Last Thursday, as I was sitting in Yerevan, everything around me started shaking. It took me a few seconds to realize that I was experiencing the second earthquake of my life. The epicenter was near Garni and according to seismologists, the magnitude of the quake reached 3.6. Needless to say, this light quake reminded everyone of the past. Within seconds, cell phone networks were saturated by numerous Armenians calling to check on their peers in different regions of the country.
On Friday, the Young Professionals jammed their suitcases into the van and headed to southern Armenia. On our way down, we stopped in the Khor Virap monastery, where we had a wonderful view of Ararat. The two highlights of this excursion were visiting Tatev and reaching the Iranian border.
Coming back from Tatev was an adventure: our van was on winding roads under pouring rain. Several members of the group started to feel increasing motion sickness. Or was it because of the delicious home made apricot vodka we drank during dinner?
As we traveled farther south, we could feel that we had reached the Orient.
The landscape started to change, looking more like a rock desert. The border and a flag reminded us that Iran was just few hundred yards away.
- Celine