Day 84: B.Y.O.B. in Armenia

A previous Soviet bloc in the Caucuses, militarily protected by Russia, 2022/looming 2024 border skirmishes with Azerbaijan, and political turmoil over a desire to join NATO/EU, a lot of people ask why Armenia (including work, sorry Ray).

Can’t be more honest than this: System of a Down. One of the best modern metal bands of our time is the only reason Mary added Armenia to our travel list. Kieran was shitting bricks initially, but she explained that Armenia is just Eastern Europe: they have credit cards, alcohol, and spoke English as the third language (behind Armenian/Russian). One day in Armenia and Kieran is no longer anxious.

We woke up and hit the much needed laundry mat; all the signs had English instructions and a local grandma selling baked goods spoke fluent English (both payable by credit card). We hit a delicious Armenia tavern opened in 1919 and picked up wine/beer (which was impossible in Tunisia/Morocco at the time). Both times we met wonderful locals who had advise on where to go, what to drink, and what to eat.

We took a cab to Tsaghkadzor valley and enjoyed the snow covered mountains in the back drop of pink spring flowers. Armenia was the first country to have Christianity as its national religion so we visited an older monastery in the town and walked around the resort area. Mary liked seeing the Eastern European brutalist architecture, especially a huge power plant in the town of Hrazdan.

Hotel: Teghenis Resort

Restaurant:
Dari Tavern
Craftsman

Food:
Kharcho (spicy beef soup)
Dolmas (grape leaves stuffed with meat)
Beer Stroganoff
Veil
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