Miassine
At the beginning of July, the Miassine association had the pleasure of welcoming a group of 23 Swiss for a ten-day trip to discover Armenia. Driven by curiosity, they explored the country through its culture, history, cuisine and landscapes. For everyone involved, the trip was an unforgettable experience of sharing, encounters and emotions.
Day after day, participants criss-crossed Armenia, discovering its age-old heritage. From the majesty of the Garni temple, perched on the edge of a volcanic gorge, to the spirituality of the Geghard monastery, carved into the rock and enveloped by verdant cliffs, each site visited offered a unique immersion in Armenian history and nature. Lake Sevan, a veritable inland sea at an altitude of 1,900 metres, dazzled the group with its intense colors and landscapes. The visit to the Noravank monastery, nestled in spectacular red canyons, was another highlight, combining architectural beauty and natural grandeur. At one of these spiritual stops, the group met a priest who offered a blessing to each of them, a simple but deeply moving moment that touched everyone.
Over and above the visits, this trip was above all marked by the warmth and cohesion of the group. From the very first days, bonds were forged over breakfasts shared at Astrig's, with lavash, scrambled eggs with herbs and homemade jams. Picnics, often held at the foot of the monasteries, were an opportunity to savor local cheeses, grilled vegetables, dolmas and fresh fruit. In the evening, everyone gathered around large tables to enjoy typical dishes such as khorovats (grilled meats), harissa or ghapama, accompanied by salads and traditional bread. Songs, games, laughter... the good mood was always there. This joyful, friendly atmosphere turned the stay into a real collective adventure, rich in encounters and shared memories.
Meeting the locals was one of the highlights of the trip. Sincere, spontaneous Armenian hospitality made everyone feel at home. One of the most vivid memories is undoubtedly the meeting at Lake Arpi: after a heavy downpour, the group took refuge in the small house of a local resident. Warmed by a stove and full of human warmth, the room was transformed into a place of sharing, with songs, discussions, tasting of local specialities and stories of a particular daily life. This simple, authentic moment captures the essence of the Armenian people and the richness of this trip.
The trip also provided an opportunity to immerse oneself in Armenia's rich culture. A particularly memorable moment was the concert given by the Young Armenian Prodigies, a project run by the Miassine association. For two hours, the group was captivated by the mastery of these child musicians. Violin, piano, clarinet, and trumpet... but also duduk and qanun, traditional instruments, followed one another in a repertoire that combines classical music with Armenian culture—a true marvel for all. To round off their stay, the group also attended a performance of Verdi's La Traviata at the Yerevan opera house. This powerful and moving moment brought this cultural adventure to a magnificent close.
"At the end of the concert, I started crying because it was so beautiful. I thanked the children for this exceptional moment.
Jean 78 years old.
A huge thank you to this group for their kindness, enthusiasm and curious look at Armenia. Your presence made this trip more than just a stay; it was a genuine human experience.
At Miassine, we believe that encounters, exchanges and discoveries are powerful levers for bringing Armenian culture to life. This project is a fine example of this, and we hope to inspire many others. A new trip in this spirit will be launched in September, continuing to forge links between Armenia and those who come to meet it.
Don't miss any of our future adventures and projects!
Follow Miassine for all our news.