“How much pocket money you have?” a lady in red uniform asked.

“I have $7. I answered

“Really? Are you sure?” she said in surprised.

“Yes!” I said confidently.

In a minute, it seems that I woke up in a deep sleep! I saw the people especially the ladies in the counter startled while all eyes at me. Then I realized what I said.

“What $7? Did I say $7? I asked myself in silence.

“$7??? Noooo!!! So I corrected and told them how much amount I really had. 😀

That was happened a year back in the airport when I started to ‘step out of my comfort zone’. “I am going to travel solo in a country I’ve never been!” was in my mind. Yes, that was my first time in solo travelling. More excitement, few butterflies in the stomach and of course a little doubt in the unknown. But the thing was I knew that – that journey will be treasured forever in my heart. My experiences in Armenia were all great and those few first times I did in my life was done. Bucket lists – checked! 🙂

Related post: Is travelling solo really alone?

Armenia is located in south Caucasus region of Eurasia. I am not really sure who/which influence me to travel to Armenia but the thing was this is one of those countries I do consider to travel alone. After I decided to go to Armenia – I did a quick research. This time I read some blogs suggesting to travel to Armenia, I watched documentaries and timing too – I had friends who traveled there before my schedule so I asked them some tips.

Also, the location is near – it takes only 3 hour flight from Dubai to Yerevan and of course having a Philippine passport, for me to get their visa is upon arrival and it was easy – yes! Thank you Armenia immigration. Travelling there is not so expensive too that’s another thing to consider.

Well, this is my first time in solo travelling – to a country, first time to stay in a hostel, first time to travel with strangers and here also I learned how to explore the city in less budget (without using those tour agencies). Thanks to my found friends without them maybe I took some tour packages when I was there. I save some of my money. We travel together and I love it, we experienced a lot of things too: there were few problems (but there were solutions along the way), there were locals who really had a good heart that helped us from our rides, directions and locations. Of course the best was when meeting and talking to locals {the fun part was when we did used sign/sound language (animal sound)}! hahaha! I really can’t forget those experiences, these will last forever. 🙂

Related post: Armenia – DIY Itinerary

MAJOR PLACES I’VE VISITED IN ARMENIA WITH MY NEW FOUND FRIENDS:

1. REPUBLIC SQUARE 

At Yerevan Republic Square on my second day.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSTzXNSDsP7/?taken-by=travolmisch&hl=en

2. VERNISSAGE MARKET 

Been here for a friend who’s looking for long pants. 😀

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSWnVZtj2ze/?taken-by=travolmisch&hl=en

3. ETCHMIADZIN CATHEDRAL  

At the center the Etchmiadzin Cathedral was under construction the time I went there – so I didn’t got it’s full view.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSTxOdLDrri/?taken-by=travolmisch&hl=en

4. HOLY MOTHER OF GOD CATHEDRAL OF VAGHARSHAPAT 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSTspZjDMwN/?taken-by=travolmisch&hl=en

5. SAINT GAYANE CHURCH 

My 4th church (Armenian Apostolic Church) I visited since I came in Armenia.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSTtldGjBjw/?taken-by=travolmisch&hl=en

6. ZVARTNOTS CATHEDRAL  

https://www.facebook.com/travolmisch/photos/a.1734642903470278.1073741828.1731907923743776/1736148053319763/?type=3&theater

7. ZVARTNOTS MUSEUM 

Armenians really love their culture and history – thumbs up to that. 🙂

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSWtFxojGdG/?taken-by=travolmisch&hl=en

8. IRANIAN BLUE MOSQUE 

Visited this Blue Mosque in Yerevan with friend from Iran who brought us there. It is really great to met different people with different beliefs and really nice. Iranian arts are great too.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSTxzR-DBm9/?taken-by=travolmisch&hl=en

9. ARMENIAN RESTAURANT  

Their foods were great! Look at that wrapped thing the black and light color – I ordered that! 😀

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSWnASND-aR/?taken-by=travolmisch&hl=en

10. OPERA THEATRE  

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSTzzuDDQiX/?taken-by=travolmisch&hl=en

11. SASUNTI DAVID BUS STATION   

Sasunti David Statue, gone there for our DIY trip to Khor Virap and the rest of the day.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSWmxmBj3mf/?taken-by=travolmisch&hl=en

12. KHOR VIRAP 

Because it was spring time when I went there – Mt. Ararat in the background can’t be seen.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSTtDRgDYMF/?taken-by=travolmisch&hl=en

13. GEGHARD MONASTERY

https://www.instagram.com/p/BL6CuVjhRYU/?taken-by=travolmisch&hl=en

14. GARNI TEMPLE  

https://www.instagram.com/p/BL8jPvwBWbQ/?taken-by=travolmisch&hl=en

15. YEREVAN AT NIGHT 

Some musical instruments near Swan Lake in Yerevan.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSTzpkLDi2n/?taken-by=travolmisch&hl=en

16. SEVAN LAKE 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMgDWYohynZ/?taken-by=travolmisch&hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/travolmisch/photos/a.1734642903470278.1073741828.1731907923743776/1751005648500670/?type=3&theater

*References and information sources – Wikipedia