Winter Wonderland

It has been snowing slowly but steadily in Yerevan during the past few days, casting a shroud of wintry magnificence throughout the city. It’s perfect weather for the New Year season I think. For once the city is tranquil, as most drivers tend not to drive in this slippery stuff since they can barely drive in the first place. Not to mention everyone is too busy drinking.

Indeed the continuous revelry has already begun. One week of merriment is upon us, to consume all you can manage to eat and drink to your heart’s content, with the usual assorted salads laden with sour cream and mayonnaise, dolma, and New Year’s ham (Armenians are big on ham for some reason). I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the coming of 2009. It’s the first time I’ve enjoyed the holidays in Armenia in four years, too long a wait.

Last night I watched the clock strike twelve at Anush’s parents’ home surrounded by food and drink before heading to her friend Ripa’s house, where I drank seven-year old Armenian brandy with her dad, Seyran (who incidentally works for Armenia Tree Project). He is a fantastic guy who loves to drink and laugh. But despite having drunk several shots after having a half-bottle of vodka during the last hours of 2008 I wasn’t very drunk, which impressed my host very much. Anush and I walked home shuffling through the snow and avoiding an all-too-common drunken fistfight that erupted on the corner of Sayat Nova and Khanjian. The snowflakes were very light, gently caressing our cheeks as if to comfort us with the hope of a prosperous new year.







Once again wishing all the best to everyone for 2009.