Thank you so much to all our friends who have stayed with us and made envoy a warm and friendly place. We’ll be happy to see you again in the near future. All the best from envoy team!

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.

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.