Dubna

Dubna is a small scientific town, 120 km north of Moscow, on the bank of the Volga river (see http://www.dubna.ru). There is a direct (about two hours) train and bus connection to Moscow.

Dubna is a host of Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, an international research organization involving more than 20 countries (see http://www.jinr.ru). The institute activity embraces theoretical, high-energy, nuclear and condensed matter physics.

Yerevan

The country of majestic mountains together with biblical Ararat and ancient churches, was the first to adopt Christianity. With its clear lakes, splendid colours and azure sky, sorrowful duduk and impressive culture, Armenia is situated at cultural, historical, and religious crossroads between Europe and Asia, in the southern Transcaucasus. The country spans 29,743 square kilometers of mountainous terrain centered around the Ararat Valley, the heart of the Armenian nation. Armenia has borders with Georgia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Iran. Armenia's landscapes offer boundless beauty. Mount Aragats, the highest point within the Republic's boundaries (4090 meters at its summit), is a hiker's less explored paradise. More than 200 rivers and streams traverse the country. In addition, there are over 200 therapeutic mineral springs, differing in composition and temperature. Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater mountain lakes in the world, is the largest body of water in Armenia, accounting for 5% of the country's land area.Armenian's thousands of years' history is expressed in its numerous historical and archeological monuments.

Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is situated in the mountains at the height of 950-1200 meters above the sea level, on the bank of the river Hrazdan. Looming above the Yerevan skyline rises majestic Mount Ararat. Yerevan has many art galleries with extensive collections of classical and modern art, museums, concert halls and theatres, Opera House-all being very close to the city center. Virtually all the hotels, museums, government offices, clubs and the like are in the very centre, which can be walked across in 20 minutes making Yerevan an extremely walkable city. Particularly, in the summer and fall central Yerevan is so attractive with its brightness and warmth. The days are hot, so the nights are perfect for sitting out.

Local time in Armenia is 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT + 4). The Armenian national currency is the dram. Average temperatures in the country's capital, Yerevan, ranges from 5C in winter to 30 C in summer. In July the climate in Yerevan is warm (30 degrees C), dry and sunny.