While Armenians pride themselves for their hospitality towards foreigners, sometimes the same gesture isn’t extended to their fellow Armenians, particularly to those in need. If we could learn to embrace kindness and share this generosity, we could greatly enhance the well-being of all Armenians, writes Ella Kanegarian-Berberian.

This is the story of Arev, a woman who survived a Soviet prison. In this new essay, Arev recounts her adventures traveling across the USSR in search of bottles and how she came to own a home in downtown Yerevan. As told by her niece Ella Kanegarian.

This is the story of Arev, a woman who “who always wears Chanel suits in Almodovar colors that she gets from who knows where, red lipstick, and high-heeled shoes” who survived a Soviet prison. As told by her niece Ella Kanegarian.

While there is enough food produced in the world to feed everyone, almost one third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted. With an almost 30% poverty rate, the issue of food waste in Armenia should become part of the public discourse.

“A murderer could get amnesty, but not people like me. Bribery was considered the worst thing, although during Brezhnev's time bribery was everywhere, widespread and first of all in his own system…”

Attitudes toward food and culinary art can reveal much about a people’s past and future. Ella Kanagerian writes that we are trying to work with our cultural influences and approach the concept of national cuisine more consciously.

In the past several years, residents of Yerevan have started spending more time in cafes and the outdoors generally. We eat out, take our breaks, work and escape from the cares of our daily lives.