Last May, I had the chance to visit Yerevan for business. Armenia is not a usual destination for business, but the invitation from Aram was tempting. Aram and I go back a long time, from our Austin years, in the early 90s.I was not sure what to expect out of Yerevan. Armenia’s history, culture and geographical position, right on the dividing line between Europe and Asia and the fact that Armenia has been an integral part of the Soviet empire – unlike Bulgaria or the other east European countries – puts Yerevan on a league of its own. The Armenian culture is unique, a fusion of Christian Orthodox, Middle East and Soviet heritages, combined with the tectonic forces of the cultural and economic globalization creates a complex and uneven mixture, like oil and water in the same glass.
The city ambiance is surprisingly pleasant. The center has an eerie resemblance to a western capital, as if being in Paris of a parallel universe that tries to rebound. People seem open and remote at the same time, but not in any way you recognize. Evident is a sense of social hierarchy that seems somewhat familiar but it was hard to recognize the signs. It is an town designed to walk and socialize. And this is what I did for the short two days I stayed there. I spent some wonderful time with Aram, hanging out and eating tasty Armenian food, smoking Nargile (hookah) and sipping coffee in the wonderful open air cafés.
I like Yerevan a lot and I will definitely return to spend some more time and visit the country and Ararat.