Dr. Jack Wheeler
July 13, 2012
Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabagh, de facto Armenia. The only thing most Americans know about Armenia is that it’s where Kim Kardashian’s family comes from. Me, the only thing I know about Kim Kardashian is that she’s one of those PR Celebrities famous for being famous. What exactly she’s popular for I haven’t a clue.
Skye, of course, knows not only about Armenia, but this part of it seized from Azerbaijan in 1992. Yet even he was concerned. “Stay safe!” he cautioned. Yes, this was a war zone until recently, but the greatest danger I face here is imbibing too much Armenian brandy—after all, Winston Churchill considered it the best brandy in the world.
Actually, the scary part is getting here – driving a ridiculously dangerous mountain road with no guard rails known as the Lachin Corridor (see map) connecting Stepanakert to Armenia proper. It’s even more fun at night in rain and heavy fog. They’ve built a new airport and promise to start flights as soon as they believe the Azerbaijanis won’t shoot the planes down.
Once you’re here, though, it’s a big surprise. This place is booming, with construction cranes at work all over, new hotels and restaurants, folks brimming with optimism, not a soldier in sight, streets so safe kids play at night with no worries. I have a good internet connection and a cold Kotayk beer.
It’s great being here – and a perfect place to talk about the survival of Asian Europe.
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