10. Study visit

20. - 29. June 2013

Not only the «Armenia-veterans» Adrian Kuensch and Marlyse Walti made it to Armenia in june 2013, but also the three «beginners» Marion Schmid, co-president of YMCA Switzerland, Monika Efferenn, member of the commitee international of YMCA Switzerland, and Katrin Pilling, coordinator of the partnership between Zurich and Spitak YMCA.

Tatul Bostanchyan of YMCA Spitak, who only a few days before had finished his two years of military service, accompanied the group on their trip in his home country. Highlights were – besides the approved stage goals as lake Sevan, the many fascinating monasteries and, first of all, the visit of YMCA Spitak, for the first time the newly opened funicular, leading to the monastery Tatev. It can not only be proud of its poetic name «Wings of Tatev», but also for being the longest funicular in the world.

During the trip, we had the opportunity for interesting exchanges of ideas – within the unusually small group, with our companion Tatul and the team of Spitak YMCA, as well as with the local guest families. Full of new impressions and enthusiastic about the legendary and true Armenian hospitality, the travellers returned to Switzerland.

By Katrin Pilling