The Valley’s Armenia: Visiting Yerevan’s Vernissage

 Like a magnet drawing in tourists and locals alike.   Paula Der Matoian is one of the locals. She was born and raised in Fresno, but now calls Armenia's capital city her home.  "I came just as an adventure.  I thought it would be interesting to come here to work, to see the country.  I had the opportunity to do it and I thought, 'Ok, why not?'," she says.

   That was 16 and a half years ago.  A true adventure that she thought would only last 6 months–  leaving the comforts of home for a place she had only previously visited.   And could not even speak the language.   "Still don't really speak the language." (Stef) " I just don't see how that could be."  " I speak my own version of it.   So it's broken Armenian, broken Armenian with English words," Der Matoian says.

   Paula underestimates her communication skills.  She helped me do some shopping.  But more importantly, she serves as the Director of Internet for  the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadsin:  the headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church.  A role given to her by the Catholicos of all Armenians, His Holiness Karekin the second.  "When I got here, his holiness said that he wanted a website, I came with no plans in mind.  He said he wanted a website and he gave me a staff to work with and he said, 'Just figure it out'," explains Der Matoian.

   Paula and her staff manage the website and all social media platforms — including Instagram which was just added.  She's found a home away from home in a place with a story that she says is hard to walk away from .  "And what I found was a subway, and a life, and a city that was vibrant and breathing.  And had character to it  and that was so interesting to me because it was dynamic," she says.

   Dynamic, but full of challenges. Armenia's independence is in its infancy.  Just 25 years, after nearly 70 years of soviet rule. Paula takes pride that she is among the diaspora that has returned.  She recently served as a volunteer observer in April's Parliamentary elections.  "After living here for so many years I decided I have a vested interest in what goes on in the political process.   And one way, one of the easiest ways for me to do that was to volunteer and be a monitor for the elections," explains Der Matoian.

   It's a simpler life, she says, with fewer choices at the grocery store, and a lack of urgency about being on time, or deadlines at work.  "I used to say I'll stay here until I get kicked out.  And they're not going to do that.  Well that depends on how much trouble I get into with the language," says Der Matoian.

   The magnet that once drew her in, is holding strong.