Continuing the journey.

Charents Arch; Geghard Monastery; Garni Temple ; Azat Canyon (Symphony of Stones); Isakov Monument; Tsitsernakaberd (Genocide Monument); Matenadaran

Charents Arch is along the way going to Gerhard and Garni. It is an hour and a half drive going to our first location. So up we go. Cheers! 

ARARAT (CHARENTS) ARCH 

 It’s written on the arch : Travel the world: you will never find a crest as pure as Ararat's, As an impassible road to glory, I love my Masis Mountain.

This monument (architect: Raphael Israyelian) was erected in 1957. The site has a breathtaking view of Mount Ararat from here. The words carved on the arch belong to one of Armenia's most famous poets, Yeghisheh Charents (1897-1937), and locals refer to the arch as Charents Arch. A revolutionary artist during the turbulent years of the Armenian Genocide and the formation of the Soviet Union, Charents was born Yeghishe Soghomonian in Iran and received his schooling in Kars (1904-1912), then a part of the Armenian Provinces of the Russian Empire. In 1914, when World World I broke out, Charents joined Armenian Volunteer brigades on the Caucasus front. and fought with Russian Imperial troops as they routed the Turks and liberated western Armenia as far as Van and Erzurum. During this campaign Charents witnessed first-hand the ravages of the Armenian Genocide, which strongly affected his poetry.

In 1930, as the political situation in Soviet Armenia changed, Charents' views became completely at odds with the totalitarian regime of the ruling powers.

Next stop is Gerhard monastery... 

 Arriving at the Geghard Monastery, you will see some locals selling delicacies. I think its apricot and some walnuts rolled into some gooey material. It tasted good though. Tasty.  :p

 Geghard (meaning "spear") is a medieval monastery in the Kotayk province of Armenia, being partially carved out of the adjacent mountain, surrounded by cliffs. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While the main chapel was built in 1215, the monastery complex was founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator at the site of a sacred spring inside a cave. The monastery had thus been originally named Ayrivank, meaning "the Monastery of the Cave". The name commonly used for the monastery today, Geghard, or more fully Geghardavank, meaning "the Monastery of the Spear", originates from the spear which had wounded Jesus at the Crucifixion, allegedly brought to Armenia by Apostle Jude, called here Thaddeus, and stored amongst many other relics. Now it is displayed in the Echmiadzin treasury.

The spectacular towering cliffs surrounding the monastery are part of the Azat River gorge, and are included together with the monastery in the World Heritage Site listing. Some of the churches within the monastery complex are entirely dug out of the cliff rocks, others are little more than caves, while others are elaborate structures, with both architecturally complex walled sections and rooms deep inside the cliff. The combination, together with numerous engraved and free-standing khachkars is a unique sight, being one of the most frequented tourist destinations in Armenia.

 Fresh Drinking Fountain, Of course tasted it :p Quite refreshing to be honest... 

 To get the best view of the whole monastery, we had to hike a small hill. Going up is a bit of a challenge but its manageable, I just wished i wasn't wearing white sneakers. Lesson learned. Lol.

Armenians don't each that much,not as much as we normally consume within the day. Talk about me being "matakaw" hahaha Their normal day starts with bread, tea or coffee. I was asking for some rice on my first day though. haha What can I do? I'm asian. I am Filipino. I love my rice. Lol! But anyway, I also wanted try some of their food. 

This is the khorovats (Armenian Barbecue), the meat is tender and I was full on the second piece or the third. I recommend you to try it. After we finished the wine, we ordered an authentic Armenian Coffee. The taste is quite different but I loved it. So shout out to coffee lovers! lol! As a sign of gratitude to my new friends I offered to pay for our meal. Its the least I can do to repay their kindness. I thought I was about to pay so much, to my surprise the food was cheaper than I thought. 

The Temple of Garni ("pagan temple of Garni") is a classical Hellenistic temple in Garni, Armenia. Reconstructed in the 1970s, it is the only known Greco-Roman colonnaded temple in Armenia.

It is perhaps the best-known structure and symbol of pre-Christian Armenia. It was probably built by king Tiridates I in the first century AD as a temple to the sun god Mihr. After Armenia's conversion to Christianity in the early fourth century, it was converted into a royal summer house of Khosrovidukht, the sister of Tiridates III. According to some scholars it was not a temple but a tomb and thus survived the universal destruction of pagan structures. It collapsed in a 1679 earthquake. Renewed interest in the 19th century led to its eventual reconstruction between 1969 and 1975. It is one of the main tourist attractions in Armenia and the central shrine of Armenian neopaganism.

Taking a selfie to a new height. Lol (literally)

Symphony Of Stones / Azat Canyon

Many Tourist don't know this place and they often miss this out on their tour. Along the sides of the Garni gorge are cliff walls of well-preserved basalt columns, carved out by the Goght River. This portion of the Garni Gorge is typically referred to as the "Symphony of the Stones." It is most easily reached via a road that leads left down the gorge just before reaching the temple of Garni.

This large interlude of Basalt rock formations are well preserved for us to appreciate. To meditate and to relax. Hearing the splashes of waves from the Goght river. It is really one of the outstanding features of Armenia. P.s. Be careful, there might be some snakes lurking around the bushes. 

Admiral Ivan Isakov Statue stands about 50 meters north of the American Embassy along the six-lane Admiral Isakov Avenue, also bearing his name. The statue is quite impressive, standing on a raised hill and looming at least 10 meters over an intersection. The area is well-kept and at some times of the year is adorned with flowers. When standing at the statue, you'll have a good view of the American Embassy, Yerevanyan Lake, Hrazdan River, and Mt Ararat (on a clear day). 

Unfortunately Admiral Isakov Ave is a very busy road and this detracts from the setting. There is parking space under the bridge of the nearby new Monte Melkonian Ave. and then you can walk to the statue. 

Admiral Isakov was a Soviet-Armenian military commander and held the rank of Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union.

Please be careful, because the security of the US Embassy will check your photos. As we all know, it is not allowed to take photos of the American Embassy. 

 Over 1.5 Million people died during the Genocide in 1915. To be honest I felt sad as I lay flowers on the grounds of the memorial. I can't help but feel emotional knowing that there were children and women who died.
 The flame symbolizes an everlasting grief, just like an unending candle that light all the souls of the people who died through paradise. Hoping for the eternal repose of the souls of this innocent people who perished.
 Names were carved on the walls of the museum. And a quick history of what the Armenians experienced during that time.

 Last Stop: Matenadaran (museum of ancient manuscripts)


 Armenia is the few civilizations of the world that used to worship a God of writing and Science, The God Tir. The Matenadaran is a temple of wisdom that attracts visitors yearly to study Armenian culture.

Thank you to my new found friends,David and Jerald, this wouldn't be possible if I did not meet them. I know that tomorrow is my last day in Armenia, but I am sure I made friends worth keeping. Memories I will cherish forever...

For all of you who wants their contact details please answer the contact form or email me.

Cheers! Time to go back to the hotel. The sun sets in Armenia by 8-9pm. So it gets dark at around 9pm. Amazing right. Time flies so fast, you won't notice that its already time to call it a day....