The day had come for the Hamazkayin Forum trip to Artsakh; the excitement was high. Ararat greeted everyone as the group approached ‘Khor Virab. For some, it was the first trip to Armenia and everyone was in an awe; Ararat managed to capture everyones hearts and souls, as it has done since the beginning of time; our Ararat is simply stunning. Following prayers and descent for some to ‘khor virab’ it was time to continue on.
Next stop: the Barouyr Sevak museum, where after listening to a recording of some of his poems recited by him, the Forum participants gathered around the tombstone where him and his wife are buried. One of the Forum participants from Armenia, Gohar, provided information about him and his work. The team sang ‘Yerevan Erepuni’, in honour of his memory.
Noravank followed; a beautiful spot high up in the mountains…Following lunch at the scenic restaurant, ‘Vorskan’, the group continued on to Artsakh. The road was breathtaking; mountains falling in each others’ laps…colourful, grand. Singing national and patriotic songs along the way, the group entered Artsakh…everyone was in an awe about the beauty that surrounds these mountains…Before you know it, we were passing through Shushi and the lights of Stepanagerd were shining bright….
The bus pulled up at Parc Hotel; at the entrance, the statue of one of our heroes, Ashod Pegor greeted all. A tasty dinner was served at the hotel restaurant. Welcome to Artsakh; heaven on earth.
