chmiadzin's zbosaigee (zbos-ai-GEE) or Stroll Park has carnival rides and sidewalk cafes (the center café is also a bistro, with cabanas facing a central fountain), and is a popular "hangout" for all Ages. Theough narrow, it is shaded with tall trees and makes a good rest stop.

Monuments in the park include one to the Armenian Bolshevik Stepan Shahumian (40) and another to Anastas Migoyan (44), elder brother to the developer of the Soviet MIG fighter plane, and one of Stalin's henchmen. The statues were kept as a testament to Armenia's history, however grim, though nameplates were carefully removed to prevent identification and feared vandalism.

The park is a popular hangout, though few tourists seem to take advantage of the cool shade and delicious ice-cream served in the outdoor cafes. Full course meals or sandwiches can be ordered and are worth the price of around $5 for acomplete meal to 150 drams for coffee or a simple b'rdooch (sandwich).

The shade trees are masive, beautiful reminders of how forested the entire valley once was, and are de rigeur for recovering from the intense sun just a few yards away on the streets. Unkempt, this park is still more genuine and lively then the packaged gardening inside the complex. Come here to see how the other 99% live.

There is also a children's amusement area with kidde rides and a line of (closed) carny attractions. A few of the rides were working when we visited, but all seem to be under some attention, and may be back in order in time for the 1700 celebrations.

On the eastern edge of the park is a large tuf mural and fountain (unfortunately not working). New construction on a residence/hotel for the Holy See is opposite the newly renovated Gevorkian Seminary. Between them is a paved way into the Cathedral Complex parking lot.