DAY 3: EASTER SUNDAY

My Experience

Well, in the previous day we did mostly of our DIY tour by feet but by this time we got a carpool because we went outside Yerevan in another Armenia province. Here is the story. 😀

{Early in the morning the gang were in the kitchen table eating breakfast. Yet, they were not certain where their trip next but this lady had some in mind. The guys agreed then they asked suggestions, locations and buses numbers from the reception. They were going to other province that will took more hours ride to reached the place. They got the notes from the reception as guide where they were going for those who they can’t communicate with – just showed the notes!}

From the hostel we walked to Yeritasardakan railway station for approx 20 minutes. From there we rode the train to reached Yerevan railway station or Sasuntsi David train station. We got the wrong exit but it’s fine – ‘coz we saw the statue of Sasuntsi David and also we talked to some locals there for the location of the buses to Khor Virap. There was one who showed us the way to the bus station – on the other exit.

All were happy we reached the place, but unluckily the bus to Khor Virap already gone of about 10 minutes when we were there. We’re upset, we can’t wait for the next bus that will be back after 2 hours – it’s a lost of time if we waited. So we talked, four of us – heart to heart talked! 😀 One friend decided not to go, instead he chose to prepare some things for his flight the next day. Only 3 of us did continued the plan.

There were drivers who came to us and offered their services. We were hesitant ‘coz we want the cheaper fare but of course no choice but – a private car for our trip. So we agreed for one aggressive driver with the lesser price. I forgot his name but we were with him for the whole day trip. He is nice (he speaks lil English, if he can’t understand he called his translator on the phone). At the end of the day he received tips – well, he asked it too! 😀

  • KHOR VIRAP (a former dungeon located near Lusarat, Ararat Province)

This means ‘deep well’ is a monastery located in Ararat plain in south-east Armenia, near the border of Turkey. It was a residence of Armenian Catholicos. It is also said that in the monastery where Gregory the Illuminator (religious leader credited for conversion of Armenia from paganism to Christianity) was imprisoned for 14 years. The chapel of Khor Virap was first built in 642 over the dungeon to honour St. Gregory. Now it is the popular place for weddings and baptism.

A medieval monastery in Kotayk province, previously named Airivank, or ‘cave monastery’. It was founded by Gregory the Illumitor during the 4th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. We did climbed part of the mountain and the view was great! The view to Geghard monastery in bird’s eyes.

As the legend told: This monastery name means ‘Spear’ in Armenian. The reason was there’s that spear kept for 500 years (that allegedly pierced Jesus Christ on the cross) was brought to site, before it was transferred to Etchmiadzin.

A classical Hellenistic temple & the only known Greco-Roman colonnaded temple in Armenia. Located in Kotayk province just a few distance from Geghard Monastery.

It is a pagan temple that was built by King Tiridates I on 1st century AD. This is now the symbol of Armenian Neopaganism.

From Kotayk province we reached Yerevan at approximately 16:00 hours more or less. At night we then continue roamed the city of Yerevan. We saw some youth sang songs and also there’s a lady too in some places in Yerevan.

  • IRANIAN RESTAURANT

We tried some Iranian cuisine that night as a farewell dinner for a friend travelling back to Iran on the next day.

Related post: Armenia DIY Itenirary

References: Wikipedia, BBC travel