Category Archives: Armenia

Yerevan or Bus(t)

Posted on August 19, 2018 by Liz Barron

“You are on the first bus” said the woman with the stiff curls, and marked my ticket with a 1. I left the marshutni office and walked over to the only bus, where passengers were milling around the open hatch, … Continue reading →

Posted in Armenia, travel | 1 Comment

Our happy, homogenous town

Posted on August 15, 2018 by Liz Barron

Conversation One. “This is our American volunteer– her name is Liz” “Come in Come in (hugs). Pleased to meet you. What will you have to eat?” “We ate” “But you’ll have something? Chai? Coffee?” “Tea would be nice but don’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Armenia, Bullying, Christianity, Cross-cultural understanding, equality, family, friendship, gay rights, Human rights, identity, Learning, Safety, Syunik Marz, Village life, welcome | Leave a comment

Tayto take Armenia

Posted on August 8, 2018 by Liz Barron

I was posting a present for my sister when the lady in the post office said she had parcels for me. Not one parcel, but two.  I was surprised. Sure, my birthday is tomorrow but I had not anticipated any … Continue reading →

Posted in Armenia, Blessings, Emilia Simonian, family, Food, food safety, Fundraising, gratitude, joy, Local delicacies, Northern Ireland, Serendipity, Tandragee, Tayto, Things that gladden the heart, Things that make a difference, travel, welcome | 2 Comments

Call me Old Fashioned

Posted on August 3, 2018 by Liz Barron

“Eat something” said the Doctor “and relax. Walk around a bit and then come back in an hour so I can take your blood pressure”. I left Peace Corps’ building in Yerevan and wondered where the nearest food could be … Continue reading →

Posted in Armenia, cocktails, Cross-cultural understanding, drinking, eating out, Food, gratitude, Happiness, Peace Corps Armenia, Social niceties, Things that gladden the heart, Things that make a difference, travel, welcome | 5 Comments

Green Armenia

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Liz Barron

Following my recent post about wild flowers spotted in Syunik marz, I am delighted to have been introduced to a great, downloadable, illustrated guide to the wild flowers and trees of Armenia. You can get your copy of Green Armenia … Continue reading →

Posted in Armenia, Green Armenia, Karahunj, Things that gladden the heart, travel, wild flowers Armenia | 2 Comments

Frump? Harrumph!

Posted on July 29, 2018 by Liz Barron

I donated some of my everyday clothes to a dressing up box we used at Creative English camp. The game prompts students to layer up in random attire and then name the clothing and the body parts it drapes. Obviously … Continue reading →

Posted in Armenia, clothes, Emigration, errors of judgement, fashion, identity, Party Games, Summer camp | 1 Comment

The Cambridge grads, pet people and STEM lovers–where are they?

Posted on July 26, 2018 by Liz Barron

It is easy to see why Cambridge want her. Emilia combines a ferocious intellect with a passion for animal welfare, and a desire to contribute to the future of her country. She is an all-round amazing young woman-fit, modest, kind … Continue reading →

Posted in Armenia, Cross-cultural understanding, Emilia Simonian, Fundraising, Peace Corps, Peace Corps Armenia, Things that gladden the heart, Things that make a difference, Women, work, young women, Youth | 3 Comments

The real thing: not sugar that looks like salt

Posted on July 25, 2018 by Liz Barron

“Your stories matter” said the poet. “They are how you make yourself known to others. They are a way of stretching out your hand to someone else.” Damian says that the mistake most newbie poets make is that they feel … Continue reading →

Posted in Armenia, Armenian writers, creative writing, Cross-cultural understanding, Damian Gorman, family, Hanna Huntley, know thyself, Learning, life lessons, love of words, National pride, Poet In Residence, Poetry, public speaking, story-telling, Summer camp, Teaching, Things that gladden the heart, Things that make a difference, travel, Writing, Writing Workshop, young women, Youth | 2 Comments

On working with a Poet-in-Residence

Posted on July 22, 2018 by Liz Barron

Sonnet for Damian Gorman “It’s bonkers” wrote the poet, ‘but yes, I’ll come” He packed his bag and caught the first of many planes His eyes were sore, his bum was numb He yawned and asked our students for their … Continue reading →

Posted in Armenia, creative writing, Cross-cultural understanding, Damian Gorman, Education, Hanna Huntley, Household tips, Language learning, love of words, Marketing, Moonshine, National Poetry Recitation Contest, Poet In Residence, Poetry, red head, story-telling, Summer camp, Teaching, Things that gladden the heart, Things that make a difference, travel, visitors, Wilfred Owen, Writing, Writing Workshop, young women, Youth | 1 Comment

Wild Flowers of Armenia

Posted on July 9, 2018 by Liz Barron

Meadow sweet. Toothwort. Common Spotted Orchid. Creeping Thyme. Yarrow. Knapweed and Salsify. Cornflowers and Gentians. White and Red Clover. Poppies. Flax. Tormentil. Oxeye Daisies. Vetch. Musk Thistle. Sainfoin and Vervain. Mulleins and Fleabanes. Larkspur. Lady’s Mantle. Catmint. Cow Parsley and … Continue reading →

Posted in Armenia, Beauty, dwarf iris Armenia, love of words, Nature, spring, Things that gladden the heart, travel, wild flowers Armenia | 4 Comments