A week after I got here, my new counterpart Emilia was elected along with eight others to the town’s council of elders! To celebrate, and also just because (“Armenians will have a party for absolutely anything” according to my host mom Vartush), we ventured up into the mountains south of town for a khorovats with the family. Here I provide photographic proof of this.
The goofy backseat contingent for our drive. (l to r, Host folks’ daughter/Emilia’s sister Anna’s daughter Yana, Emilia’s daughter Shahane [three syllables – Sha-ha-ne], Anna’s daughter Diana).Lendrush prepares the meat for grilling.Peppers and eggplants roasting on the early stage of the fire.After the fire burns down to coals, Lendrush cooks the meat.Anna and Vartush prepare the roasted eggplants and peppers for eating.Quite the spread! (l to r around the table, Emilia’s nephew Hayk [her husband’s brother’s son], Shahane, Lendrush, Vartush, Emilia, Diana, Emilia’s daughter Liana [blocked], Emilia’s niece Lilit [Hayk’s sister], Yana, and Anna).Another toast.Liana, Diana, and Shahane on the swing.The view of the hills/mountains north of town from our eating place, not too shabby.Throwing around the frisbee after eating.Fun on the see-saw.Family portrait.
Hi Nick, We really feel as if we were part of the khorovats! Thank you so much for taking and sending all those photos. We are passing your e mails on to a very good pianist friend, Sahan Arsruni. Though he grew up in Istanbul he is interested in his original country. And so am I; one of my best friends in college was second generation Armenian and her parents told vivid tales. The Armenian colony in NYC is cohesive, prosperous and full of energy. Anyway, many thanks and keep it coming! Love, Dithy
Nick, you have photographed the best spread on Khorovats that I have ever seen, and I have seen a lot as you might imagine. Have you sent your pictures to Saveur? I see a book in your future.
Nick in Armenia 
Um the look on the face of the boy nect to you when you are toasting…priceless
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Hi Nick, We really feel as if we were part of the khorovats! Thank you so much for taking and sending all those photos. We are passing your e mails on to a very good pianist friend, Sahan Arsruni. Though he grew up in Istanbul he is interested in his original country. And so am I; one of my best friends in college was second generation Armenian and her parents told vivid tales. The Armenian colony in NYC is cohesive, prosperous and full of energy. Anyway, many thanks and keep it coming! Love, Dithy
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Nick, you have photographed the best spread on Khorovats that I have ever seen, and I have seen a lot as you might imagine. Have you sent your pictures to Saveur? I see a book in your future.
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Yes, it was quite a spread!
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