Reviews

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1. 

   Malcolm Donaldson 02/07/2023, 15:22

   United Kingdom, ESPE C&CA School, 21 April 2023

   Excellent, well-informed and committed guide

   Narine took our faculty of 27 paediatric doctors, who were in Yerevan for a 4-day meeting on paediatric endocrinology in April 2023, on an excursion to visit Monastery Geghard in Kotyak province. During the coach trip, Narine taught us about Armenia’s history and culture. In her excellent English she talked about the genocide of 1915, and how Armenians from all over the world would engage in a day of remembrance on the following day (22nd April). She then took us round the 4th century monastery, carved out of rock in the cliffs and told us about how it was founded in the 4th century by “Gregory the Illuminator”. Narine knew when to stop speaking, and let us take in the stark simplicity of this ancient complex, which I found profoundly moving, leaving with tears in y. After the visit, we drove on to the pagan temple of Garni, which stands above the Azat River. There, we heard the traditional ‘Duduk’ instrument being played mournfully before going on to a nearby bakery to watch Lavash – Armenian flatbread — being made.
   Of course, one normally does expect a guide to be committed and able. But there was something special about Narine, she is exceptionally good. I think it’s a combination of being very well read, a good linguist, and perhaps most of all having real pride in and passion for her country. Rather than leaving when the excursion had finished, Narine stayed on to joined us for the gala dinner, held in a restaurant by the Temple, and in the after-dinner dancing.
   This was an unforgettable experience, and I would very much like to come back to Armenia with my wife for a longer visit. If we did, we would definitely hire Narine for one of the days!
   Malcolm Donaldson, Glasgow University, UK