The natural landscape of Armenia with its magnificent meadows and green hills regularly invites us to go hiking and walking. We find flat roads for long evening walks directly behind our apartment. However, longer hikes at the weekend are also possible. The ruins of unfinished residential buildings are part of the overall picture, as is Mount Aragaz, which stretches to the southeast.
Hiking is not necessarily part of the Armenians' pastime. That's why we get astonished looks from field workers and shepherds from time to time and after a polite greeting with "Barev dzez" (good day) we usually get involved in a conversation right away. We are always surprised how nice and open the locals are to strangers here. And this courteous manner has already saved us from many weather situation 😊.
Hike to Marmashen Monastery with surprise
One of our first weekend hikes was to an ancient monastery about 1.5 hours walk northwest of Gyumri. On the way we pass some villages that exude their own charm due to the gray stone with which they are built and the simple architectural style. In addition, there are no limits to creativity. Where else can you find beehives in an old bus?
Halfway the Marmashen Monastery peeks out from behind the hills. The red, volcanic tuff offers an idyllic sight in the lush green.
The former monastery from the 10th century is no longer preserved. Many parts fell victim to the numerous raids and earthquakes. Today only the main church "Katoghike" and the smaller St. Petros Church can be found. But services are held regularly. So also when we arrive at the Monastery.
The interior of Armenian churches is kept quite simple. Up until a few years ago there was no seating either. In the meantime, you can always find churches with a few benches. So-called cross stones (khachkar) are rectangular stone slabs that are traditionally decorated with a cross and plant motifs. These cultural symbols of Armenia adorn the outside of the churches.
A small detour leads to a dam that dams a tributary of the Aras. A pleasant place for a short rest before heading home. Unfortunately, as so often in Armenia, we were surprised by a thunderstorm.
But it wouldn't be Armenia if locals didn't stop to give us a lift. So there are six of us – four adults and two children – in a VW van. Not to be forgotten are the two lizards that the children catch and lovingly hold in front of the monastery.
A few meters away we meet three women who also attended the fair with a dog and are on their way home. The family we are having a nice chat with stops immediately and after a brief exchange of words, the nine of us are in a car – plus a dog and two lizards.
Let's go to Gyumri with loud music and lots of fun!
A unique experience? Who believes it!
How many people fit in a Lada 1200?
Weather forecasts in Armenia are such a thing. Because even if showers are announced all day long, that does not mean that it will rain continuously. Storm clouds gather here quickly, the downpours are often over after 10 minutes. According to the motto "no risk no fun", we are often drawn into the countryside despite bad forecasts. Most of the time we get home dry, but sometimes we don't.
So also with another weekend hike through the fields directly behind our apartment. Halfway we are surprised by the first raindrops. The weather change also surprises 5 field workers and they jump into their Lada and invite us to join them.
So we sit huddled together in the car and try to communicate. Non-verbally, of course, because we are not yet proficient in the Armenian language. But what the heck - everyone is warmly welcomed here, no matter where they come from and what language they speak. And so there is a funny exchange consisting of hands, feet and facial expressions. This creates funny scenes that make us all laugh. Who would have thought that non-verbal communication also works so well.
After about 20 minutes the shower is over and we say goodbye and head home. Again with a moving story and great gratitude for this warmth in the luggage.
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