I've had a few months to explore Ijevan and I've found some interesting things.
Here is a sculpture on top of one of the walls at my host father's cafe. He claims it is 1000 years old, but I haven't found his carbon dating equipment yet. It is a carving of a mountain lion. You can see the balcony of my house in the background.
This is the WWII Memorial for the Armenians who fought in the Soviet army. It is across the street from one of my offices.
I have no idea what this statue is supposed to be. Surprisingly, this is not the weirdest statue that I have seen in Armenia.
This is a sculpture that is located in the "Rock Garden." In the 1980s, Ijevan was the site of many art symposiums dedicated to sculpture. The park was gradually filled with sculptures.
Here is one of the nicest houses in Ijevan. This is an exception to the rule when it comes to houses in Armenia. The building in the left corner is a Soviet-era apartment complex.
Sodas for sale on the side of the road? Nope, this is the Ijevan gas station.
Guard dog on a roof. No clue.
A huge eagle in a tiny cage at a cafe in Ijevan.
A Soviet carousel rusting away. Kids still play on it.
The abandoned Ijevan hotel is a relic of the days when Ijevan was a tourist destination for people in the Soviet Union.
Ever wonder where the t-shirts of the losing Super Bowl teams go? They come to Armenia. This is a San Diego Chargers Super Bowl Champs shirt from 1995. Grumps, I'll try to find you one, because it's the closest you'll ever get.
