Female - Armenia

11.08.05 Yesterday was the first day when “classes” started. There was a lecture about history, then instead of language lecture, we had an interesting lecture about Antakya – which nationalities live here, their religions etc. We also had a group work, which we’re going to have every day. During the group work we’ve got to know each other better, spoke about cultural similarities and differences, marriage, army and a lot more Then we planned the work that we are going to do for the coming 7 days, what we’re going to present to others. The journalist team made the first issue of Yavas Gamats magazine. Well, these are the main things that we’ve done during this day, and rest of my free time I spent sleeping. 12.08.05 Yesterday started with a group work and we discussed the gender problems in both Armenia and Turkey. After was the lecture of Murat Belge about Turkish literature. Unfortunately I missed the lecture of Sevan Nisanyan as I was sick. At about 4 pm. we started our tour. First place we went was the Museum of Archeology. It was interesting in there – all that ancient mosaics and sculptures. Then we continued our trip with visiting St. Peter church which is the first Christian church. I made some nice pictures there as the view from there was beautiful. Then we drove to waterfalls. I didn’t like it there much because I don’t know why, I was expecting to see a real, great waterfall instead… But still, we had a walk! :) On the way to the restaurant from “waterfalls” were some nice, small shops where we bought some souvenirs to take back home with us. We even entered this Nargile place and boys wanted to buy one, but it appeared to be that you can only smoke it inside. Well in the end of the day we had a dinner. It was fun – singing, joking, just chatting… Well, every day getting to know each other better. 13.08.05 Yesterday the program started with the group work and we finished the discussions on gender. After we continued with a lecture about nationalism. Instead of the language course, this time we had a lecture of Armenian history. Then we had a group work again, during which we discussed army (military) issues of both countries, it didn’t last long as the lecture of Armenian history was longer then expected (but interesting). After this, some went to Vakiflikoy and a part stayed in the hotel. I stayed in the hotel as we had plans to go to the Rock Festival, but unfortunately, I don’t know why, my expectations were wrong. So we just got out from the hotel, had a night-walk in Antakya and returned to the hotel. 15.08.05 We had a really great weekend. On Saturday night and Sunday morning we visited the only Armenian village in Turkey – Vakiflikoy. There was some kind of a festival with dancing, singing and on Sunday morning was the “harisa” day. We were guests at the house of the oldest man of the village. We continued our way to Cevikli, we went to the seaside. It was nice and we had a lot of fun. Although the sea was polluted. Then the “fun bus” came and took us to “Titus”. It was very beautiful place with tunnels and it seemed to be kind of adventurous. Then we got back to the hotel in Cevikli to have our dinner. We sang some songs both Turkish and Armenian and we continued singing in the bus. There was a wedding party in the hotel so we got some drinks and started to have fun, which continued in the bar of the hotel. 16.08.05 As today is the last day of the summer school I’m gonna write about the thing that I will never forget. (no matter what) Sorry for not writing about lectures, they were really very interesting but unfortunately I have not good memory to remember these. So of course I met with nice people, new friends. We all had a lot of fun together, spoke about everything. But never ever in my life I will forget that drink called “raki”. First one I tried in Vakiflikoy and I drank it like I usually drink vodka. It was kind of hard to breath for a few minutes but still I’m alive! :)  The next day I found out that people usually mix it with water and then drink, so at night in the bar I tried the “real raki” and plus I drink beer. Something went on in my stomach and head and I was dancing alone as everybody else went to sleep! So I’ll take a bottle with me to Armenia for my other “alcoholic” friends :)