Everyday Life
UNWRITTEN RULES
There are many things culturally acceptable or unacceptable in each given country. Armenia has many unwritten rules you should follow to ensure you don’t end up unwittingly insulting anyone. A few to consider:
- Always ask if you should take your shoes off when you go visiting. Very few households are strict about shoe removal in Armenia, but it’s only polite to ask. Just in case, carry shoe covers (like those in hospitals) with you so that you don’t have to take them off but you won’t get dirt in the house either. It would be highly appreciated.
- Lavish gifts are not a common thing in Armenia, but taking a bottle of wine at least is considered the polite thing to do when you’re invited to someone’s house. Potlucks are nearly nonexistent, so unless you’re close to the family, stick to alcohol and sweets, particularly if there are children in the household.
LOCAL LIFESTYLE
- It may seem odd at first, but there are things you will have to get used to when living in Armenia.
- Local cuisine is heavily influenced by Russian cuisine as well as affected by the lack of many ingredients during the Soviet days. So while it might appear bland to the Middle Eastern cook, it is nutritious and filling for those who have been raised on these staples
- People cook daily in Armenia, for the most part. Leftovers might be reheated for breakfast the next morning. Breakfasts are usually simple and generally include honey, jam, bread, eggs, and coffee or tea. It’s the dinner table that is most lavish, especially when guests have been invited or there’s a special occasion. Local staples include a lot of rice, buckwheat, lentils, pasta, and potatoes.
- Seasonal foods are how people plan their menus here. When spring arrives, expect an abundance of leafy greens. With the onset of summer, tables are filled to the brim with fruits of all types. During each fruit’s peak month, jams and compotes are cooked and set aside for winter. Vegetables are pickled all summer long. As August approaches, so does grape season, and when fall arrives, expect apples and pears and quinces. Locals know when it’s the best time to buy certain foods. Talk to them and you will enjoy it all throughout the year. Don’t forget to chop everything that’s in season and store in your freezer! Might need a large one, just for your winter stash.
- You will be fed a lot more carbs and a lot less protein than you’re used to. Meat is expensive and generally saved for special occasions. Most families have meat once or twice a week, if lucky. Expect a lot more salt, butter, sugar, and plain fat to be used. It might be a heart attack waiting to happen, but it’s tradition. Pig fat jellies are available off the shelves if you’d like to give something new a try.
- You won’t find a separate laundry room in most houses in Armenia. Most only have a washing machine, which is located either in the kitchen or the bathroom. Few people take their laundry to dry cleaning and laundromats don’t really exist.
- Armenians like imported items. It’s a fact that has roots in Soviet society. Certain children’s brands are a dime a dozen now, such as Bubchen and Johnson & Johnson. Certain Turkish brands are also very common, though mostly in textiles. American, German, and French brands, especially, are highly regarded among the local populace.
Topics
Read Our Articles
-
Feature article
A Diaspora-Portal as a door to knock on for non-monetary development in small economies -
Armenian by Birth
“Nothing hits you by surprise or shock, unless you’re a pedestrian trying to cross the street, of course.” - Raffi Youredjian -
Repatriation
Andranik Togramadzhian: being Armenian is starting with saying that you are Armenian -
Armenian by Choice
“Loretsi” Brian: A Peace Corps Volunteer Extends His Stay for Another Year in Armenia -
Armenian by Birth
“You need more than just patriotic reasons to come back to live in Armenia.” -Tatev Petrossian
