Armenia. Reinventing.


I have only gone to Armenia for a short break. I have managed to see the capital, Yerevan, and the monastery on the Turkish border at the feet of Mount Ararak, Khor Virap, and the holy city of Echmiadzin, home to a large cathedral and very old churches.


I have given Armenia three stars based on what I managed to see, and not on its potential. There is much, much more to do and see in the country, and I am sure that if had a chance, I would have had enough reason to give it more stars.


The state of Armenia, once a grand and powerful empire, had been occupied by rival powers, including the Persians, Turks and the Soviets, that it has been only since 1991 that it had an opportunity to reinvent itself. It has been going rather slowly as the Russians still influence the government and even the people, it seemed. The Armenians are very happy to speak Russian with one another, as they believe that it looks fashionable and posh, rather than thinking about their national pride. It was an interesting experience. Of course it worked well for me, since I could speak Russian with those locals, who did not speak English.


Although largely safe for travelling, the Caucasus region remains politically unstable. Virtually all countries at the Caucasus Mountains; Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia and Turkey have problems with breakaway provinces. And the local population continue to be alert that war might break out at any time.

 
Armenia

★★★★★