Armenian Journey: IN YEREVAN

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

IN YEREVAN

    I arrived in Yerevan about 3 hours ago. I'm still in a bit of a fog with two long plane rides and a longer lay-over in Paris - but not long enough to do anything fun.
     I'm now at my friend, Anahit Stepanyan's, home/apartment stay. It's good to see her after 5 years. Sadly, her dog Mina is not here to greet me. Mina died this winter at age 17. I'll tell a story about her later.
     So, I'm off to bed at what would be about 11:30am in Washington. I'm going to get on the local schedule as soon as I can. Hugs and love to all of you,
Bob

Anahit - 5 years ago.