Next in Turn Ascent

Tatev Abrahamyan

A group of Sebastatsies once again conquered the south summit of Aragats. It was the first ascent for many of us. The road is difficult, stony, you are out of breath but nobody thinks of turning back. The slightest doubt vanishes when you look back at the distance you have covered, and you understand that you are ahead for one step and in no case you will step back until you have seen the wonder of nature. The long journey gave us an opportunity to get to know each other better, surprised and delighted us. We are on top. According to the tradition Mr. Gevorg and Mr. Albert babtized and rebabtized all the hikers. I remembered first setting foot on Aragats three years ago, and Mr.Albert babtized me. I was standing at a distance and watching the hikers being babtized coming up to the top and screaming in delight. I was impatiently waiting for my turn to come and thinking: "I wonder what there is on the other side to make everybody respond in this way." At last it was my turn. Mr.Albert uncovered my eyes, and I saw that eminence. It is not easy to describe that feeling with words. You'd better cover that distance yourself, climb to the top and see it with your own eyes.

Aragats is different every year. Sometimes it is warm, sometimes gloomy, but it is always hospitable. You have different feelings and thoughts at every ascent.

The English translation by Susanna Avetisyan, Grade 12