Unger Arick plays his accordion as campers sing
BY SEVANA PANOSIAN
I begin my Advanced Placement English Literature class with this formula. The students are often confused and even check their schedules to make sure they aren’t in some weird Common Core curriculum math course that they didn’t sign up for. No, you’re in the right room— English Lit with Panosian. I even reassure them that I would be a horrible math teacher, and if it wasn’t for the hours of homework help from my engineer math wiz of a father, I wouldn’t have passed the GRE and I surely wouldn’t be standing before them as a teacher. Miracles happen.
So, back to this formula. I begin the class with this simple explanation of the idea of metaphors and attempt to tie it into pop culture to sell the idea that I am more interesting than Instagram (not) but I give it a shot— Monsters Inc is a metaphorical representation of xenophobia (and an allegorical version of To Kill a Mockingbird, Boo = Boo Radley), that the Pixar film Ratatouille is a metaphor for how immigrants do thankless amounts of work in our country’s workplaces and get no credit for it, and how The Great Gatsby is a metaphor for the breakdown of the American dream, and also how Olaf’s song “In Summer” from the film Frozen is a metaphor and Biblical allusion to the trinity and hope.
After these statements, the kids are sold on the idea that maybe my class is worth it— that the countless essays and discussions on metaphors and symbols isn’t just for passing a test— there’s a bigger lesson to be learned here— that the metaphors we are presented within art, literature, and music are blueprints and archetypes to help us meander the sometimes confusing paths of our lives.
This summer, my daughters and their paragon of Armenian friends attended their second year of Armenian Youth Camp in the boreal forests outlying Yosemite National Park. For millennia, forests have not only symbolized the unknown but also the peaceful escape towards a more ideal existence— like Henry David Thoreau in his transcendental “Walden,” “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”
The “essential facts of life” that these youth were able to learn were their own— free of social media, free of pressure—we parents prod and poke to get the stories and they divulge some but not all— those are the memories they will keep in their new Armenia. The first thing my younger one told me when she got in the car was that someone named Unger Armen gave an educational that changed her understanding of everything…that her job as a Diasporan Armenian was bigger than anything she could imagine. She then stared out the window and said, “and Unger Moushig instilled such a spirit in all of them that she couldn’t put it into words—only action.”
A scene from Armenian Youth Camp in Pinecrest, CA
From the mouths of babes— my thirteen-year-old was having her transcendental moment. Thoreau states in Walden again, “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. He will put some things behind, will pass an invisible boundary…and he will live with the license of a higher order of beings.”
This higher order of beings can only be shared among those who attend camp, and might only be shown in a video which I am posting here—the campers sang the song “Akhpers ou Yes”—a song which details the emotional yearnings of a soldier going off to war against the Turks. They are guided by Unger Arick and his accordion, and Unger Moushig and his passion and love for guiding Armenian youth.
We cannot simplify the lyrics of this song—I think it goes back to the formula for a metaphor—A=B. The soldier’s voice is A but the transfer, the metaphorical lesson for our youth, is this—being Armenian is one thing, staying Armenian is the true battle. Whether you speak the language, go to Armenian school or not, (Armenian school really helps), live in a diverse city where you can befriend Armenians (or not), or whether you simply have that one week of Armenianness that the AYC (and many Armenian camps) offers, the battle cannot be won alone—our youth will be able to build communities through the bonds created under the canopy of trees and stars—a canopy which cannot be replicated
Being in cities like San Francisco, Houston, Portland, Boston, Racine, or any city outside of Los Angeles, Armenian families have to be mindful and strategic in their attempt to stay Armenian. It takes work—it takes dedication—it takes cancelling a trip or planning a summer around that one week of camp. I am a product of camp—if it wasn’t for AYF Camp, I wouldn’t have the network of friends who are all active members of their respective Armenian communities. Camp does that—it provides another outlet and another ojakh (hearth) for your children to develop their understanding of “purpose” and the connection to a community who understands them without explanations.
Fortunately, we parents have a way to teleport ourselves into the world of these kids through social media. A friend of mine who was a volunteer at AYC posted this video—the video shows Director Moushig Andonian lovingly surrounded, arm in arm, with each and every camper as they sang Sevag Amroyan’s “Akhpers u yes.”
As I watch the video, it takes me to the idea of the metaphor, A=B—these camps, AYC, AYF, Camp Haiastan…they take the abstraction of “Armenian- ness” and transfer it to the concrete connection of a brotherhood (and sisterhood) of Armenian youth who share the universal bond of cultural, social, and ethnic self-preservation. Like the lyrics of the song “Ինչքան պետք լինի կկռվենք այսպես, հայ ազգի համար ախպեր ու ես…” the struggle has been softened by the growth of these camps, and the dedication of individuals like Unger Moushig to connect the youth under yet another canopy of stars. Whether it’s Pinecrest or Valyrmo Calfiornia or as far as Franklin, Massachusetts, these camps are the embodiment of that concrete image, the brotherhood, children who choose to “live with the license of a higher order of beings.” And for that, we can be assured that the lyrics of the song, though mournful as they expand on the spiritual life of our dear soldiers, these campers will keep the spirit of the Armenian people alive and well on foreign lands. Ինչքան պետք լինի կկռվենք այսպես , հայ ազգի համար ախպեր ու ես…
Armenia’s Culinary Delight: 11th Akhtala Barbeque Festival Vows A Meaty Celebration
16:34, 3 August, 2019
YEREVAN, AUGUST 3, ARMENPRESS. The highly-anticipated traditional 11th Akhtala Barbeque Festival will take place August 18th, gathering tourists, chefs and food enthusiasts in the small town in Armenia’s Lori Province.
According to renowned chef Sedrak Mamulyan, who is organizing the festival through his Development and Preservation of Armenian Culinary Traditions NGO, the event is of great interest for both locals and foreigners.
The idea is simple, cooks and chefs compete to find out who can make the best barbeque, or as Armenians call it – Khorovats, one of the most popular dishes of the Armenian cuisine.
“We will have participation from Russia, Belarus and Georgia. They’ve already informed that tour packages have been sold especially for the participation in the barbeque festival. This reaction and interest inspires us, and it’s no coincidence that we are organizing this event already for the 11th time,” Mamulyan told ARMENPRESS.
The khorovats culture will be presented by participants during the event, and a competition will be held. A panel of judges will select winners for the categories “Best Taste”, “Best Presentation”, “Best Idea”, and a Grand Prix will also be awarded.
Mamulyan especially highlighted the festival’s significance in terms of boosting tourism in the region. He says it has developed the local infrastructures.
“If we look at the infrastructures of the town of Akhtala of Lori Province 10 years ago and now, we will see a significant difference. Today, the local communities and the Akhtala City Hall are seriously interested in the festival being organized every year,” he said.
Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
It is Day One of CSU Summer Arts at Fresno State. This is not new to me. I’ve been taking writing classes since 2008 in an effort to be the best storyteller, memory keeper, columnist and author humanly possible.
Arriving early, finding a patch of shaded grass, I remove jewelry as if some sacred ritual is about to take place. Off comes the silver bracelet cuff, my favorite necklace – a giant untarnished heart, wedding rings, oversized earrings, reading glasses outlined in zebra stripes. Unearthed of worldly props, I make a journal entry that reads: Who am I when nobody is looking?
The Starbucks coffee cup unevenly placed on the ground tips over, its liquid stain sinking into the earth as if running from the scene, disappearing before my eyes. For an instant, I disappear, too, or at least consider rethinking my decision to enroll in yet another memoir writing course. As the brochure underscores, this program pushes students beyond limits, breaks boundaries, and is quite possibly the hardest work you’ll ever do to master your craft, whether it’s writing, dancing, acting, animating, painting, photography or making music.
With overtourism showing no signs of abating in Europe’s most famous destinations, there’s never been a better time to seek out wonderful options that attract fewer visitors.
Keen to travel somewhere new without having to battle through huge crowds of selfie stick-wielding tourists in the likes of Venice, Paris and Amsterdam?
Here’s our pick of the most beautiful European cities with hardly any tourists:
Orange, France
While Avignon draws in thousands of tourists thanks to its summer festival and arresting Papal Palace, nearby Orange is usually overlooked.
Easier to navigate with far fewer visitors, the city’s key attraction is the vertiginous Roman theater, which was built in the first century C.E.
Meanwhile the Orange Museum, set in a beautiful 17th-century mansion, is also well worth a visit.
Norwich, England
The saying goes that Norwich has a pub for every day of the year and a church for every Sunday.
While that’s perhaps stretching the truth, this most quintessential of English cities is certainly home to some of the most stunning medieval architecture in England.
Norwich Cathedral dates back to 1096 and the streets of Colegate and Elm Hill are home to picturesque, centuries-old homes.
The Adam and Eve pub, on Bishopsgate, is said to be the oldest pub in the country, dating back to 1249.
Aarhus, Denmark
Denmark’s second city has long been overshadowed by its alluring capital Copenhagen.
But Aarhus makes the perfect alternative for a Danish long weekend thanks to its pretty beaches, towering Domkirke and the superb ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, with its rainbow panorama walkway.
ARoS’s Wine and Food Hall is one of the best places in the city to try Nordic cuisine on a budget.
For those looking to splash out, Gastromé,based in the Latin Quarter, has a tasting menu that will satisfy the most demanding of foodies.
Antwerp, Belgium
The UNESCO-protected Cathedral of Our Lady dominates the Antwerp skyline, but there’s so much to this Belgian city than its most famous building.
Highlights include the diamond Square Mile, where travelers can get to the heart of an industry that’s been a core part of the city since the 15th century.
There’s also the Red Star Line museum, located on Antwerp’s old docks, which uncovers the city’s past as a hub for migration to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Hague, Netherlands
As Amsterdam attempts to rein in tourists with plans to close its Red Light District and impose strict rules on short-term lets, the Hague serves as a fabulous, low-key alternative for those still keen on a Dutch break.
The city boasts some of the Netherlands’ finest architecture, a pretty network of canals and, in the Mauritshuis, a museum to rival Amsterdam’s behemoth Rijksmuseum.
It’s also just 15 minutes away from the gorgeous Scheveningen beach resort.
Sarajevo, Bosnia
Often snubbed for more popular destinations in neighboring Croatia, Sarajevo is a resurgent city brimful of culture and history.
At its heart is Baščaršija, the old market quarter that still buzzes with spice stalls, cafés and the fascinating Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque.
Visitors can learn about Sarajevo’s four-year-long siege during the 1990s civil war at the Tunnel of Hope and the War Childhood Museum.
The derelict bobsled track from the 1984 Winter Olympics is also a stand-out sight — the nearby Pino Nature Hotel offers superb views and first-rate Bosnian food.
Pristina, Kosovo
The Kosovan capital isn’t usually at the top of many tourists’ destination wish lists, but that’s no reason not to visit this fascinating city.
While Pristina may have been synonymous with war 20 years ago, its undergone a major transformation since then, with various quirky buildings popping up.
The excellent Emin Gjiku Ethnographic Museum is well worth a morning of exploring, as is the superb National Museum of Kosovo.
Pristina University’s unique library will fascinate architecture buffs, while those looking to cool off can find solace in the vast pool tucked away in Germia Park, located just north of the city.
Malmo, Sweden
Malmo is so much more than a day trip across the Oresund Bridge from Copenhagen.
The excellent Moderna Museet Malmo is one of the best contemporary art galleries in Europe, while culture fiends will find succor at Malmöhus Castle, home to several museums focusing on the local area.
The city’s food scene rivals the nearby Danish capital — foodies should check out Bloom in the Park and its “no menu'”concept, as well as the global offerings at Malmö Saluhall.
Meanwhile Ribersborg beach, located just a short walk from the city center, is a wonderful haven from the heat in high summer.
Aberdeen, Scotland
The hordes visiting the Scottish capital can feel hugely oppressive, particularly during its annual festivals.
However, travelers keen to escape the crowds can simply head north to Aberdeen instead.
The city’s amazing architecture has given rise to the nickname “Granite City,” with fascinating buildings at every turn.
Aberdeen’s main art gallery is due to reopen in late September 2019, while those keen to sample the local culture can head out to nearby Speyside for a tour of some of Scotland’s best single malt distilleries.
Bern, Switzerland
While travelers often simply pass through the Swiss capital en route to a summer vacation or winter ski trip in Zurich or Geneva, Bern is definitely worthy of a few extra days of your trip.
When the heat rises, locals take to the River Aare for cooling dips and paddle board trips.
Elsewhere, the Museum of Fine Arts features works by Picasso and Klee, while hikers can tramp to the top of the Gurten, the mountain which overlooks the old city.
Wroclaw, Poland
Few small cities in Europe pack a cultural punch like Wroclaw.
This western Polish city, on the banks of the Oder river, served as European Capital of Culture in 2016 and has plenty of attractions for art, architecture and history fanatics to marvel at.
Wroclaw’s main highlight is the 114-meter Panorama of Racławice, depicting the 1794 defeat of a Russian army by the Poles.
The beautiful Centennial Hall should also be on any itinerary, as should the Penitent Bridge between the towers of the Mary Magdalene Church.
No visit is complete without a day spent exploring the Gothic Old Town.
Tbilisi, Georgia
The capital city of Georgia, which is actually positioned between Asia and Europe, derives its name from the hot springs that bubble beneath its surface.
Its sulfur baths are a magnet for visitors, albeit far fewer than those that head to the famous spas.
Tbilisi wears its multi-ethnic history with pride — the famous Metekhi Church, which dates back to the 13th century, sits close to the Narikala Fortress, built by the occupying Persians in the fourth century.
Meanwhile, the rambling alleyways and small shops of the Old Town are perfect for whiling away the hours.
Minsk, Belarus
Having been almost destroyed during World War II, the now Belarusian capital became fertile ground for Soviet redevelopment.
Today, the city’s buildings offer a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of brutalist buildings.
Travelers can wander around the vast, seven-hectare Independence Square before taking in the Museum of the Great Patriotic War, which looks at how Belarus overcame Nazi occupation.
Minsk’s bar scene is legendary, and if the acquired taste of local tipple Balsam doesn’t suit, the excellent Gambrinus has a variety of beers to try after a day’s sightseeing.
Yerevan, Armenia
The Armenian capital’s position in the far eastern reaches of Europe means it’s easily forgotten by those on the tourist trail.
But with a history going back more than 2,800 years, there’s a palpable sense of the past here, without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of regular tourist hotspots.
Its downtown area is a mix of Beaux Arts buildings and hulking, Soviet-era blocks.
Visitors can take in the fascinating Apostolic Church and learn about the city’s history at Erebuni Historical & Archaeological Museum-Reserve, a site that dates back to 782 BCE.
Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Romania’s second largest city is often seen as a stop off for travelers looking for outdoor adventures in the Apuseni Mountains, or those keen to witness Transylvania’s historic sights.
But the vast, Gothic St. Michael’s Church and the fascinating Fabrica de Pensule, a working gallery and art space in a former paintbrush factory, are just two attractions that make a longer stay essential.
Throw in a thriving café and bar scene and pretty squares, and Cluj-Napoca has all the trappings of the ideal city break destination.
Debrecen, Hungary
While Budapest has a deserved reputation as one of Europe’s most appealing cities, Debrecen is an excellent option for those seeking a less crowded Hungarian alternative.
Kossuth tér, the main square, is home to the impressive Calvinist Great Church and Grand Hotel Aranybika.
Yet it’s beyond these major sights that the real action takes place.
The Old Town rewards those looking to get lost with excellent cafés and people-watching spots.
Keep an eye out for smaller spa hotels, with a chance to soak in thermal waters before heading to the nearby Great Plains.
Ankara, Turkey
When it comes to city breaks, Istanbul tends to take all the plaudits.
But capital city Ankara is so much more than a stop off on the way to Cappadocia and the other delights of Anatolia.
Anitkabir, the mausoleum of modern Turkey founder Ataturk, is an obvious starting point, along with the Museum of the War of Independence.
The Kocatepe and Hacı Bayram Mosques are also key attractions, while the cafés of Kızılay are ideal spots to grab a kebab and watch the world go by.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Currently enjoying its time in the limelight as a European Capital of Culture, Plovdiv is Europe’s longest inhabited city.
As a result, it’s imbued with an inescapable sense of history, especially in the colorful Old Town.
The main draw here is the astonishing second-century Roman amphitheater, which wasn’t uncovered until the 1970s.
Another highlight is the Thracian ruins of Eumolpias, located just outside town and dating back 5,000 years.
Trondheim, Norway
Located on the fjord of the same name, Trondheim is Norway’s third largest city.
However, with fewer than 200,000 residents, it’s decidedly uncrowded and easy to explore.
The famous Gothic cathedral is perhaps its best known sight, but the views across the water and around its vibrant harbor are just as impressive.
Trondheim is also known for its excellent microbreweries — Den Gode Nabo is popular and a great place to start.
Turin, Italy
Venice’s struggles with tourist numbers have been well documented, but while still popular with travelers, nearby Turin is decidedly less congested.
The capital of the Piedmont region happens to be home to some of Italy’s most underrated sights, including the excellent Castello di Rivoli Museum of Contemporary Art, Basilica di Superga and Museo Egizio, with its phenomenal collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts.
Travelers can simply sip a coffee on the sidewalk, indulge in some of the country’s best cuisine and enjoy being away from the hordes in the country’s hot spots.
Joe Minihane is a freelance travel writer and editor. His latest book is “Floating: A Life Regained,” a memoir about wild swimming and anxiety.
CNN
President Sarkissian visits Haghartsin monastery complex in Tavush province
17:32,
YEREVAN, JULY 22, ARMENPRESS. At the end of his working visit in Tavush province President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian visited on July 22 Haghartsin monastery complex, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.
Accompanied by Primate of Tavush Diocese Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan, the President toured the monastery dating back to the 10th century.
The President talked to the visitors and tourists in the monastery, as well as the kids of Arevik social-economic center of the Tavush Diocese.
President Sarkissian told reporters that he visited this place for the first time at the age of 4-5. “During every visit you discover the same thing differently”, the President said.
He noted that this complex is also a symbol of statehood for him. “This beauty has an additional meaning to me, it is a symbol of statehood, because it has not only been a spiritual center, but also a center of statehood”, he said. “I think it’s important for our youth not just to know mechanically the history, but also to feel and appreciate it. We need to understand that the statehood has not been created yesterday, 30 or 100 years ago. We had a statehood hundreds, thousands years before, and a firm statehood. Our task is to continue this statehood in the 21st century”.
Asked what will be his message to the youth of Tavush province, the President said his message is very simple: “Yerevan, of course, is our capital, but our homeland is bigger from Yerevan, each corner has its beauty, admiration, value and significance”.
In his turn Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan welcomed the President’s visit to the province and stated that each visit, especially those of the top officials, are very inspiring because Tavush province plays a unique role in the Republic’s life.
Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
Artsakh’s Presidemt receives President of Russian Dance Union
19:02,
YEREVAN, JULY 22, ARMENPRESS. Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan received on July 22 President of the Russian Dance Union, Vice-President of the World Dance Council Stanislaw Popov.
AsARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of Artsakh President’s Office, the President welcomed the visits of well-known cultural figures to Artsakh highlighting them from the viewpoint of developing cultural life of the country.
The Armenian canoe team will take part in the Canoe Sprint World Championship in Hungarian Szeged from August 21 to 25.
Executive Secretary of the Canoe Federation of Armenia Vardan Adamyan has announced the team’s line up to the ANOC press service.
“Before the World Championship on August 4 Ara Virabyan (canoe) will join a training camp in Hungarian Szeged at the invitation of the International Federation. The training camp is conducted in the framework of the sport development. Hayk Tadevosyan, Vladimir Alaverdyan, Edgar Tutyan and Artur Akishi will take part in the Canoe Sprint World Championship. They will perform in the K4 and K2 competitions. Vladimir Alaverdyan and Edgar Tutyan will participate in the K2 1000 m event which is qualifying for Tokyo 2020. Ara Virabyan will compete in the C1 500m and 1000m events. The team will leave for Hungary led by head coach Martiros Shahvaladyan. And from August 25 to September 2 the World Rowing Championships will be held in Linz, Austria where Armenia will be represented by Paylak Mirzoyan and Mher Janikyan. The team will travel to Austria led by me,” Vardan Adamyan said.
The Russian Investigative Committee has singled out into a separate criminal case charges of sexual abuse against Mikhail Khachaturyan, believed to have been killed by his three teenage daughters last year, a police source told TASS on Thursday.
"An investigative group of the Russian Investigative Committee singled out files pointing to Mikhail Khachaturyan’s [purported] crimes against his daughters into a separate case. According to investigators, his actions should fall under articles 117, 132 and 133 of the Russian Criminal Code (torture, violent sexual actions, compulsion to perform sexual actions)," the source said.
When contacted by TASS, attorney Alexey Liptser, who defends Khachaturyan’s oldest daughter Kristina, confirmed this information.
Investigators charged the three Khachaturian sisters with killing their 57-year-old father shortly after his body with multiple stab wounds to the neck and chest was found in an apartment in Moscow on July 27, 2018. When questioned, the young women pled guilty and explained that they had reasons for hostility towards their father, because he abused them mentally and physically for a lengthy period of time.
On August 2, Moscow’s Ostankino court arrested the three sisters on murder charges. A post-mortem psychological and psychiatric evaluation revealed that Mikhail Khachaturyan had suffered from a personality disorder. Experts also established that his oldest daughter had developed a mental disorder as a result of being sexually harassed and abused by her father.
On September 27, Moscow’s Basmanny Court ruled to release the sisters from a pretrial detention facility, choosing a ban on taking certain actions as a measure of pretrial restraint for them.
This measure is similar to house arrest, but the sisters are allowed to leave the house during the day and communicate with close relatives. The sisters will live in different apartments and will not have any contact with each other. They are also banned from using communication devices and the Internet, as well as from talking to the media.