Yerevan

I have arrived in Yerevan in the middle of the night on a flight from Amsterdam via Prague

 Armenia was a country I missed out on my longer trip, so it is great to have the opportunity to be here so soon after crossing these parts last year.

My hotel is close to Republic Square and it's wonderful to open the window onto the little balcony and breathe in the fresh air of this land.  I have strolled around the city today, taking in the sites and the relaxed, peaceful vibe around the shops and cafes. I joined other church goers at the beautiful old Zoravar Church where Easter prayers were in session and the foyer was a dance of candle lights.

This evening I took a local bus up into the hills to the village of Gani where an old Hellenic temple stands proudly on the edge of a deep river gorge. The scenery is gorgeous; cherry blossom, rolling hills and snow capped mountains with Mount Ararat lording over everything. This brought back so many memories of Lake Kamaguchiko in Japan with Mount Fuji in the background. I then took a taxi up to the Geghard Monastery and wandered  through the levels of this hillside complex, still surviving despite repeated struggles with other religious groups and natural disasters.

It is fantastic to be here. My spirit is uplifted, my soul can sing and I can breathe again......