Armenia

Content Warning: Please be advised that the following story contains references to suicide. This topic may be disturbing for some readers. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, we encourage seeking support from a mental health professional or a crisis helpline. Your well-being is important, and help is available.

Travel often brings unexpected encounters and experiences, some joyful and others sobering. My journey from Tbilisi to Yerevan with a fellow traveler, a young Dutch backpacker, was one such experience that left an indelible mark on my soul.

We met in Tbilisi, bonding over our shared love for adventure and hitchhiking. Discovering our similar travel plans, we decided to embark on the next leg of our journey together, opting for the night train to Yerevan. The idea was to savor the experience of a night train journey while saving on a night's accommodation.

My travel companion, with a flair for music, prepared a special tribute for our border crossing. At the Georgian checkpoint, he played Ray Charles' "Georgia," and as we entered Armenia, he switched to Charles Aznavour, celebrating each country's cultural references. The customs officials seemed to appreciate the gesture, or perhaps they didn’t notice, but either way, they were friendly and welcoming.

As the train trundled into Armenia, we decided to catch some sleep to make the most of the next day. However, our journey took a dramatic and tragic turn. About half an hour into Armenia, a sudden thud against the floor of our cabin and the abrupt braking of the train shattered the night's calm. Initially, I assumed we might have hit an animal or a stray rock – something not uncommon on train journeys.

But my travel buddy, driven by a need to understand, ventured out. After a while, he returned, visibly shaken, with harrowing news: passengers at the back had seen a human body on the tracks. It was a suicide.

This revelation hit us hard. Here we were, two travelers on an adventure, confronted with the stark reality of someone's profound despair. I had never been this close to the impact of suicide. It was a chilling reminder of the unseen battles people face, the depths of despair that drive someone to such an irreversible decision. The thought of the person's loved ones, who might be grappling with guilt and unanswered questions, weighed heavily on my heart.

The train was stalled for a while as authorities arrived to handle the situation. The once lively atmosphere in our cabin had transformed into a somber reflection on life and the fragility of human existence. We tried to rest, but sleep was elusive as we processed the night's events.

This journey, though shadowed by tragedy, served as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of life. It underscored the importance of compassion and awareness of the struggles others might be facing. As the train eventually continued its journey, so did we, carrying with us a renewed perspective on life, its challenges, and the unseen battles of those around us.

October 2018

Moments

Did you know

Chess Superstars: Chess is a compulsory subject in schools. Armenia is known for producing some of the world's top chess players, including Grandmasters and former World Champions.
Armenian Brandy: Winston Churchill was particularly fond of Armenian brandy, which was supplied to him throughout the Second World War by Joseph Stalin.
Land of Mountains: Over 90% of Armenia's terrain is mountainous, offering stunning landscapes and making it a great destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Ancient Winemaking: Armenia is home to the world's oldest known winery, discovered in the Areni cave complex, dating back over 6,000 years.
Lavash: The traditional Armenian flatbread, Lavash, is included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Khachkars: Unique to Armenia, Khachkars are intricately carved stone crosses, with thousands scattered across the country, each with its own design.
Lake Sevan: Known as the 'Jewel of Armenia,' Lake Sevan is one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world.
Apricot Country: The apricot is a national symbol of Armenia. The Armenian flag's orange color represents the apricot, and the fruit itself is a staple in Armenian cuisine.
One of the Oldest Civilizations: Armenia is one of the world's oldest civilizations, with a recorded history of over 3,000 years. Its capital, Yerevan, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
First Christian Nation: Armenia became the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The country boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, and the cathedral and churches of Echmiatsin.
The Armenian Genocide: Armenia faced a tragic history during the Armenian Genocide of 1915, where an estimated 1.5 million Armenians were killed by the Ottoman Empire.
Unique Alphabet: The Armenian alphabet, created by Saint Mesrop Mashtots in 405 AD, is unique to the country and has 39 letters.