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Expanded Guide to Armenia, Karabagh Stresses Ecology, Brims w/Info

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  • Expanded Guide to Armenia, Karabagh Stresses Ecology, Brims w/Info

    Armenian Mirror-Spectator
    9-10-04

    Expanded Guide to Armenia, Karabagh
    Stresses Ecology, Brims with New Info

    By Daphne Abeel
    Mirror-Spectator Staff

    If you are traveling to Armenia and Karabagh or just want to browse
    through an informative description of the region, the new and expanded
    Stone Garden Guide to Armenia and Karabagh should be on your reading
    list.

    Even if you own a copy of Matthew Karanian and Robert Kurkjian's first
    guide, Edge of Time, you'll want the current edition, which contains
    much more information, additional colorful maps and photographs and
    important information on Armenia's ecology.

    Karanian and Kurkjian have spent 10 years traveling in Armenia and
    Karabagh. As the Foreword notes, `They have traveled, eaten and slept
    at virtually every location they recommend, and their individual
    educational backgrounds allow them to make excellent and insightful
    commentary about the environmental issues within Armenia.'

    Ronald Suny's introductory chapter presents a concise history of
    Armenia from 6000 BC, the earliest times, when the country was ruled
    by kings, up to the present day, when Armenia exists as an
    independent, democratic republic. Readers will also find brief
    descriptions of the economy, architecture, politics, population and
    religion.

    Basic information, such as airlines, national holidays, embassy
    locations, public transportation, safety, are covered in the chapter
    on `Essentials.'

    A special feature of the book is the chapter titled `Ecology,' which
    notes the consequences of independence and development which have
    hampered Armenia's environmental policies. Nevertheless, Armenia has
    passed a number of laws to protect its water, air, flora and fauna and
    to fight global warming.

    Eco-tourists will welcome directions to Armenia's forests, parks and
    birding areas and the list of ecological tours and hiking
    expeditions. At the same time, the authors make the point that
    Armenia's resources need more protection.

    Diaspora organizations such as the Armenia Tree Project are helping
    reforest the country, but, the authors point out, the Armenian
    government also needs to champion conservation. There is a helpful
    list of ecological organizations in Armenia at the end of the book.

    The book is divided into several sections, beginning with Yerevan, and
    covering central Armenia, the Lake Sevan area, northeastern Armenia,
    northwestern Armenia, southern Armenia and Karabagh. Each section is
    packed with up-to-date facts about what to see, how to get there,
    restaurants and where to stay.

    Whether you want to visit museums and more, you'll find what you are
    looking for here. Every map and brilliant color photograph contributes
    to the reader's knowledge.

    Each section of the book contains highlighted paragraphs of
    information on commonsensical aspects of Armenia that the reader and
    traveler will want to know. For example, bring bottled water on long
    trips, and pedestrians should be especially watchful of cars.

    Karanian and Kurkjian have turned what was a basic, skeleton guide
    into a full-fledged and researched and illustrative volume that is a
    must for anyone considering a trip to the region. And it will still
    fit into a handbag or coat pocket.

    For further information on Armenia, Karabagh, contact Stone Garden
    Productions, PO Box 7758, Northridge, Calif. 91327 or email
    [email protected].

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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