The border crossing from Georgia to Armenia was slow at best. People were lining up and the process was slow. Some people tried to cut in and there was a quarrel. At any rate, all crossed the border safely. Armenia!
Armenia is the third nation in the Caucasus Region. It is the smallest in size among the three nations, landlocked among Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran. Its population was approximately 3 million, but there are more than 8 million Armenians living outside the country. Los Angeles has the highest population of Armenians outside Armenia. The per capita GDP of Armenia is approximately $4,000.
After the border crossing, our initial trip route passing through the valley was scenic in a positive sense, but the road condition was horrible. Many sections of the road was unpaved and the winding road was inadequate for the coach bus to pass. At a section, the bus could not make the turn so the driver backed up to the next turning point. But the higher we went up, the more beautiful the view became.
Our first stop after we crossed the border was the Akhtala Monastery, known for its 13th Century artistic frescoes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There was a wedding ring structure that attracts many young people to get married at the church in this monastery.
Cross-stones are unique to Armenia. None of them is supposed to be the same as others and there are so many! Their designs are marvelously beautiful.
Armenia's state religion is Eastern Orthodox Christianity. According to the legend, Apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus came to preach the gospel and established the church. Also, Gregory the Illuminator helped make Armenia the first Christian nation in 301 AD, even before the Rome, 313 AD. He was the patron saint and was the first head of Armenian Apostolic Church.
After our visit to Akhtala Monastery, we drove to our lunch stop in Odjun, a historic village located on the Debed River bank. We had Armenian traditional lunch served by a local family in their home or a bed and breakfast. The owner explained about the bee hives and how they make honey.
At a certain point, we had to use an old Soviet bus to travel to and back from the bed and breakfast because the coach bus could not pass through the narrow roads. The riding of the bus in itself was an experience.
The village of Odjun had a church located in a very idyllic setting with the cloud and mountains in the backdrop. It was a heavenly scene.
We drove a long distance to arrive at Dilijan Resort and Spa quite late. We chose to skip the dinner at 9pm. - Jeffrey Lee
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