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.