KEIKO KOMA net

21st Oct 2008
 

Wonderful time in Armenia

Today we visited Lake Sevan as we were highly recommended to visit it to feel its special atmosphere and energy. It is located at an altitude of two thousand metres above  sea level and is said to be the highest lake in the world. On the way to the lake there remained things from the Soviet era that made me imagine the past history of this land. All of a sudden, I thrilled at the brilliant blue color of the water of the lake in harmony with tree leaves turning yellow that came into my sights. I felt I knew this pleasant landscape. The weather was clear and the sun beam was strong. The breezes were a bit chilly but overall everything was pleasant and fine. Our guide made a reservation in a special fish restaurant commanding a view towards the lake though we had asked her not to include lunch in the tour as we took a late breakfast. She insisted that everybody who visited the lake had to taste its fresh fish. And indeed I enjoyed the fresh fish dish very much and ate everything which was quite a rare thing for me. The dessert cake was made from fruit and was also delicious though I had to put a lot of energy cutting it into pieces to eat. While Armenian coffee became my favorite beverage this time I tried a special herbal tea called time. It was said to serve to stabilize blood pressure and tasted very good as well having a fresh aroma. Mr. Idaki Shin said with a smiling face that I would be fine after drinking it. People in Armenia make it a rule to toast either with vodka or brandy. During dinner or lunch. I was strongly offered to sip a bit of the  vodka they had and I accepted, to discover that it also tasted wonderful. I felt grateful to everything as I had never had the experience of enjoying a meal and drinks with local people just before an international concert. I came to love Armenia and feel quite at home.