Yerevan

Drove about 2 hours to Saghmosavank and visited another ancient monestary. This one was situated on the edge of a huge, striking gorge. Took some time to marvel at both the ancient church and the incredible scenery. Then got back in the car and traveled another 15 minutes to another ancient church Hovhannavank on the side of the same Kasagh gorge. These are the oldest churches in the world.. so amazing they are standing and look to have very little restoration work done.

Was another 45 minute drive to get to downtown Yerevan, the capital. Very hot day again, so while walking around to see the different sites, also ducked into various places for cold beverages. Yerevan is a really nice city. Full of parks and sidewalk terraces throughout. Its a bit short on monuments but definitely a place i could enjoy living in.

Found some good beer places but nothing too amazing either. German wheat-style weizen was the best i could find, but a lot better than many cities on this trip. And ate lamb at local favourite Yerevan tavern. Finished the night at a hip little lounge bar below the hotel and respectably in bed by midnight :)Read more