Barev!

(“hello” in Armenian)

Gabriel here, filling in for Marilyn this week as her guest blogger.  As we speak, Marilyn is about to land in Dublin, Ireland.  Tomorrow she begins a 10-day WOW! Travel Club program through Ireland — undoubtedly her favorite country in the world.  With a name like “Murphy” can you blame her?

I must admit, this is my first attempt at writing a blog, hope you all enjoy it! Be gentle with me… I’m not a seasoned veteran like Marilyn.

As many of you know, I’m Armenian-American and I’m incredibly proud of my beautiful heritage. Truth is, I am an Ethiopian-born Armenian whose family was relocated in diaspora (the movement of a population from their original homeland).

Today I wanted to share some exciting news with our beloved WOW! Travel Club & The CTP Group followers:

In September of this year, I am going to lead my very first WOW! Travel Club program. As you know, until today, this division of our company has been Marilyn’s baby. She has led each and every extraordinary program to many amazing destinations through the world including: India, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), Southern Africa, Eastern Africa, Galapagos Islands & Ecuador, Baja Mexico, Ireland, Cuba – to name a few.

Come with me to beautiful, historic, extraordinary and stunning ARMENIA! I’ve been to Armenia three times so far and can’t wait to return September 2-11, 2016, and bring you with me!

 

You are reading it here first – I’m officially calling Armenia the new “IT” destination. Armenia is now being featured regularly on television and social media.  Here are a few notable highlights:

1. Late night comedian, Conan O’Brien, did a full episode on Armenia. His Personal Assistant, Sona, is Armenian so they spent a week together, in Armenia. If you’ve not had an opportunity to watch the show, please do – it is classic Conan with an Armenian twist! You can view the the visit HERE.
2. CNN created an incredibly interesting and informative documentary about Armenia. I encourage you to spend the time to view it HERE. It’s worth the 20 minutes!
3. Today, April 1^st, the reality show “Amazing Race” (which by the way, I absolutely LOVE) will be visiting Armenia during their race around the world — I can’t tell you how excited I am about this! Click HERE to see a short preview.
4. Pope Francis makes news as he plans to head to Armenia in June! Click HERE for more information.

 

Get “in the know” about Armenia:

The population of Armenia is 3.2 million people. The country has a very homogeneous ethnic composition, 97.9% of the population are of ethnic Armenian origin. Among other minorities are Russians, Yezidi, Assyrians, Ukrainians, Greeks, Georgians, and Belarusians. Armenia has a very large diaspora — about 8 million Armenians live outside of Armenia.

• Armenia, or “Hayastan” in Armenian (officially the Republic of Armenia).
• It is situated between Europe and Asia, in Transcaucasia, occupying 29.800 sq/km area.
• Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state Religion, which happened in 301 AD.
• Culturally, historically and politically, Armenia is considered to be a part of Europe.
• The capital of Armenia is Yerevan. Click HERE to view some of the top things to see and do in Yerevan.
• Armenia gained independence from the former Soviet Union on September 21, 1991.
• Mount Ararat is one of Armenia’s most iconic and noticeable landmarks. On a clear day you have spectacular views.
• Armenian food is incredibly delicious, tasty and flavorful. If you want to try it just come over to my mom’s house. She is an amazing cook!
• Beautiful Carpets: Many historians consider the Armenian Highlands as the birthplace of the eastern carpet. It is unknown whether it’s true or not, but from ancient times, the Armenian tradition of carpet weaving has been famous for its unique, high quality.
• The most delicious water in the world: Did you know that the water in Armenia is considered one of the safest and most delicious? One can drink it directly from the tap. The secret is that it comes from pure natural sources.
• Apricots: Without a doubt, Armenia grows the most delicious apricots to be found anywhere in the world! As a matter-of-fact, the Latin scientific name is: Prunus armeniaca (Armenian plum).

These are just a few of the reasons why I’m leading a small, exclusive and deluxe journey to Armenia, departing the US on September 2. We’ll enjoy 8 memorable nights in-country, visiting many of it’s iconic locations.

The program includes:

• 7 nights at the most deluxe hotel in Yerevan, the Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan
• 1 night in the town of Lori, staying at the Tufenkian Heritage hotel Avan Dzoraget Hotel
• Intimate group experience – maximum 24 guests
• Deluxe motor coach throughout the journey
• Not just 1, but 2 highly qualified guides to escort us on all excursions. That’s 1 guide for every 12 guests!
• Daily excursions as outlined on the itinerary
• Meals:
  • Daily breakfast
  • 6 lunches
  • 6 dinners, including a gala farewell event
• Lots of WOW! surprises that I can’t reveal just yet, but I promise they’ll be special!
• Fully escorted by yours truly – Gabriel Haigazian
• All taxes and gratuities

The cost of the program is $2,995 per person, based on double occupancy. Single occupancy is $3,695. International airline travel is additional. For further information visit the custom website for this journey at: http://wowtravelclubarmenia.com

Thank you so much for reading my first ever blog post. I hope you found it interesting and enjoyable.

See you in Armenia!

P.S. All the photos have been taken by yours truly.

P.P.S. I only have 6 remaining spots!  Book now!