Society
“Are You Guys Arguing… Or Just Discussing Dinner?”
Ben Allen's Armenian in-laws have a passionate way of speaking. Now if he could only figure out if the issue is serious - or if they're just talking dinner.
Author
Ben Allen
Ben Allen is a freelance writer originally from England. Since 2008, he has been living and working around the world for various media outlets. He currently splits his time between Yerevan, Armenia and Vancouver, Canada.
Society
The Day Urban Exploration Almost Got Me Killed
With Soviet-era buildings and abandoned factories all over, Armenia is a prime spot for urban exploration. But sometimes, there are strangers lurking ahead.
Society
Hitchhiking in Hayastan: A Bucket of Plums and Four People to a Sidecar
Ben Allen has "thumbed" through a lot of countries, but his experiences hitchhiking in Armenia have proven the most meaningful.
Society
The Legend of Mama Vernissage
Tucked away in the outskirts of the Vernissage market in Yerevan is a dimly lit cafe run by a charming old Armenian lady. Oh, and she's got a knife.
Society
My Time in Bourj Hammoud: Doing Dishes and Sleeping on the Roof
Washing dishes and camping on roofs wasn't a big deal for Ben Allen. But now, he was living with an Armenian family in Bourj Hammoud. Life was different.
Society
The Dangers of Lavash in January
Lavash bread is a staple in Armenia. But in the wintertime, the flat, flaky bread becomes hard to find. And if you've got it, you better not flaunt it.
Society
What the Hell Is “Parskahye” and Is It Contagious?
Most Armenians know what "parskahye" is. But to the uninitiated, it may sound like an obscure illness.
Society
“Hey, Look!”: Becoming a Human Attraction in Armenia
A British writer finds out firsthand what it's like to walk the streets of Armenia with tousled hair and flip flops.
