One Night in Armenia

Where is Armenia? I had no idea before tonight. But now these people have given me a reason to visit this country, a country that is a little poetic, romantic, and melancholic. Started with some initial awkwardness, but a couple of wines and beers later, we were singing, playing silly games, and sharing life. I am so grateful to break bread (enchilada in this case) with these people. I believe that the universe brought us together for a reason. I really hope that I will see all of you again - Tatev, Ani, Aram, Armen, and Hayk.

Our time together was too short for us to learn and appreciate everyone's story. For the little that I learned, I loved Tatev's story. She was a researcher and studied in China (Suzhou) before. She wrote a two-page summary of Armenia-China's relationship to the current Secretary of the Security Council and asked for a job. Totally a long shot. One or two years later, the Secretary responded and offer her a job.

Tatev is an avid dancer. Ani loves singing (she sang us an Armenian folk song). Haykt used to have a scorpion as a pet. Aram has two daughters. One thing in common is that they are all very busy people, especially considering that their country is at war with Azerbaijan.

The meal? I underestimated the preparation time. The concept was very simple: baked chicken enchiladas with shredded rotisserie chicken and mozzarella cheese on a mole (I brought it back from Mexico City), Mexican salad, and freshly-made guacamole. I barely finished the preparation when the guests walked in the door. What went wrong? The Mexican salad required too much chopping (corn, jicama, zucchini, tomato, cilantro, onion). The small corn tortilla broke easily when I folded them. I learned my lesson - do not try a recipe for the first time for this type of dinner party.

What did I learn from this dinner? When I asked if they would want to raise their kids in Armenia, and the answer was a resounding yes. These people are passionate about their country and living in Armenia (the current 30-year war might have inspired that). The living conditions are much better than what I read. It might have to do with the type of people at the dinner table - they were all high-flying ambitious professionals with very important jobs with the government - Tatev was the assistant to a Secretary of the Security Council, Aram was the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, Ani was the Press Secretary of the Deputy Prime Minister Office, Armen was the head of PR for the Prime Minister Office and Hayk was the PR specialist of the Central Bank. Now that I have time to process it a little bit, it gave me little goosebumps to have people of such caliber in my tiny apartment eating not-so-well-done enchiladas.

Now I have a standing invite to Armenia. I will be there, my friends.