Yerevan, Part 3

While on my tour to Garni Temple, I met a Romanian guy, Alex, married to a Russian gal, who recently moved from Buenos Aires to Madrid. We seemed to have a lot to talk about, so we did over dinner. He wanted to go to this restaurant, Dolmama, visited by a variety of celebrities, and it was excellent (and not unreasonable). Once again, this experience was proof that it’s not just the places you go and the things that you see, it’s the people you meet…!

I should do this in every country, but I had the time and most (but not all) the bills to take pix of Armenian Drams (not be confused with all the other meanings of “dram”). I was particularly moved to do this having learned the story of the guy on the 10,000 dram note: Komitas, a sensitive soul and famous musician who personally archived a whole lotta Armenian folk songs. (Here’s more about Komitas.) Doubtless, the other people on other bills have meaningful stories as well…

The next day, my last in the Caucasus before flying home the next night, I went to Erebuni Fortress. Like Garni, this was suggested by Chris Melekyan, Harut’s Dad. Unlike Garni, which was very well cared for, Erebuni, and the accompanying museum, need a little more love.

However, it is important in Armenian history, and hearkens back to the 8th century BCE. In fact, Yerevan gets its name from Erebuni and you can see that the planned city has a big street leading up to it.

Also, when I was there it was hotter than Hades which made walking through the ruins (exposed on a hilltop) a challenge. But building and ruling Urartu was probably more of a challenge…

It was tricky to find a taxi in the vicinity of Erebuni, but I managed, and went to visit Vernissage, and do a little shopping. Part tourist shops, part local flea market, it really is the best place to get some souvenirs of Armenia. The two selfies were with a couple vendors from whom I bought some items. As with many other places in the world, my favorite souvenirs are photos of souvenirs – it’s like buying everything…?

After Vernissage, I took a walk back to my hotel, stopping in the Beatle’s Pub, and then walked up into the neighborhood on the other side of the street. Nice cars next to sketchy digs…?

My destination on this mini-excursion was Lovers’ Park, and it didn’t disappoint…

A few more views of Yerevan, including my hotel and the street in the evening, before turning in. I was up in the night, off in a taxi, and home to Californa via Frankfurt…