Envoy Blog (2008)
Metalfront Fest 2008 in Yerevan
18/12/2008
It hasn’t been long since the last metal attack festival held in April in Yerevan State Puppet Theatre which has also become a stage for Metalfront fest 2008. The two-day metal festival comprised big name bands like Melechesh, Arkona and Rossomahaar from Russia and Netherlands. It’s been a unique experience for the Iranian metal bands who were welcomed at envoy: Mordab, 5 Grs and Vaspooher – they had their first concert in Armenia. Those who attended the concert have encountered some surprises from the organizers of the festival and once again felt the power of the Armenian metal music. Let’s wish them all good luck; hopefully metal music lovers will have a chance to see their favorite bands in the near future again!
It hasn’t been long since the last metal attack festival held in April in Yerevan State Puppet Theatre which has also become a stage for Metalfront fest 2008. The two-day metal festival comprised big name bands like Melechesh, Arkona and Rossomahaar from Russia and Netherlands. It’s been a unique experience for the Iranian metal bands who were welcomed at envoy: Mordab, 5 Grs and Vaspooher – they had their first concert in Armenia. Those who attended the concert have encountered some surprises from the organizers of the festival and once again felt the power of the Armenian metal music. Let’s wish them all good luck; hopefully metal music lovers will have a chance to see their favorite bands in the near future again!
09/11/2008
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.
20/10/2008
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.
02/10/2008
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!
04/09/2008
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.
07/08/2008
«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/
13/07/2008
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.
29/06/2008
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!
31/05/2008
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!
01/05/2008
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
24/04/2008
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.
09/04/2008
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.
06/04/2008
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
05/04/2008
Recent events around the presidential elections in Armenia, civil unrest had upset the city centre (Kendron) and for a few days in early March the streets of Yerevan were not at their usual safe state. A state of emergency was called till 20th of March.
Weeks have passed and there is no sign of civil unrest and the streets of the Kendron have returned to their normal safe condition. So once again Yerevan is the safe city we have always known it to be, offering depth of culture and history at each and every step.
22/03/2008
Easter is the time of spring festivals. It is a time for Christians to celebrate the life and resurrection of Christ the son of God.
Easter is a moveable feast. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon. That means Easter Sunday can be as early as the third week in March or as late as the fourth week in April.
In Armenia we celebrate by painting eggs, enjoying red wine and attending church ceremonies.
We wish all our guests a happy Easter.
17/02/2008
Soon Armenians will have a new elected president. The presidential elections will take place on the 19th of February.
The presidential candidates have begun their campaign. They visit different Marzes, meet the people, share with them their plans, ideas and programs for future development of Armenia.
06/02/2008
They have travelled thousands of kilometers and across oceans to work as volunteers in different regions of Armenia. The Peace Corp. Volunteers are talented individuals giving back to communities in their area of expertise, be it teaching English, helping to improve business skills and many other areas. However their talents does not end there. As many PCV’s take refuge at envoy while in Yerevan, we get to enjoy their artistic talents as they chill out in the warmth of the hostel. Here are some photos of their impromptu talent show!
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