6. Study Visit 2010

Accompanying Person: Ghazar Bardakchyan

Travel Memories by Rainer Tanner

A study visit to Armenia – an old dream is becoming reality!
In a group of 14 people, in which one could feel as a «familymember' in very short time, we experience nine days of an unforgetable journey.

We are literally feeling the trauma at the Genocide-Commemorial site on 95th anniversary: A sadness, which leaves touched, which captures in a strange way and leaves mourning with the Armenian people.The visit of the cathedral of Etchmiadzin and the participation in a church service – an experience, that overwhelmes all senses and leaves all experience of time behind – one wants to rest there for a while.

In the ancient monastery of Khor Virap, with a breathtaking view of mount Ararat, history could be experienced, be it, that you climb into the cave, where the Saint was captured, be it, that you get invited to a glass of Vodka by a group of man on the cemetery nearby.
They are laying their mother to rest, just beside their 20 year old brother who fell in the Karabach-war. Mourning is held in company.
Who will forget our trip to Tatev? Even the roads are worth mentioning, especially because they presented themselves different on the way down that on the way up.
And what about the encounter with «Father Michael» – did it not endulge us with deep sympathy? Not just the Armenian coffee he offered us, also the songs we shared and the blessing he gave us. Everything showed us, that we shall meet him again in eternity.
And then, the final station on our trip, Spitak! Should one try to describe the warm welcome, the fantastic meal – not to forget Vodka and Cognac... – or the atmosphere we felt dancing and singing together? And who does not remember the tears we shared, when Adrian received his honorary citizenship of Spitak? And the – surprisingly different – simple life at our host families, the overwhelming hospitality. They even made family member sleep over at other places, to make room for us.
Armenia – we wish you the peace, that you are longing for for such a long time! May the YMCA-Center and everyone, that dwell in it, make their contribution to you and become a blessing for you!