Overview <3

I love Armenia..

It may be because I am still on California time, but I wake up happy at 6 AM every morning. I love the house we are living in and I love all of the others on the trip. We are a family already and I know I will be friends with these individuals for the rest of my life.We all seem to feel like we have been here for such a long time, even though it has been only three days. My guess is that it feels like this because our days are so productive. Lorena told her dad about this feeling and her dad told her that "it feels like you guys have been there so long because that is where you are all from." This is probably the case. This is my motherland. I feel such a deep connection to the other Armenians here. I am so proud of everything we have accomplished in spite of how we have been conquered, used, and massacred throughout history.

Living in Yerevan, it is impossible to be lazy. People walk everywhere for food, work, and school. Obesity is definitely not an issue here in spite of all the amazing food. Everyone works hard for everything they have. Nothing comes easily.

The Soviet Influence is still present, but only physically. The star is still found on many of the old buildings and cars. Also, Russian is still taught in the public schools. However, by no means do Armenians identify themselves as Russian. Culture here is poppin' and Armenians know that their Armenian culture is what defines them. I've heard mixed accounts on whether or not the USSR was good for Armenia. Some of the older residents say that economically, things were good under Soviet Rule. Food was always available and all of their needs were fulfilled. Also, after the USSR fell Armenia entered a severe economic depression. Although one cannot state with certainty that this was because of the fall of the USSR, there is definitely a strong correlation between the two events. This also makes sense because that period was undoubtedly a drastic transition for the entire country. The younger residents believe that Armenia is definitely doing better now. We have independence, our own government, and our own clear identity. I tend to agree with this. I don't think we are struggling now and I know that our culture is still poppin'. Hopeully I can more concisely answer this question by the end of my trip.