ARMENIA

The world's first Christian country is full of rich history, cultural blends and a strong spirit of perseverance.

"Beige hazy skies announced our arrival into Yerevan’s metro area. The sun had trouble creeping in through the soot. The Soviets had turned it into a manufacturing hub full of factories and plants, simplistic agriculture had given way to lands rich with robust machinery and tall black power lines. I coughed a bit when the air changed, Roman said he did not notice. 'The wind blows and it all goes away. Not much wind today. You’ll see it better.' 'There’s a lot to see?'  'Haha too much to see!'  On first glance the city seemed constrained. A first impression predicated on traffic gridlock, Soviet era Stalinist goth architecture and trees san leaves. I thanked Roman for his safe driving and promised we meet up in a day for a monastery tour in the surrounding small towns. 'You will like Yerevan. Everyone likes Yerevan.' 'Why?' 'It is everything!'”

 --Luke's Journal

CITIES VISITED:

MUST DO:

FAVORITE MEMORY:

Yerevan. (Made drive from Tbilisi passing through many small towns.)

Places surrounding Yerevan: Khor Virap, Geghard Monastery, Garni

Visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex and learn why the world was too slow to recognize the horrific crimes against humanity that happened to the Armenian people.

Visit the Geghard Monastery and drinking the healing water inside the rock church.

See the Botero sculptures at the Cascade Complex in Yerevan.

Overeat on traditional Armenian food.

My guide laughing at me because I had no idea how to fill up a Soviet style car with compressed natural gas, the leading fuel choice of Armenian drivers.

DIFFICULTY TO VISIT RATING:

2/5  MODERATE

There are hotspots in Armenian, especially as it pertains to their ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan. Definitely research the situation before you go. Yerevan was very safe and its easy to find guided doors to the surrounding villages filled with history and beauty.