Armenian nature: Lori province

I have always caught myself thinking that living in nature and in constant communication with it is where I belong to, but the more I think about it, the more I realize another fact too — humans are ungrateful and if I had the chance to live where I would love to, I would in the end start taking it for granted and eventually, not treasure it.

Yereruyk Basilica in Armenia: Ruined but still holding some magic

Trip to Yereruyk (Yererouk) Basilica was one of the most thrilling ones in my life. This Basilica is located close to the Armenian-Turkish border, so close that the visitors can cast a look into Turkey, or better to say historic Western Armenia.

The name of the Basilica — Yereruyk is said to come from the word “երերալ,” which is translated as “sway” into English. It is said that back in the ancient times, when the Basilica was in its full swing it seemed to sway from afar, and that is why it was named so. Another explanation is that lamb or rooster sacrifices (known as matagh in Armenian) were performed there — they were put on a tray and swayed above the altar. I prefer to stick to the first explanation.

Aruch Cathedral in Armenia: The ruined dome and the birds

Armenia lives and flows in my veins. My connection to my country is a bond that cannot be broken even if I spend years and decades outside of it. I don’t know how attached other nations are to their country and land, but we Armenians are and we pride ourselves on that.

While I knew much about the history of Armenia, I did not know that much about its places of interest and it all began a few years ago, when I started studying each single “place-to-see” in Armenia. Back then it was just a study which then transformed into a website presenting full information about Armenia, whereas today I stick to the lists I had made back then and organize weekend travels there.

Lake Parz (Clear) in Armenia: Hidden gem

Photo by Ani Babayan

One of the things I love about my life are the weekend travels. While at first just a mere adventure, they have now turned to a kind tradition which we try to always keep. Being a small country Armenia has much to offer for those who are willing to explore it.

On the road we thought of going to Haghartsin Monastery, the beauty of which is beyond description, but as we drove closer to the monastery we decided to go to a place where we had not been — to Parz Lich translated into English as Lake Clear.

Trip to Kobuleti, Georgia (pics)

This year I could afford going to virtually any place I would love to. I might not be able to enjoy the luxurious experiences but I would be able to choose a convenient hotel, a dream destination and simply have great time there. But I would be able to do it alone. And although during my travels I have come to the conclusion that traveling alone is the best you can do to yourself I decided that this time family travel should be a priority. Nevertheless, my dad was not able to join us in the end, and although I was about to cancel all plans, I finally decided to go for the travel with three of us — my mom, sister and I, plus my closest friend.

A Trip to Nagorno Karabakh: Pics

Sometimes you need to have mood for doing something; even when there is great desire but no mood you will either never do it or do it so slowly that it will seem to have no end. It’s already a week I wanted to write and describe my trip to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) but unfortunately I have no mood. Instead I decided to post some pics. Just several brief notes:

• First, I went to Qashatagh, the largest and yet most neglected city of Nagorno Karabakh, which is mainly populated by people from Armenia. The nature is splendid, the people are awesome and they all warmly received me, which was very surprising for me. A t least now I know that the legends and myths regarding the hospitality of Armenians are not just a myth but the reality.

There are two options to get to Qashatagh – minibus and taxi. A trip by minibus will cost you 3500 Dram one way, while a one way trip by taxi will cost you around 18.000-20.000 Dram.

In Yerevan Zoo

Photo by Ani Babayan

A visit to Yerevan Zoo was kind of a pre-birthday gift for me made by one of my friends, Larisa. We spent great time there, although she was apparently very much annoyed and even bored with my continuous and never ceasing moments of excitement and wows. That’s where I was most close to the nature and wildlife, although my views on keeping animals in such small cages, and on the whole, cutting them from nature and locking somewhere are still to be discussed, but not now and not today.

Two things about the zoo; first you have to pay 500 Dram (it makes 500 Dram for adults, and below 500 Dram, if I am not mistaken 250 Dram for kids) for the entrance and second, make sure you have some cabbage and carrot with you. The food can be bought in the zoo, but why spend extra money (400 Dram) on a small amount when you can buy much more from the shops, and feed more animals.

Trip To The Eternity Of My Soul

People like me hardly ever know how to spend their free time. We devote us to our job, and forget that other than work and responsibilities there is also another thing to do — to spend some time on ourselves — to go to parties, to the country or just hang out somewhere. It means to remember that besides living for others we should live at least a few days for ourselves. It’s already very difficult for me to make such decisions, but that time I had firmly decided to change my attitude towards myself.

A friend of mine called me and invited to a one day tour through Armenia. It was hard to say yes, but then I did — I said yes!