Fall in Armenia Lake, Mountains Beauty

 Many people make a 30 minute stop on their tour. I took a bus to a bus station- the Northern bus station to find a grumpy lady at the window who said “ Sevan 2pm” and shut the window abruptly. The local guy, Alex apologized for her behavior and said she probably needs to take her break.

 I will help you don't worry- the local words that melt my heart:) There i am standing outside with the guys saying let me pay the driver directly and eliminate the ticket. Alex agrees and we get 2 wooden stools put on the bus. No back. Just wood. 45 minutes. This is what you call traveling and making friends in the right places wink 

The time just flew by because he was so interesting, informative, helpful, funny- just a lovely older guy visiting his weekend house with his friends. He lived in Venice, he traveled to India 5 times(real travelers go to india). He has a daughter a son and an adorable grandson-note Armenian kids are absolutely adorable and so well behaved- dressed like dolls and just say the cutest things. He tells me about apps to use to find destinations and cities I should visit and most importanty how to get around with transport, which he says is a headache. He is just a wealth of information and so enjoyable to talk with even though my back was giving out on the stool. 

We pass by Sevan and I go to Dilijan- his recommendation and then to see Sevan on the way back- wow fall in Dilijan- who needs summer when there is fall. Oh my goodness again the perfect weather dont even need a jacket. It reminded me of big bear- a small town in the woods and forest so charming and authentic. 

Up the hill is the main town, a brewery, a winery, pottery shop, jewelry maker, authentic armenian restaurants. Its just perfection and the people are much more open and friendly. I went for a small hike- met a man working on his house who pointed at me and said "India" and then kindly put his hand on my head- i love this form of endearment ugh

Had a late lunch at restaurant with the most amazing menu. People were literally ordering one of everything and you see 5 or more cast iron black pans on the table. Pumpkin, apricot lentils, kebabs, incredible cheese boards and wine. Just wow! The food met its expectation and i had to head to Sevan but missed the bus so i hitched a ride with Stephan - a therapist with 3 kids showing me photos of his boys and his wife who is pregnant with another boy. Breathtaking views. The long tunnel that takes you from forests and trees to mountains and lake. It is windy with hidden surprises on each side and it's really wonderful...unexpected....It is always so unexpected how much beauty is in every country. 

Stephan drops me off in front of the peninsula and as I barely cross the street- a winemaker offers me a ride up. Its crazy how you go 20 kilometers and the temperature goes from hot to cold. It was super cold and he saw i was just wearing a fleece jacket where other people had heavy jackets and scarfs. I sat next to a big crate of grapes in his work van and he dropped me off right at the entrance and at the most divine time- sunset. Timing by locals**** 

All the tour buses were there and it was full of tourists, but it was worth it. Very worth it- the 360 view of the lake with the monastery. I found a hidden beach spot to watch the birds and the waves crashing. I then hitched a ride to the street with a guy in a brand new Tesla- he gave me a snickers bar and said "Enjoy Armenia and be safe." Then i hitched another ride with a business man in a Lexus it was another fascinating man to talk with - politics, religion, Russia- the prime minister, Armenian music- he traveled to india once and california 5 times. He was a successful engineer with 2 boys- i enjoyed our time and he went out of his way to drive me past his house to the center- he insisted I be safe. He formally shook my hand and said goodbye. That is the best hitchhiking ride one could wish to get. My Armenian friend calls them automatic stops, which are common because the transportation is at a D- or just failing- it is really not the place for public transport. 

Would I normally take all these hitchhiking rides-"No." I am absolutely not a "hitchhiker." NO NO and NO.  But in this scenario, it was just how it happened because the bus was very infrequent and I wanted to maximize my time in places. 

Was it the smartest plannning? No, absolutely not, but it turned out great besides being super cold.  Everyone was interesting and super nice-not weird at all!!!! Start thinking positive about people and you will be pleasantly surprised, but there is no way that people can travel like me because noone is me.... Priscilla is unique and loved by locals. 

Sergay is at the hotel and he makes me hot water with lemon and ginger. He is the cutest human and he said he really enjoys talking english with me. He works there 2 days a week and the rest he stays with his family. 

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