Not Your Typical Beach Trip

Viken Barlik
Frankfurt, Germany

Born in Germany, with relatives all over the world except in Armenia, I never had the chance to visit my homeland. So when I heard about Birthright Armenia, I jumped at the opportunity and it gave me an unforgettable experience. I met new people from all over the world and new bonds were created, which hopefully last a lifetime. Through all the excursions, events, job sites and my free time, I had the chance to strengthen those friendships. Living together with those people made a huge impact on my experience in Armenia. There is always a first time for everything, so when I gave Armenia a try, it caught me in an instant.

I fell in love with this beautiful and lively country. I fell in love with the friendly and warm people here. It is just an amazing places to be. All the places you can visit make you automatically immerse yourself in the country. Visiting the villages and small towns, which are mostly not influenced by “our” western culture, with all those autonomous people, unattached by any kind of structure, really changes your view about life. Those things bring you a life-changing adventure, which are hidden and ready to be discovered by everyone of you on every corner.

Whether it is strangers inviting you or inviting yourself into a Strangers house with a bottle of wine, or you just randomly stumble into a historical or cultural memorial. With all the love spread in those words, I can only recommend you, to give Armenia a try. It might not be the best location for your typical “beach and cocktail” trip but it sure is the best spot if you want to explore yourself and have an adventure which you will never forget.

It will definitely not be the last time I’m coming back to my roots.