We travelled north and south within the valley that includes Yerevan (capitol) to collect Camelina (can you spot it in the picture below?). The photo gives you an idea of how cryptic some Camelina can be when tucked among high grasses . Our travels throughout the valley included more spectacular views of Mt. Ararat and Little Ararat ( the smaller peak just to the south). In addition to the views, we gathered an appreciation for the bumpiness of the backroads of Armenia (as Evan demonstrates in the video taken in the Mercedes van that was our "home"). Our skilled driver always seemed to find some apricot trees to park under, and from which to collect apricots - the national fruit of Armenia. We gained some cultural perspective by visiting Khor Virap ("deep hole") the ancient capitol of Armenia and the site where St. Grigori was imprisoned in a hole with snakes for 13 years until he cured King Trdat I of lunacy and managed to convert the entire country to Christianity. The seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church is in Echmiadzin; it is an independent church that Armenians are fiercely proud of as they lay claim to being the first Christian country in the world. Finally, Jordan and Evan enjoyed several evenings at the main fountain in Yerevan where a water and light show occurs nightly with various genres of music.
Blogger's note: We've been out of email contact for several days while touring the hinterlands of Armenia. More blog posts forthcoming! We are now in Tbilisi.
Blogger's note: We've been out of email contact for several days while touring the hinterlands of Armenia. More blog posts forthcoming! We are now in Tbilisi.
Cryptic Camelina.
Evan's jam.
Little Ararat (left), Ararat (right).
The church on site at Khor Virap.
The stairs into Grigori's pit!
Parked under an apricot tree.
Jordan's jam.
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