Giedrius Apuokas:Cooking is favorite pastime of Lithuanian ambassador to ArmeniaDecember 27, 2011 PanARMENIAN.Net - Despite busy schedule, diplomats still manage to spare little time for doing something they like. “Though not that often, it’s always a pleasure to devote some time to your hobby,” Lithuanian ambassador to Armenia Giedrius Apuokas said in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net. Having an Armenian pen pal still as a child, assuming ambassadorial post in Armenia was a special experience for him, the diplomat confessed. What amazed you most in Armenia? Well, two things surprised me most: Armenia’s landscape diversity, specifically the view of Mount Ararat and Aragats, and second, the people. For instance, Lithuanians are quite a reserved nation in contrast to Armenians’ friendly and sociable nature. Nevertheless, Lithuanians’ conduct at Vilnius - Kaunas basketball match is a vivid proof of the saying that stereotypes also have limits. Another thing that continuously surprises me is the traffic system. I always wonder why one traffic line is not enough for Armenian drivers … Do you have a favorite sight in Armenia? I like everything: landscape diversity, for instance, faded grass on the Sevan shores in contrast to the emerald green in Dilijan, and Syunik mountains… I enjoy picking a ripe apricot right from the tree. Mount Aragats conveys special importance for me. I recall immediately descending from the peak one day amid unfavorable weather conditions that might have severe consequences. The case served a lesson for me to visit the place only in good weather in June. After sharing his impressions about Armenia, the ambassador told about his hobbies. I love cooking, especially meat dishes. Frankly speaking, I’m not a big fan of Armenian meat recipes, but I love the vegetable dishes. Do you have special meat recipes? Mostly, I prefer cooking meat either in French or Italian cuisine. Did you have funny occurrences during your stay in Yerevan? Yes! I remember participating in an auction during which ambassadors were to make drawings and later display the items for sale. Certainly, without an artist’s help, I would fail the task. Nevertheless, it was a nice experience. As it is New Year Eve, would you speak a little about New Year celebrations in Lithuania? Well, Christmas is a more significant holiday for us. We have a holiday dinner on Christmas Eve, followed by a family supper the next day and visits to friends and relatives. New Year is more a holiday for young people, who usually celebrate it clubbing or organize a house party. Gohar Karapetyan / PanARMENIAN News | Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. |