Yesterday (September 21st) was Armenia’s “Anghaghootsyoon Ore”, or Independence Day. For most, it was like any normal day in Armenia, and most stores and businesses actually stayed open. Peace Corps gives volunteers that day off, however, so Alex and I began our day around noon with a hike into the woods around Noyemberian. 5 mountains, a lot of miles and about 4 hours later, we made it home, exausted. It really made me appreciate the nature and lack of pollution up here. We’re going to try and make the hikes weekly. We saw an old monestary on the side of the mountain, which we’ll plan on hiking to Monday. I’ll make sure to bring my camera this time…
After a short nap, I went to Noyemberian’s Independence Day festivities, at the town square. Hundreds of people showed up, which was very encouraging to see this town with an actual sense of community (something I was beginning to doubt). As you can see below, it was pretty packed!
There were 8 live singers/dancers, most of whom were pretty decent. There was this group of five young girls who danced to American hip-hop music I could have lived without. I’m pretty sure my high school dance team was better than them. We had a great time anyway. Paul, a volunteer who’s been here a year, came into town and we did our best to get the big group dancing (which Armenian’s normally don’t have a problem with, except out in public appearently). We did get a decent size group dancing, including some college-aged boys, to my great surprise (I was one – we don’t dance). It was a wonderful time, and after the singing, dancing and picture taking finished, came my favorite part of the night: FIREWORKS!! Needless to say, I went home hungry, exausted, but with a big smile on my face (as you can see from the pictures).
Some of our new friends:
Alex and I leading the Tango:
I will be able to post again next week, as I’m leaving town to meet the Europe-Mediterrainian-Asia Peace Corps Regional Director (oooh, ahhh). Maybe we can teach him how to dance.
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