Yerevan, Republic of Armenia © Onnik Krikorian / Oneworld Multimedia 2008

I have to be honest. Winter is not my favorite time in Yerevan. The city can be quite gray and lifeless with most Armenians staying at home. That’s certainly the case for the New Year when local culture dictates that visiting friends and relatives is the order of the day until 13 January. As Armenians celebrate Christmas on 6 January that also means the main event is New Year.

Anyway, while I do enjoy having snow on the ground unlike winter in England when very rarely did snow settle in Bristol or London, the two cities where I’ve spent most of my life, I’ve also been reluctant to venture out. Today, however, was an exception when I took my son out for pizza off Republic Square.

So, without further ado, some photos snapped earlier and also a day before New Year’s Eve of a deserted Liberty Square. Strange to be there when there isn’t an opposition rally being held, but anyway. Suffice to say, as the New Year has now come and gone, time to wish you all a Merry [Armenian] Christmas for tomorrow!

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…to my son now aged six!

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Given that this year will probably see blogging in Armenia belatedly come of age with the use of the camera phone, a quick test. My son, David, born in Armenia and now aged 5. His English is a little broken and not as good as his Armenian, but anyway.

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