#Gyumri

[babylon-crashing]

MANKATUN

1.

Of all the babies, Moses

was the biggest – being

almost eight. He would

crawl down the hall on

thick forearms

spidery legs

until a nurse would

scoop him up,

leave him with

Hamlet, the Annahiet

twins, Emmella, Syrope -

they all had names -

crying in wooden

chairs for hours.

Some of the nurses

referred to these babies

as things.

As things. As things.

There was no ointment

for the back of the baby

girl's head rocking

back and forth

on the plastic mat – in

the sun for six hours

a winter sun

surrounded by 2 year

old hair.

2.

The spoon

you held was just a spoon.

Spoon, do you have magic

or are you just a spoon?

The bowl of warmish chicken

noodle was oily, was

revolting, was all you had.

Soup, do you have magic

or are you just watery

broth, a noodle?

There is a photograph

in the nurses' office,

of the city dump.

Crosses, made of sticks

dot the mounds of garbage.

Faded strips of black

cloth tied here

there blow about.

There is a dog in

the photograph, too.

It sniffs at

a freshly dug

mound.

][][

Notes.

In the Armenian language, "mankatun" (մանկատուն) is the term for orphanage, where I worked in Gyumri and where the disaster played itself out. Back then I spelled everything phonetically, so I pronounced it "manga'toon," but that doesn't matter much here.

What am I trying to achieve with these posts? I am beginning to lose memories. I am terrified of forgetting. So I'm posting poetry and stories that I wrote almost twenty years ago as a way of saving this silly little world in my head. Even if one day my head stops being mine I hope some essence of this story lives on, somewhere, somehow.

I wrote this poem in 2002 and at the time was trying to work my way through the story of my psycho'vac, the Peace Corps term for being emergency evacuated, up to the point when I wandered out into a blizzard with the dull wish of never returning. The suffering of my children broke me. And it was a single photograph that did it, in the nurse's room, where these children would end up: the city dump. It was the realization at the time that it didn't matter what I did. I was 26. That absolute sense of powerlessness broke me.

[ilcontephotography]

Abandoned theatre. Renovated few years after my visit, it is now an educational tech centre.

Gyumri, Armenia.

© Roberto Conte (2015)

Follow me on Instagram.

[postcard-from-the-past]

View of Alexandropol, modern-day Gyumri, Armenia

Russian vintage postcard, mailed in 1913 to Reims, France

[awidevastdominion]

[dougielombax]

Today marks 35 years since the 1988 Spitak earthquake in Armenia.

25,000 people were killed and many more injured.

The picture shows the ruins of the Holy Saviour’s Church in the city of Gyumri. It has since been repaired and has been undergoing renovations.

[dailystreetsnapshots]

Gyumri, Armenia

[globeskidder]

Extraordinary Armenia: An Underrated Country with Plenty to Offer

Here is my Armenia trip report from when I visited in October 2022

I visited Armenia in the fall of 2022 with few expectations. At first glance, tourism in Armenia seemed limited to the Armenian diaspora or Russians who were coming in by the droves to escape the Ukraine war draft. I hadn’t expected it to be such a delightfully easy country to travel around, and I didn’t plan to fall in love with it. Although I had initially planned on visiting in 2008, what…

[armenian-tourism-ru]

Такси из Гюмри в Ереван, Тбилиси, Батуми, Зугдиди!

[nonesuchrecords]

Tigran Hamasyan performed for ARTE’s Piano Day Concert in celebration of the international day honoring the instrument. For this solo recital, filmed in Opéra Comique’s Salle Bizet in Paris on March 8, Hamasyan performs songs from throughout his repertoire, including his 2017 album, An Ancient Observer, and his 2018 EP, For Gyumri. 

[babylon-crashing]

CGI memories:

Here is the building that is the Lord Byron English School (№20) on Margaret Thatcher Street, in Gyumri, Armenia. It was my first teaching job. I took it because there was a bust of Byron out front. It was a gift from England after the 1988 earthquake destroyed the city. Byron loved the Armenian language, which he called, "the only language worthy to speak to God with." My students had no idea who Byron was and assumed he must be a wealthy patron in London. "If you see Mr. Byron," one of my students told me, "tell him he is a very nice man." I agreed that if I should run into Byron I would tell him.

[carrentalgyumri]

Reasons to Opt for Car Rental Services in Gyumri

Exploring high-altitude cities with thriving tourism scenes presents a compelling motive to journey to Armenia, especially when the destination boasts vibrant musical and theatrical historical events like Gyumri. Gyumri welcomes you with serene surroundings, breathtaking mountain vistas, fresh air, and amiable locals. In addition to these charms, car rental Gyumri offer the key to unlock even more adventures, facilitating the exploration of ancient Armenia at your own pace.

Initiating your adventure seamlessly, renting a car at Gyumri airport emerges as the most dependable and convenient option, ensuring a hassle-free start to your journey.

Variety of Cars Available for Rental in Gyumri

Selecting the ideal vehicle in Armenia may pose a challenge due to the limited presence of major international rental companies and the variable offerings of local agencies. However, opting for car rental in Gyumri presents a satisfactory compromise. The economy hatchback reigns as the favored choice in these parts, though sedan, SUV, and convertible options are also accessible for online reservation. Short-term rentals may serve as a viable alternative for budget-conscious travelers.

Considerations for Rental Pricing in Gyumri

The absence of prominent international rental chains in Gyumri influences both pricing and vehicle availability, rendering car hire in Gyumri relatively less budget-friendly compared to European or American standards.

Securing the Best Rental Deal

To optimize your rental experience:

Steer clear of peak summer tourist seasons to avoid inflated prices.

Opting for a one-day rental can prove cost-effective.

Prioritize online bookings to bypass local providers with dubious reputations.

Economy-class rentals offer the most economical choice for budget travelers.

Exploring Additional Rental Options

Despite the limited vehicle selection and higher costs, Gyumri car rentals offer an array of convenient options, including WiFi, child seats, free cancellation, additional drivers, and fuel options, among others. The costs of these add-ons can be viewed during the booking process, with options for CDW insurance, deposit waivers, and credit card payments available.

Guidelines for Selecting Extra Options

A well-defined travel itinerary aids in discerning the necessity and value of supplementary add-ons for your vehicle. While essentials like child seats are indispensable, exercise discretion to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Rental Companies in Gyumri

Sixt and Hertz stand as the sole international rental companies operating in Gyumri, reflecting the relatively closed nature of the Armenian rental market. While local agencies dominate the market, exercising caution is advised when considering rentals from individual owners, with online reviews serving as valuable resources for vetting reputable providers.

Insights from Rental Reviews

User experiences offer valuable insights into the Gyumri car rental landscape, emphasizing the need for early reservations, thorough contract scrutiny, and appreciation for the region's natural beauty. Positive testimonials outweigh negative feedback, underscoring the potential for a fulfilling rental experience.

Document Requirements for Rental

An International Driver's Permit isn't obligatory for Gyumri rentals, with a valid passport and driver's license typically deemed sufficient. Documents must be in English or Armenian, and securing booking confirmations or discount certificates can yield favorable rental terms.

Embrace the Ease of Car Rental in Gyumri

Seize the opportunity to embark on a memorable journey through Gyumri's enchanting landscapes and historical marvels by securing your car rental today. With our services, your exploration of Armenia promises to be both seamless and rewarding.

[formeryelpers]

Old Gyumri Restaurant, 4441 San Fernando Rd, Glendale, CA 91204

Old Gyumri is an Armenian restaurant that was recently given a luxe remodel. The ownership is the same and the food too. The menu includes appetizers (e.g., hummus, ikra, sarma, lebni), salads, sandwiches, kabobs, fish, dolmas, soups, kibbeh, soups, sides, late night entrees, drinks, and a full bar.

They probably have more chandeliers than any other restaurant in Glendale, including chandeliers on the outside, a chandelier for each of the private dining rooms, and chandeliers in the main dining area. The lobby has marble floors, a piano, roses, mirrors, and gold accents. The outdoor seating area has private cabanas – very fancy.

BBQ sturgeon ($20): Two pieces of sturgeon marinated, skewered, and flame-broiled, served with spinach and basmati rice. Mr. Froyo enjoyed the simplicity and the hearty, meaty fish.

Garni fish stew ($45): Famous fish stew served in Garni. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was told that they serve a fish found only in a lake in Armenia. I figured it would be pieces of fish and veggies. It was actually a whole freshwater fish (maybe 4 pounds) cooked in a tomato cream sauce and no veggies. The fish is a type of trout – white flesh, mild, medium firmness. The sauce was too salty but eating it with rice helped.

I realized after receiving my order that the food is meant to be eaten family style. So, order a few appetizers and salads, not just entrees. We weren’t given any pita. And except for a few raw spinach leaves, the dishes didn’t have any vegetables.

They have live music on some nights. Expect to hear Armenian and Russian pop. Valet parking is available.

Service was very attentive. He even gave me a complimentary cup of hot Armenian coffee.

3.5 out of 5 stars

By Lolia S.

[389]

Iron Fountain Location: Gyumri, Armenia Completed: 1982 Architect: Artur Tarkhanyan

[eretzyisrael]

@EinatWilfUnofficial

1 day ago (edited)Despite Israel being a tiny country with limited resources, surrounded by enemies, it absolutely does send aid all over the world including to official enemy states like Syria. Here is a partial list of the countries Israel sent aid to, as mentioned in the summary of IDF humanitarian missions:

1. Greece (1953, 1999): Assisted survivors of an earthquake in the Ionian Islands in 1953 and supported search and rescue efforts after the Athens earthquake in 1999.

2. Cambodia (1975): Provided medical care to refugees from the Cambodian-Vietnamese conflict near the Cambodian-Thai border.

3. Mexico (1985, 2017): Sent rescue teams after the devastating 1985 Mexico City earthquake and supported damage assessments and relief efforts following the 2017 earthquake.

4. Armenia (1988): Deployed rescue workers and medical aid following a massive earthquake in Gyumri.

5. Romania (1989): Delivered medical supplies and assistance during the Romanian revolution.

6. Croatia (1992): Sent humanitarian aid to Zagreb for those affected by the Bosnian civil war.

7. Argentina (1994): Assisted in search and rescue operations after a Hezbollah bombing at the AMIA building in Buenos Aires.

8. Democratic Republic of Congo (1994): Established a field hospital and provided supplies for refugees of the Rwandan Civil War in Goma.

9. Kenya (1998, 2006): Helped after the US embassy bombing in Nairobi in 1998 and a building collapse in 2006.

10. Turkey (1999, 2011, 2023): Conducted rescue operations and medical care after major earthquakes in İzmit (1999), Erciş (2011), and Türkiye (2023).

11. India (2001): Treated thousands and set up a field hospital after the Gujarat earthquake.

12. Egypt (2004): Assisted after the Taba Hilton bombing with medical and rescue teams.

13. Sri Lanka (2004): Provided medical supplies and aid after the devastating tsunami.

14. United States (2005, 2021): Delivered humanitarian supplies after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and aided search and rescue in Surfside, Miami, in 2021.

15. Japan (2011): Treated patients and established a field clinic after the earthquake and tsunami in Minamisanriku.

16. Bulgaria (2012): Provided medical assistance following a Hezbollah bus bombing in Burgas.

17. Ghana (2012): Rescued survivors after a department store collapse in Accra.

18. Philippines (2013): Conducted extensive medical and rescue operations after Typhoon Haiyan.

19. Nepal (2015): Treated thousands and established a field hospital after a massive earthquake in Kathmandu.

20. Syria (2016–2018): Provided medical and humanitarian aid to Syrian civilians during the civil war via Operation Good Neighbor.

21. Brazil (2019): Assisted in search and rescue operations after the Brumadinho dam collapse.

22. Albania (2019): Helped repair and assess structural damage after a major earthquake.

23. Honduras (2020): Supported recovery efforts following two devastating hurricanes.

24. Equatorial Guinea (2021): Delivered medical aid and conducted rescue operations after a series of explosions in Nkoa Ntoma.

25. Ukraine: Constructed a field hospital to treat civilians following Russia declaring war.

[contremineur]

NEWSPAPER CLIPPING In Armenian, earthquake means it trembles, it crumbles, it falls down. There is a photograph of this. Anna's father is in the foreground. In a new graveyard – an old football field. His face obscured by heavy beard. By winter sun. It's tradition – men cannot shave their faces a whole 40 days after a loved one dies. Which she translated into When whole families are crushed under tenement walls. There is a photograph of this; bent in half, kept in his daughter's wallet for eleven years. A curiosity.

babylon-crashing, from Three ways of viewing Gyumri

from here

[canadiandogteeth]

The iron fountain in Gyumri is a striking example of Soviet-era Armenian architecture. Designed by the celebrated architect Artur Tarkhanyan, this fountain stands as a testament to the blend of functionality and artistic expression characteristic of his work. Tarkhanyan, known for his bold use of materials and innovative designs, created this fountain to reflect the industrial spirit and resilience of Gyumri. The iron construction not only highlights the era's utilitarian approach but also serves as a lasting symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage.