While a package tour of the Holy Land can get really expensive, there is a country that also offers that rich historical religious journey that is both healing and pocket friendly. Ever wondered how it feels like to travel to the first Christian nation in the world? That feeling of being transported back to a time when Jesus' apostles are starting to spread Christianity, the tour almost felt like a pilgrimage!
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| Noravank Monastery |
A tiny country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Armenia was the first ever country to declare Christianity as its official religion in 301 AD. During the first century, Apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus aimed to spread the Christian religion. Our short visit made us realize Armenian’s serious religious devotion. It's a country blessed with beautiful people who are regarded as descendants of Noah's son, Japheth.
Day 1
Our first day was a great introduction to the first Christian nation. We were given a sneak peak on the rich history of Armenia by visiting the Saghmosavank monastery and Amberd Fortress, as well as the seeing one of the world's oldest alphabet. Our group was also lucky to arrive on the grand opening day of Yerevan 2800th Anniversary Park. The city streets were filled with lively music, interactive fountain shows, lights etc. It was simply a festive first day.
Basically, we toured around the country for 2 full days as we have an early morning flight on the third day. Nevertheless, Armenia became a special destination for me as it paved the way for my first ever snow experience.
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| Armenia's Snow in Spring |
Read: Armenia - A Dreamy First Snow Adventure in the Land of Noah
Day 2
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| Bar area of Metropol Hotel |
Our second day started with a good hotel breakfast, nothing fancy. We were well rested and excited to explore more of the country's heritage sites. We began with a short morning trip to heart of the city, the Cascade Complex.
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| Cascade Complex |
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| For the gram 😁 |
For instagrammers out there, Cascade Complex is a great photo op to explore in the morning and in the evening. Its exterior features multiple levels of fountains and modernist sculptures. Prepare to climb the massive limestone stairway with its 572 steps to the top of the complex to take stunning panoramic views of Yerevan, the mountainous terrain from afar and Mount Ararat. You won't regret it I promise.
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| Architect Alexander Tamanyan's statue |
Less than our hour drive from the city, we find ourselves in our next destination located in the Ararat region, the Khor Virap Monastery.
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| Khor Virap Monastery |
Khor Virap Monastery is the place to go if you want to know more how Armenians converted to Christianity. It is a significant pilgrimage site for many believers as it holds a strong connection to the adoption of the Christian religion.
Khor Virap refers to "deep dungeon," and it's the place where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for thirteen years for his Christian beliefs before eventually converting the royal family and the entire state to Christianity.
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| tourists and locals |
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| we lit up candles and say our prayers |
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| landscape |
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| Observation binoculars to see Mt. Ararat |
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| Where is Mount Ararat? |
If you want to capture the historic view of Mount Ararat, Khor Virap they say is highly recommended. But alas, it was covered with clouds when we went there.
So why is Armenia called as the Land of Noah? It was because of the Bible story of Noah's Ark. The ark was believed to have landed on Mount Ararat which was then a part of Armenia before it became officially under the control of Turkey during the 1920 Turkish-Armenian war.
The World-Class Armenian Wine
There's a long history of wine-making in Armenia which has been practiced since 6100 years ago. The country is home to hundreds of world-class vineyards as it offer favorable conditions for growing grapes. Boosting the region as the world's cradle of winemaking is the discovery of Areni-1 Cave’s winery . Thus, we included a visit to Areni Wine Factory in our itinerary.
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| inside Areni Wine Factory |
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| barrels of age old wine |
I don't know much about wine and alcohol, but I appreciate the information shared with us during the tour. Paired with crackers and cheese, we get to sample white, red, rose wines.
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| free cheese and wine sample |
The country has a rich tradition of producing local alcoholic beverages which incudes a broad selection of brandy, vodka and wines made using traditional methods. Don't forget to bring home some inexpensive but high quality bottles as perfect souvenirs, and bring home Armenia’s delicious tastes and flavors.
For our last stop, we were contemplating if we still want to push through or simply head back to the city as it will take an hour and a half for us to reach our next destination. Some of us are already hungry but we're glad we decided to see the beautiful Noravank Monastery.
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| beautiful Noravank Monastery |
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| red cliff surrounding Noravank |
Located in the Vayots Dzor region and surrounded by beautiful red cliffs, the 13th century Noravank Monastery is a stand out with its exquisite ornaments, sculptures, and decorations preserved to this day. It's the most scenic amongst the monasteries we visited during our trip.
Yerevan Vernisagge
We went back to the city to check out what we can buy for souvenirs. Yerevan Vernissage is a large open-air market near Republic Square and is open from 9am til 6pm.
Armenians are skilled craftsmen. Their handicrafts are so unique, you definitely could score some interesting bargain finds.
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| Handmade Armenian bags |
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| Beautiful wood carved Chess set |
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| Clean open air market |
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| What should I bring home? |
I love my shopping experience at the vernissage, I was able to talk to a kind man offering his amusing sand art canvas, which I gladly bought. When he asked where I am from, I said from the Philippines. He started to tell me many things he knows about the Philippines including our old literary classic, Florante at Laura. I was almost too stunned to speak! Armenia being known as a strongest chess superpower, he also dropped the name of Filipino grandmaster, Wesley So. Hearing those words from him made me realize maybe there is more to Christianity that links the Philippines and Armenia.
Tavern Yerevan
After our market stop-over, we headed for our much awaited dinner. Went to a really nice restaurant recommended by our guide at past 6pm and ordered rice. Finally, we can eat rice! Of course these Asians aunties need their rice. We have been eating meat and bread since we arrived. Haha!
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| their white rice topped with cherry tomato! Ang shala 😋 |
We enjoyed the fresh meat cuts and finally going home with our bellies full. The restaurant looks fancy but as I remember, they are priced reasonably. They have a large picture window where you can see how their traditional lavash bread is baked inside what they call a tonir, a large underground clay-stone oven. Do not miss that one!
We walked our way to Cascade Complex for a nice evening stroll. We thought we could still use the escalator inside the Cafesjian Center for Arts to reach to the top of the cascade but they were already closed. So we did some leg exercise and finally saw the snowy peak of Mount Ararat!
Leaving the complex, we passed by some trendy bars and coffeeshops. It's where we realized how beautiful the Armenian women are. We would comment that everyone looks like a walking Kardashian. They have thick eyebrows, long black hair and beautiful black eyes, they all look like models and we appreciate their beauty. Sana all!
Coffeeshop Company
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| Armenian Dram |
We capped the night of with a good chat over coffee. We needed to spend the last remaining drams in our pockets. Total expenses spent for this trip was around Php11,000. Again, this tour happened in May of 2019 and we are traveled from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Armenia is a country whose culture, and customs are a harmonious fusion of the old and the new. From its newly constructed modern architectural design buildings to its well preserved centuries old monasteries, it's a place for everyone to appreciate. It may be among the oldest cities in the world yet also one of trendiest which adds up to its unique characteristics.
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| Beautiful glass windows of Yerevan Airport |
Check out our travel video:
The Land of Noah | Armenia
