Garni Temple, Geghard, Folk Museum, Book Museum

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Geghard Monastery, Ararat Province, Armenia

Today was going to be another full day tour. It was raining down again and I made it to my bus for 930am rather than on the nose like my late arrival yesterday.

The guy in front of me introduced himself. He was an Armenian raised in Germany. He had come to Armenia courting a lady in hopes of marriage.

Our first stop was to a viewing point across the valley and distant mountain. The rain made it so overcast there wasnt much to see and people didnt want to be out in the rain.

We then drove to Garni Temple. This was an ancient pagan site. The spring blossoms made it scenic despite the rains.

You could go inside though not much to see and explore around the grounds.

We had about 40 mins extra freetime once I was done as they were stretching today's trip which can be done in half a day to a 3/4 day. Some of the dried fruit vendors outside drew my interest. They said the products can last one year and I bought some which I am still enjoying.

Nearby a lady was baking some fresh lavash bread. We were to goto a demonstration so I didnt know if this was our one. They broke off and handed fresh samples to onlookers.

Turns out this wasnt ours and we went to another baker to watch exactly the same bread making. However we were allowed to sample with some cheeses and greens so became a bit of a light lunch.

Next stop was at the Geghard Monastery. I was talking to another family on the bus. They were Armenian from Australia though he had been born in the Armenian quarter in Jerusalem. He told me about the natural springs inside which I had no idea about.

Inside was the main hall and two smaller rooms cut into the rock on the left. The right side room had lots of wall carvings of crosses and animals.

The room on the left which was much darker had a natural spring coming out of the wall. I'm told baptisms take place here.

These were like Korean temples and had lots of other areas to explore so not your typical church. There was an upper terrace leading to another chamber. At the rear were more levels and a stream running beside.

I have another vlog of the lavash baking and Geghard Monastery - https://youtu.be/XFDeyZDc7o8

Coming back to Yerevan there was severe rains and the streets were flooding. I was heading uphill so making my way away from the flood. I was going to the Folk Arts Museum. Entrance was 1000 ARM ($2.50)

This was off the tourist trail and nobody here. Also today was my only real day to explore museums. Mondays they are closed, Tuesday I had a full day at Lake Sevan returning at 8pm, and tomorrow Thursday I was leaving to Georgia.

Nearby was the famous Matenadaran museum at the top of Mashots Ave. Entrance was 1500 + 2500 for a photo ticket ($10 total).

This museum is famous for it's historical book collection of Armenian history.

They also had an interesting collection of Iranian books which I wouldnt have expected.

Heading out I made my way south down the main pedestrian street dissecting the central core circle.

At Republic Square I made my way back into the metro. Rather than going home one stop later I went to the next stop and back to see more of the metro.