Khatchkars - "Stone Cross"

Khatchkars - "Stone Cross"
Khatchars are everywhere in Armenia; in and around churches, on streets and roads, and out in the countryside. There are tens of thousands all over. Some characteristics of khatchars are that they are seldom symmetrical left to right or top to bottom. This symbolizes the assymetry of the world. The carved background patterns (similar to celtic knots) on many khatchkars have no beggining or end - symbolizing the eterenity of the universe. And, finally, a common practice was to break a small piece of the carving with a chisel. This symbolizes the idea that nothing on earth is perfect. Khatchkars date from at least the middle ages if not earlier. .

Thursday, August 2, 2012

I am in Paris

     So I have experienced periods of pre-occupation when I am paying absolutely no attention to my surroundings or the people around me.  When I got to Seattle, I really had to use the restroom.  And I was also going through that stress that airports seem to bring on: where's my terminal, will I get through security OK, where the heck is Air France (it's actually under Delta - but who knew?).
     So on my way up the stairs, I saw to my great relief, a restroom.  It was near the 00 doors at the newer end of the terminal. I raced in and was surprised that there were no urinals, just a vast row of cubicles.  Hmmm.... Must be a new style of restrooms!
     OR... Yikes, I'm in the Women's... I got out just as a lady was walking in.  I just strolled out as if this were the most common occurence - no big deal.   
     Anyhow, I'm at Charles de Gaulle airport in France. The 10-hour flight actually seemed to go pretty quickly.  Now, I'm waiting a few hours to go to Yerevan.
     More to follow.

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