THE DISPUTED SERIES, DAY 5
ARMENIA
I vaguely remembered there wasn’t a lot to do in Yerevan first time round so I made the effort to really see what there was around the city.
Football in Armenia is huge and although a dream to attend a match in Eurasia or Eastern Europe there was nothing on during my stay. Some of the stadiums however look incredible but each have a no fly zone for drones which was a shame.
WHERE IS YEREVAN?
KOND
The oldest neighborhood in Yerevan is a labyrinth of tiny streets and alleyways. I’ll be honest, if you came across it but hadn’t read up on it you probably wouldn’t be in any rush to explore. It’s not the most inviting of places but it’s very very safe and worth the walk to check it out, it actually reminded me of the hutongs in Beijing LINK.
THE PARKS
It’s Christmas here so the city parks and squares are all fitted out with Christmas decorations and they don’t do it by half’s. Vernissage is a small local market just beyond Republic square. Like most local markets they tend to all sell the same thing but expect to barter for a fair price.
CASCADE COMPLEX
This is probably the highlight of the city. A walk up the pedestrian street and past swan lake will take you there. Swan lake had been turned into an ice rink which was a nice feature but a long way off Central Park!
Cascade complex is a really impressive feature park with around 555 steps (I think) at one end leading up to the Cafesjian Center for the Arts. There are views of the entire city here and in the evening are especially impressive. Don’t be put off by the amount of steps, it’s very easy walk.
EATING
Christy recommended Termurnots for some food and to say she delivered was an understatement! I had the some flatbread & meat (like a thin base pizza) and some potatoes & pepperoni.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Coming from Tbilisi it was always going to be hard to impress me but I soon find out the beauty of Armenia comes from outside.
NEXT UP
Heading off for my Road Trip Nagorno Karabakh tomorrow, hoping this one actually happens and not a repeat of my Abkhazia trip (link)! Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
138/229
This post is part of The Disputed Series, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.
To watch the video of my trip, head to my highlights on my Instagram.
