Armenia

Around the World in 80 Heys

2021, Universe, , , , , , , , View all 19 comments
Anais Nin

One of the small disappointments in my life is that I’m not the kind of person who gets nicknames, at least not the kind that are said to my face. For a short time, a few people called me “KimTwin,” a reference to an outboard motor. I was 20 and would have preferred a nickname that you would give to Anais Nin, mysterious and bohemian.

Although I am not a nickname kind of person, I’ve been called many things during my travels. Each gave me a little insight about another culture, and provided a small thrill. Here are the ones I remember.

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Somebody Else’s Armenia

2016, Armenia, View all 11 comments

DSCN0159

What a relief to meet these two smilers

I went to Armenia because I thought it would be a good place to write — pleasant without a lot of tourist distractions. I expected to feel a special connection in Armenia. It is my ancestral homeland. I have wonderful memories of spirited gatherings with my Armenian family. And I believe in genetic memory, a physiological connection to our ancestors’ experiences.

It was pleasant and quiet as I expected.  But I didn’t like Armenia so much.

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Chillin in Armenia

2016, Armenia, , View all 5 comments

DSCN0165Yerevan is a great place to hang out and write, which is what I came to do (mainly).  I have a nice apartment that overlooks a park that is full of public art and lined with cafes.  I love to go out walking through the city and, although Yerevan does not have world class tourist sites, there is always plenty to see.  The weather at this time of year is perfect and the pace is nice. Continue reading →