Driving into Armenia we passed Armenia’s underground military airport built underground during Soviet rule.
Our first stop in Armenia was at the Haghpat Monastery 10th century
Interesting benefactor of the monastery after it was ruined by an earthquake
Apostolic Church in the monastery - no icons inside
Karini, our Armenian guide, explaining khackhars, which are carved stone cross memorials
Side view of the Church, notice the niches on each side. These were designed by Armenian builders to limit damages to buildings during earthquakes
We stopped for lunch in the town of Dilijan. This is part of the restored old city
Lake Sevan
During Stalin’s rule, the lake was drained to create dams. It was later decided to fill the lake, but it was too late and the flora and fauna of the lake was irreparably harmed.
Sevanavak Monastery located on the peninsula of Lake Sevan
Armenia has tried to restore the lake as best as possible
View of Lake Sevan from the restaurant where we had dinner
Evening fountain/music light show in the capital, Yerevan
Show takes place every night from 8 to 10
Wonderful way to spend an evening
Families and tourists enjoy the show - great people watching as well
Mother Armenia on Victory Park overlooking Yerevan, capital of Armenia
Statue of architect who planned the cultural center of the city with the design of the Cascades. Steps from the top take you down to cultural venues and into a beautiful park
Escalators to the Cafesjian Center for the Arts
As you go up the escalator, you view art pieces exhibits - an innovative chair
Interesting carved bench
We ended the day on a somber note visiting the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial - an unspeakable tragedy!
Sculpture represents a wound that is still bleeding. Many countries still do not recognize the genocide
Wow, cool post. I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article... but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. Shot tower hobart
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