Arriving to Yerevan

 

THIS POST GOES IN THE BEGINNING OF THE BLOG, This was my first arrival to Armenia after my van sitting in between the Russian and the Georgian in the Mercedes Sprinter..... 

My hotel was a budget one with a pool and a beautiful grand entrance and absolutely immaculate with a royal spiral staircase. 

When I find a great, clean hotel with a breakfast and an amazing price- it is one my happiest moments better than a great meal.  Clean, comfortable, quiet, and peaceful-GOLDEN. 

I was welcomed by Sergay who had a speech impairment, but he was so sweet and I was just so grateful to find the place.  We were talking on the couch for a bit and he helped me up to the top floor with my luggage. 

What a breathe of fresh Armenian air!

I meet a nice Ukranian woman and a cute Russian girl who become my two new friends. A nice 20 year old from Iran who lives in Australia sits in the lobby waiting for an Uber. He encourages me to visit Iran, which I said was on my itinerary for this trip, but getting the visa is difficult unless I am traveling with a tour group or have an invitation.  He expressed his interest in traveling to Poland and Ukraine and I told him that Poland is the best and gave him some travel tips.  

In the meantime, the Ukrainian woman mid 50s stayed in the hotel for 2 weeks. She appeared very hippy like and I could see doing yoga or some spiritual retreats.  She said that she likes spending time in one place and not rushing and she does like yoga and meditation (on point).   

She avoids the tourist destinations l like the plague and does her own thing around town. She(Anna) also was there to get some dental work done, which seems to be a common trend being abroad. Same for me, but in India.

The next morning I met my favorite person Nelly- the Russian cook and cleaner. Immediately its friend at first sight. She is fascinated by my Indian looks (love how people from Georgia and Armenia quickly identify me as Indian!) She says she wants me to marry an Armenian man so I can stay in Georgia.

“If you find one who wants to date me, then maybe I would be open to it, but I do not think you will find him.”

“Why do you say this? You are beautiful woman.”

People are very kind, but I’m a realist and Armenians date Kardashians-makeup, filler, beautiful hair, great body, and women who prioritize how they look over everything else in life….I am not that woman.

While she is talking, my Ukrainian friend is translating to me.

She wants to know if you like her cooking?

Yes, I love her cooking and I love the breakfast!

Nelly blows me a kiss goodbye and off I go on the strangest tour of the century.

As per usual, it was just a beautiful day. I get blessed with some seriously divine weather when i travel. So blessed  I made it to the center quite easily and found a cute coffee spot and walked through the park. I knew exactly where i wanted to go which was the SAS food court- imagine a food court with 30 different freshly made items to choose from and ladies in the front making homemade lavash- all the kebabs and food is being made in the clay ovens- it is food heaven.

With my unfortunate appetite getting full after eating small amounts. I had two kebabs, rice, vegetables, and a small piece of Armenian baklava. I really wanted to order so many things. This is where it benefits to have friends to share food together and try new things☹  

I decided to be a local and order this  “Eastern coffee” Armenian coffee meaning grounds with a small dash of water.

“Just try it, you will like it-very good.”

I tried it and my eyes opened up wide. The locals watch my reaction and they are laughing. I had to at least try it and they were entertained watching me.

It is a very local spot that tourists do not really find so i was getting a lot of looks- what is this girl doing here kind of look. It makes sense and i totally get it, but a girls got to eat.

TO BE CONTINUED>>>>>>>>>>>NEXT BLOG