And they're off!

July 1: The ASP 2015 group met in New York to begin the journey to Yerevan, Armenia. After 18 long hours, they finally arrived and began their trip by exploring the city of Yerevan.

July 3: Today the group was up early and ready to go! Anahit, the group tour guide, took them to their first stop, Mayr Hayastan (Mother Armenia). The group learned about the monument's history along with the symbolism that it provides to the Armenian people. While still in Yerevan the group went to Cascade to see the contemporary architectural pieces and amazing view from the top of the almost 600 step staircase. They then ventured to the Erebuni fortress and museum. They were able to look at ancient artifacts and the remains of the fortress dated as early as eight century B.C. After a delicious lunch at an authentic Armenian Middle Eastern restaurant, it was off to Dzidzernagapert, Armenian Genocide Memorial. The group ended with an emotional and sentimental visit to the monuments and the Armenian Genocide Museum.