Garni & various festivities

Constitutional day (A national holiday celebrating the adoption of the first Armenian constitution on July 5, 1995) fell on Wednesday this week, July 5th, and the AAA group had the day off from work. First stopping at the biggest knock-off of a Dunkin Donuts back in the States, we all had the chance to sit down and eat at Yum Yum’s. They even had real filtered, drip coffee although it tasted more like water. Afterwards we all left for Garni.

Garni Temple was built in the first century by King Tiridates as a summer retreat for his family. Destroyed in an earthquake in 1679, the temple was rebuilt during the Soviet years. Clear distinctions can be made between the original stone and the replaced stones during the rebuilding phase. Also, some Arabic graffiti can be seen etched out in the stone on the right-hand side of the entrance. More details and pictures could be found


Another interesting trip that was taken by the AAA group was the visit to the Ararat Brandy Factory, right over the Victory Bridge in Yerevan. The building, designed by Ovanes Markaryan houses some of the worlds best brandy. Owned by a French group, Pernod Ricot, Ararat brandy comes in various forms. We all had the chance to test the 3-Star, 5-Start, and the 20 Year old.

This past Sunday was capped off with a dinner at the Hovnanian's residence. The house had a pool in the back that allowed for non-AAA abuse, that all the AAA interns found out after. Our fearless coordinator - Vram- made sure we were home and ready for our next days meeting at the Ministry of Justice.


(Interns amazed by the brandy & a few tipsy) (Ms.Hovnanian entertaining a few AAA interns)

(Dinner at Monte Cristo's with all the AAA intens) (Arpi took the time to brief us on AAA)