Caravan stories to Yerevan, Armenia

Today we climbed higher through the forest and entered a 2km tunnel. Exiting led us onto the high Armenian plateau; an arid, treeless, rocky landscape. Just 2km from Iran the Iranians have tagged our route “The Road of Life” because, under current international sanctions, it is their only open border.
At the top of mountain pass we spied the 13th century caravanserai which housed 40 humans and 40 animals (tally in each Silk Road caravan). This stopover would have been very welcome, providing comfort and safety from the harsh climate, robbers and wild animals.
Now daily the Armenian park ranger and his wife drive their old Russian Lada up and down the high pass. They also sell a few trinkets. My hand gravitated to a single, small, rectangular and inexpensive piece of Armenian agate. It is provisioned with a longitudinal borehole and ‘felt’ perfect but sadly no chain or cord.
Our local proficient guide, Laura, immediately said “No problem - my mother will have a string for it.” So, trustingly handed Laura my purchase hoping her Mum can find me an old piece of hat elastic.
Stone rectangles today’s theme, later stopping at a cemetery to view the Armenian crosses. Armenia’s Christianity = raw and simple. No ostentatious icons or frescoes to cause the mind to wander. Instead, congregations expected to stand and listen to the priest.Read more