9. Study Visit 2012

A Cultural Journey to Armenia

29. June - 8. July

Guides: Adrian Künsch-Wälchli, Marlyse Walti and Regula Michel

The idea of a cultural trip to Armenia, which would combine sight-seeing with a donation came to my mind during the opening ceremony for the YMCA-Center in Spitak in May 2010. This summer, I was able to realize this idea and escorted a group of friends to Armenia who had agreed to make a donation in favor of the CEVI-project in Armenia in addition to the travel expenses. Thanks to this undertaking we were able to generate a respectable amount for the “House of Future” in Spitak.

On this trip, we focused on culture and art. We chose a classical route, which gave a good first insight in this wonderful country to the newcomers in Armenia:

The rock monastery Geghard, the temple of Garni, Etschmiazin (Center of the Armenian Apostolic Church), Tsitsernakaberd (the memorial center for the victims of the genocide), Saghmosavank monastery, Spitak and the YMCA-Center, the old commercial city of Gjumri, Marmaraschen monastery, the monasteries Haghbat and Sanahin in the north, Dilidjan, the monasteries Hagartsin and Sevan, the chatchkars (cross stones) of Noratus, the monasteries Khor Virap and Noravank and finally the visit of the Matenaderan (Museum of miniature handwritings and book-paintings) in Yerevan.

In Spitak, we were happy to become acquainted with the staff of the YMCA-Center and to see what our donations are used for. The meeting with the natives of Spitak was no doubt one of the highlights.

On this cultural journey we were accompanied by Regula Michel, a historian of art whose professional advice was highly appreciated and whose enthusiasm for Armenia could literally be felt, as well as by Adrian Künsch-Wälchli whose endless knowledge of the culture and the country inspired us.

For me as an art and culture admirer, it was a great experience to escort a group of travelers through Armenia. Therefore, I would like to thank the team of CEVI Zurich, the staff of YMCA-Center in Spitak, Regula Michel and Adrian Künsch-Wälchli for their support. Without them this journey would not have been possible. My special thanks go to the participants Christine Baumann, Silvia Begert, Margrit Höhener, Manon Homberger, Marianne and Hans Meier-Tappolet, Sandra and Walo Schoch, Zofia and Frieder Schmückle, Anna Schumacher and Peter Walti. You were a great group! I enjoyed the trip so much that – provided that my private schedule allows it – I gladly will organize another trip next year.

by Marlyse Walti