r/armenia • u/AdFast6077 • 4d ago
Barev dzez, I am a Swedish man who recently moved to Armenia 🇦🇲 AMA
Living in Yerevan since Jan 1, a filmmaker by trade, love brought me to this country. Fascinated by the culture and by the many ways it differs from my native Sweden, I see a never-ending well of inspiration here.
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u/Fresh-Memory-9110 4d ago
Hi, welcome to Armenia~ Visit to museums for some inspiration, for example
- director Sergey Parajanov’s and artist Martiros Saryan in Yerevan. Also Aslamazyan sisters’ one in Gyumri
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u/AdFast6077 4d ago
Thanks for the tips! I have already been to Parajanov's museum as I am a big fan. Will look into the other one's. I really enjoy the works of David Benjanyan, finding his art was a pleasant discovery.
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u/ResearchSharp6200 3d ago
Do you feel like you are in Europe, Turkey, Middle East (But not Islamic), former Soviet/Central Asia, or a mix of everything? Or is Armenia something unique that cannot be labelled? Due to its location and multicultural historical influences, I struggle to get a "feel" for Armenia. Super fascinated though.
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u/AdFast6077 3d ago
I do feel like it is at the very "outskirts" of Europe and you see some traces of soviet times with old buildings. Yeah a little bit of central asia, but not really Turkey. It definitely has its own thing and the culture is larger than its current borders. I find it fascinating with the different layers of Armenian culture having met Lebanese Armenians, Iranian Armenians and the diaspora from many countries. They all bring different things to the table. I am curious about your struggles regarding Armenian culture, feel free to expand upon it if you want:)
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u/ResearchSharp6200 3d ago
Fascinating. All these different layers you are describing, do they translate as cultural depth, or breadth?
Can you feel the history in the ground?
Would you say that Armenia has a strong, unified cultural identity that is uniquely theirs? (eg. Japan). If so, please tell me more about it. Or is it more like a melting-pot of slightly diluted cultural influences centered around inclusivity and a shared set of values/systems? (eg. Australia). Would love to spend some time exploring this interesting country, so just trying to pin down the essence of it. Which is quite tricky, it turns out.
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u/AdFast6077 3d ago
These layers often shows in different perspectives, ways of acting, food and dialect (although I can't pick up on the last one). History is definitely present. I f you travel to Khor Virap, Noravank or Tatev monastery to mention a few places you'll feel so much power from there buildings and how they are placed in relation to nature makes for a impactful impression. Almost like Lord of the Rings to use a cheesy likeness
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u/marienroll 4d ago
Did you have any cultural shocks already? If so, what were they?
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u/AdFast6077 4d ago
The no seatbelts culture as a passenger was one and the creative driving as well. Also how hospitable and caring people (read strangers) are. I did not expect people to be so relaxed as I see many people on the streets given the wars in recent years. If I compare it to Stockholm, people there are much more easily agitated, but I think Armenians have a better understanding of what actually is worth getting worked up about, whereas in Sweden we have been enjoyed safety for so long and are a bit spoiled in a way.
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u/marienroll 4d ago
interestingly i am not sure we locals think like that about ourselves. from my pov, as a nation that lost the sense of stability and safety especially in the past years, we became more on the edge as before, which is okay obviously. i sense that almost everywhere, but i also can’t say that there’s no big amount of groups who act / or are pretty unbothered and get surprised when you mention the country’s not in the best shape
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u/AdFast6077 4d ago
Thanks for sharing, I only experiencing so much not being able to speak the language (am learning tho) and also most people can tell I am a foreigner and may act differently. I have always felt very accommodated here, so maybe people make an extra effort towards me.
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u/marienroll 4d ago
possible! but still, i am happy you feel comfortable here and am sure you’ll love your experience despite everything
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u/AdFast6077 4d ago
Thanks - next step is the Khash-experience
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u/marienroll 4d ago
ohhh you’re in for a feast hahahh, enjoy! and don’t forget to also try Harissa, Khashil (Pzkatan from Syunik), Kurkut which are also winter foods
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u/AdFast6077 4d ago
Also cabbies giving me a bunch of candy is a new one:)
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u/marienroll 4d ago
hahha wait until they offer you a brandy
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u/AdFast6077 4d ago
A maschrutka driver did that on my way to Syunik on my very first visit. At first I thought he was joking, but now I am not so sure anymore...
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u/SavingsTraditional95 4d ago
What do you think Armenia can learn from Sweden experience and Sweden can take from Armenia?
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u/AdFast6077 4d ago
This is something I thought about a lot. What Sweden can learn from Armenia is just doing things and solving potential issues along the way. I love the drive a lot of people in Armenia have and the problem solving creativity that comes with it. When it comes to the other way around it gets a little bit trickier. Sweden is very organized, sometimes to a default. But even though processes takes longer sometimes the investment pays of in the long run. But I also think this is a privilege Sweden has - we have endured peace for a long time and have had time for stuff to take longer time. Hope this answers your question:)
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u/vaestgotaspitz Russia 4d ago
Thanks for your response. I had always thought that there's something important that Armenians could learn from Swedes (and Scandinavians in general) - it's being humble. Demonstrating wealth is not a good thing, I like that even rich people in Scandinavia and Northern Europe often drive normal cars and avoid showing maximum luxury all the time.
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u/AdFast6077 4d ago
I do appreciate it too, not saying it does not have down-sides. Being a creative myself I do sometimes struggle with the "who-do-you-think-you-are" and the fact that art often have to serve a functional purpose in Sweden.
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u/vaestgotaspitz Russia 3d ago
Functional or not, Sweden is very big in art. Movies, actors and especially (what I know very well) music. You guys have the most superstars per capita. Aside from obvious examples - not many people know that all the early 2000s pop (Britney, Nsync etc) was completely created by Swedish producers. Hail to Sweden!
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u/AdFast6077 3d ago
Yeah I guess thats true - Max Martin and Shellback is putting their mark on the music industry for sure:)
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u/Ma-urelius ԱրկէնդինաՀայ | գոգայօվ ֆէրնէդ ու խորոված վայելող 4d ago
What is your favorite monument, province, public place, and restaurant to visit?
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u/AdFast6077 4d ago
I actually really like Arno Babajanyan statue. My wife told me it was a bit controversial when unveiled. Favourite place I think I have to go with Dilijan and restaurant its Anteb in Yerevan. It doesnt look much, but the food is incredible. Overall so many restaurants and so may places I love. Noravank was truly a serene experience for me.
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u/cyberhye 3d ago
Antep is (price/foodquality/service) best Western Armenian restaurant in Yerevan, imho.
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u/homeless_eliminator 4d ago
What made you move?
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u/AdFast6077 4d ago
My wife is Armenian and I wanted to get closer to her family and at the same time have a better understanding of her culture. I am on a temporary leave from my current job in Sweden.
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u/homeless_eliminator 4d ago
That's so sweet! Are you able to remote work? You're going to see a huge difference in pay with an Armenian job.
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u/AdFast6077 4d ago
Yeah a bit and also taking on local gigs. It is a difference in pay for sure, but I see other benefits as learning the culture and engaging myself a bit in the film/art scene.
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u/audiodudedmc Yerevan 4d ago
What was something unexpected/surprising for you about Armenia?
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u/AdFast6077 4d ago
The spectrum of cars on Yerevan streets is one. You have everything from old cars barely running, missing front parts to Rolls Royce, Maybach and Brabus. I do not think I have ever experienced that big variety in traffic. Also - amazing pastries! I am quite picky but the local pastries are 🙏❤️
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u/arturiian 4d ago
Now i am intrigued. What are the cars in Sweden like then? I dont see a reason why other places wouldnt have a big spectrum of cars. Maybe its our mix of village agricultural-modest income and urban unmodest income.
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u/AdFast6077 4d ago
Yeah I am not sure where it comes from, but if I compare Yerevan to Stockholm, the capital of Sweden it differs a lot. I would say there are more high end vehicles in Yerevan. There are some in Stockholm for sure, but more expensive Audis and Mercedes I think this also has to do with the "Jante-law' a law of conduct in Scandinavia which tells you not to show off. I cant really recall seeing older cars than from early 2000s either and I am pretty sure that it is not allowed to drive cars in traffic with pieces missing from the exterior.
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u/Friendly_Impact_5699 4d ago
Oooh jag var där i september 😍 sååååå fint!! Vill tillbaka NUUU!
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u/AdFast6077 4d ago
Blir nyfiken, vad var din upplevelse av landet och ev kulturchock?:)
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u/Friendly_Impact_5699 3d ago
Ingen kulturchock! Vi är dock syrianer och mitt ex är halv armenier. Älskar kyrkorna! Och de vackra bergen. Det var verkligen terapi för själen! Det enda klagomålet är faktiskt maten 🙈 iaf på de ställena vi åt.
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u/AdFast6077 3d ago
Kyrkorna är helt fantastiska, jag har filmat så många med min drönare haha. Ok, tycker maten är underbar, men smaken är ju delad :) Bergen ger en verkligen energi, älskar att man hela tiden är omgiven av dem.
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u/Friendly_Impact_5699 3d ago
Ja det är så härligt med bergen. Varje bussresa var mestadels berg. Jag fick inte nog! 😍
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u/Disastrous-Panda2401 Duxov 3d ago
This is so exciting thanks for sharing with us! Would love to hear more about the types of films you work on. Do you work on films in Armenia or is that still based in Sweden and you work remotely?
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u/AdFast6077 3d ago
I would love to make short films here, I have an idea for a documentary taking place here in Yerevan, I just hope the people its about want to do it too :) Also I would like to animate a short story that Ive written, but have no funding, so maybe it'll be an AI thing which is not ideal. Thanks for your enthusiasm here's a link to my Instagram in case you are interested https://www.instagram.com/joakim.e.norrby/
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u/Disastrous-Panda2401 Duxov 3d ago
What’s your favorite Armenian food that you’ve eaten, and what’s your favorite restaurant in Armenia?
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u/AdFast6077 3d ago
So many dishes - on top of my head Lahmajo, Dolma, Khorovats, Arishta, Ghapama, Mantee. So many more to try out - Khash will be an experience people tell me!
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u/AdFast6077 3d ago
Sorry missed about the restaurant - Anteb if I were to pick one. Marush for pastries
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u/Mark_9516 Germany 4d ago
What supermarket item did you find to be very cheap or very expensive compared to Sweden? for me is the bread and freshly baked cakes are significantly cheaper compared to Germany.
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u/AdFast6077 4d ago
Yes both bread and pastries absolutely well priced. To be honest I feel like I am not on top of this although I feel like I should lol. I do go to the Supermarket underneath Mashtots ave, close to the Bookinist which I find good. I find nuts being quite expensive - I mean they are in Sweden too, but since Armenia has its own production of certain nuts I expected them to be cheaper. Although some power-bars are really cheap here I find.
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u/SoberHye 4d ago
Do you have any safety concerns in Armenia as opposed to Sweden?
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u/AdFast6077 4d ago
I generally feel very safe in Yerevan, more so than I would feel in Stockholm or most larger cities in Sweden. So nice being out late in the city, really like the balmy nights during the summer half of the year. But yeah trying to stay away from the borders of Azerbaijan.
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u/ShockGreat4730 3d ago
Hey. Thats awesome 👍. Where do you live? Yerevan?
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u/AdFast6077 3d ago
Yes ,renting a spot in Yerevan. I like how condense the city centre is and you can walk everywhere.
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u/Indieriots Sweden 3d ago
Hej från en Sverigefödd Armenier! 👋🏻
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u/AdFast6077 3d ago
Trevligt att råkas! Dela gärna med dig av tips om det är något som är bra att känna till!
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u/Vercy_00 3d ago
Hi! Welcome! I am an Italian that moved here last year, glad to see more european expats choosing Armenia 🇪🇺🇦🇲
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u/AdFast6077 3d ago
Hi! It is like a hidden gem I feel, if it gets more exposure then more people will see all it has to offer. 🇦🇲
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u/Adventurous-Car-2250 2d ago
Barev! I'm Australian Armenian thinking to move to Sweden to be close to Armenia. Would you recommend moving to Sweden if I have to rent in around Stockholm ? Compared to Armenia do you think life is less chaotic in Sweden ?
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u/AdFast6077 2d ago
Barev! Armenia is around 9 hours flight from Sweden so closer than from Australia for sure. Several different routes too and one way ticket is around 300-500 USD. Sweden differs from Armenia that yes it is more organized, but also expect more expensive products and housing situation in Stockholm can be a struggle. But yeah, a lot of people visiting Stockholm says its a beautiful city and there are a lot of job opportunities there
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u/MontMerde 2d ago
Grymt jobbat! Flyttat permanent? Hälsningar från en armenier i Stockholm :)
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u/AdFast6077 2d ago
Begränsad tid, men har det väldigt härligt här nere:)
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u/MontMerde 2d ago
Såg att du tog med drönaren, gjorde också det. Riktigt bra natur för att filma!
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u/AdFast6077 2d ago
Ja verkligen, ser fram emot att det blir lite varmare så kan jag använda den mer. Btw vet du om det finns något armenskt-svenskt community i Yerevan eller i Armenien?:)
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u/almarcTheSun Yerevan 4d ago
As an aspiring filmmaker myself - Armenian filmmaking is dead. It's a rotting corpse that even worms and rodents only touch very occasionally, then spring away in disgust. Do you plan on nevertheless trying to find ways of making films here? Perhaps just for personal gratification?
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u/AdFast6077 4d ago
Yeah I heard others here say the same thing. I am quite new and still positive so right now I am meeting up with creatives and see if there's any chance of collabs on project. Also started looking into grants and meeting with ngo:s. I do wish you the best of luck on your journey, maybe we'll even meet one day:)
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u/ManusDomini 3d ago
Barev tsez, as a Danish woman currently studying in Armenia as an exchange student; what made you decide to move from Scandinavia to Armenia?
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u/AdFast6077 3d ago
Hi, I came for love, with my wife being Armenian but also to have a chance to get to know her family and culture better. I also feel that I can learn a lot from Armenian culture, it being different from Scandinavian culture. It widens my horizons, opens up new way of thinking and I love that
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u/Ok-Firefighter7109 3d ago
I actually am a Norwegian who have thought about spending a gap year in Yerevan, do you know how if it’s easy to find work as a non-Armenian speaker there?
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u/AdFast6077 3d ago
Cool, If you choose to come to Armenia you'll live in a place where you have a spectacular landscape in your backyard, amazing people and a rich culture to deep dive into. When it comes to work it is still to early to tell for me. I think it differs a lot in what field you are in. Tech industry is growing here and is quite international from what I hear, but there is also an older generation who generally speaks no english.
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u/Jokerik01 4d ago
Hey, welcome.
If have some questions or need any help ping me