Until a few years ago the only people who travelled to Armenia were ex-patriots and international development workers. Ex-pats visited their families. Relief workers helped with the recovery from the devastation of the 1988 earthquake and the 1989 collapse of the Soviet Union. Armenians are still in recovery mode, but times are changing. This is especially true in the beautiful capital city, Yerevan.
International corporations have opened offices and are importing their products and services. Construction is booming as Armenians from the diaspora buy up condos and set up businesses. Tourism is on the rise. It's a "happening" place. In fact, one scientific association—Logic for Programming Artificial Intelligence and Reasoning—held its 14th International Conference there in October 2007 just because it was an interesting location. Zvartnots Airport was renovated in 2006, and travellers can take direct flights from London, Vienna, Prague, Moscow and Munich.
An Easy Walkabout
Yerevan is nestled in the shadow of snow-capped Mount Ararat (now part of Turkey where Noah's Ark is said to have landed in the Caucasus region). As seen in Google Earth, central Yerevan is surrounded by the aptly-named Ring Park. It circles the inner city for many blocks, and has numerous cafés, games tables, walkways and statues, and even a small lake. It's especially busy on weekends as residents and visitors stroll through the trees and walkways, enjoying each other's company. The park also connects to a long open-air market, known as The Vernissage, which sells everything from large handmade carpets to tiny nuts and bolts. Within a block of The Vernissage is Republic Square, the heart of the city. This grand public plaza is always busy, as it is surrounded by shops, galleries, hotels, offices and government buildings made of unique pink volcanic rock known as tufa.
The Opera House, situated at the north end of the inner city, is very popular for all kinds of concert and theatre events. Opposite it is the huge Cascade, a complex of garden terraces and hundreds of steps up the side of a steep escarpment to the Arts Centre (under construction, 2007- 2008) and monuments. High atop is also an arcade park, and Mother Armenia, an enormous monument atop a war museum. She wields her sword aloft as a testament to Armenia's strength and beauty. It's a steep climb up the Cascade, but the view of the city and Ararat is well worth it.
Food and Accommodation
Armenian hospitality and generosity rival the best in the world. The food is fresh, without pesticides, and delicious. Especially plentiful are their apricots, walnuts, and brandy. There are several international hotel chains in the city, and many local hotels, but do try to stay at the Villa Delenda. It's a small, charming bed-and-breakfast hotel only three blocks from Republic Square. It is clean, comfortable, quiet, inexpensive, and a very friendly staff. The best part is that it is run by the Family Care Foundation which supports development projects throughout Armenia.
Intriguing Side Trips
Armenia was the first Christian nation, and this small country has an estimated 40,000 monuments, mostly religious, throughout the land. Just outside the city is the historic and religious site, Etchmiadzin whose cathedral, the Holy Seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church, was built in 301 AD. There are also hundreds of hot springs in Armenia, so a spa holiday can easily be added to any itinerary.
 |
 |
