Armenia: From Sand to Snow

An Exit to Winter Wonderland

What’s one positive thing about not having what I’ve been waiting for?

An exit to Armenia.

Why Armenia?

Maybe known to some, Armenia has become one of the safest sanctuaries of visit visa holders in the Middle East and the Caucasus Region. The Caucasus Region being the countries of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, Turkey, including Armenia. 

Filipinos or better known as “Kabayans” here in the Middle East, have different exit options while waiting for another visit visa or a transfer to a working visa. Kabayans in the UAE usually take an exit via Oman or the other neighboring countries.

I have heard “exit stories" to Oman and Kish in Iran, which are a bit sad. For some, it felt like a prison cell. They have encountered delays due to congestion and bureaucracy. Others have stayed longer than they should because their employers wouldn’t renew their visas. Others had no choice but to pay the fines. 

During my time of exit, we heard news that Oman might not be accepting anyone yet in order to prioritize those who have been staying long on the list. So, Armenia was definitely the better option.

My First Solo Travel

Yes, I’ve tried traveling alone. But, there was always somebody else who is ready to welcome me.

This was my very first time to travel without anybody to rely on the other side. 

I had no idea what Armenia’s like. I just know that when I arrive there, it’s gonna be snowing. 

I actually did not have enough time to prepare. My family planned to have at least 3 days of preparation before we book our flight. Unfortunately, there were no seats available on the scheduled date before my visa expires. 

What’s the available date you may ask? Well, let’s just say we planned and brainstormed at around 6:30 pm and the next thing I know I’ll be leaving the country at 8:30 in the morning of the next day via Air Arabia.

I had no winter clothes, no boots, no gloves & no thermal socks. I had nothing to battle the winter. Fortunately, my sister-in-law has her reserves! Woohoo!

I got my 30-day visa package also through my sister-in-law, Mackay, via Mazaya Travel and Tours for AED 1,399. That includes the round-trip airfare, visa processing for UAE and a 4-day, 3-night hotel accommodation with breakfast.

First Taste of Snow 

I didn’t have any idea what to do for four days in a cold foreign place without knowing anybody, the language, the culture and its tourist destinations. Well, not until I got settled, get to know people and connected with the hostel’s internet.

But first, COFFEE!

All day coffee served at Kantar's common dining room. 👌

Okay, now let’s go to the basic travel info. 

• Currency: Armenian Drams (AMD) subdivided into luma (USD 1 = AMD 486; AMD 1 = Php 0.10, as of writing) 
• Mobile Network: Beeline, Viva Cell MTS and Ucom
• Plug & socket type: Type C (see different types here) 
• Religion: Christianity 
• Drives on: the left and right 

When I finally settled in, the very first thing that I did was ask the receptionist where’s the nearest convenience store and money changer. She gave me the hotel’s personalized map, marked the areas and carefully guided me on the directions. 

Now, time to brave the snow!

When the Filipino Smiles Meet the Armenian Hospitality

Nothing beats the warmth of Filipinos all over the world added with heaps of Armenian hospitality in a freezing foreign land. 

One of the best things that have happened to me during this trip is the unexpected opportunity of meeting new friends with different cultures and beliefs. I have made new Filipino friends from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar. We shared stories and went on a new journey of discovery and adventure. Through this, we were also able to meet locals who were very kind to welcome us in their homes.

I stayed in Kantar, which is located at the heart Yerevan, the country’s capital. From there, I have randomly met these awesome Kabayans.

Guiding us was Naira Shahnazaryan from Sun Ray Hostel. They have personalized tours depending on the number of people in the group. 

I took two tours – one city tour and another to Lake Sevan and Tsaghkadzor. The tour may cost you around 6,000 to 7,000 AMD. But, there could be cheaper tours that may only cost you 5,000 AMD. If you want to be more adventurous, you can take your own city tour. 

I chose to stay with the Ates and Kuyas for safety purposes. Haha! Yes, I still do have my hesitations with this solo trip.

Although not everyone can speak English very well in Armenia, tourists can still expect to receive warm smiles and hugs from the locals. Armenians are very proud of their rich Christian history. And what’s the best way to share their culture? Maybe through endless story telling over a cup of coffee or bottles of wine, vodka and cognac to beat the cold weather as well.

Interesting Fact: The Kardashians are of Armenian descent. 💡

The Food

Armenians love cheese, bread and liquor.

It is said that Armenia is the home of the world’s oldest winery. So, expect drinks to be cheap here.

The Place

Armenia is located between Turkey and Azerbaijan, two of its least favorite countries. It is mostly mountainous and flat, and experiences hot summers and cold winters.

There are several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country which are mostly cathedrals and monasteries. Other must-see sites include the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, which sadly I wasn’t able to visit, and Mount Ararat, which is believed to be where the story of Noah’s Ark happened. 

Interestingly, Mount Ararat is the country’s national symbol, but is actually located in Turkey. Before the Soviet Union, it was included within Armenia’s borders. But later on, it was placed in Turkey. This has been one of the many arguments of the two countries. The top reason for their unfriendly relationship would be, of course, the Armenian Genocide during the Ottoman Empire.

Here’s a peek of the Country’s architecture, which clearly depicts its Christian culture and rich history.

Republic Square, Yerevan

This is the central town square in the country’s capital, Yerevan. This is where parades, concerts, demonstrations and other events are usually conducted.

St. Gayane Monastery

The Church of St. Gayane is a 7th century Armenian Church located in Vagharshapat. It is named after a superior of nuns who was martyred along with other nuns. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

Etchmiadzin Cathedral

Still located in the city of Vargharshapat, the Etchmiadzin Cathedral is considered as the oldest cathedral in the world. The original church was built by Gregory the Illuminator, Armenia’s patron saint, in the fourth century.

Kecharis Monastery

Kecharis is a medieval Armenian monastic complex dating back to the 11th to 13th centuries, located 60 km from Yerevan, in the ski resort town of Tsakhkadzor in Armenia. (Wikipedia)

Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort

The Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort, which is about an hour drive from Yerevan, is one of the most visited spots in the city. It is said that during the Soviet times, the cable cars and sporting facilities were made to prepare Soviet athletes for the Olympics.

This is definitely one of the best places to get “high” on snow. Ticket price for the cable car is 2000 AMD.

Monastery of Sevanavank

The Sevanavank Monastery, which is located in the Gegharkunik region, was built by Mariam, an Armenian Princess and daughter of Ashot I, founder of the Bargatuni dynasty. 

From the church within the peninsula, you can view the picturesque Lake Sevan.

Dozens of katchkars or cross-stones are lined up along the church’s entrance. Katchkars can be seen all over the churches in Armenia. Some are witnesses of the country’s rough religious history, while others are just replicas.

Lake Sevan

Lake Sevan is the largest body of water in Armenia and the Caucasus region. The word “Sevan” comes from the Urartian word sunia, which means lake.

Other versions of the origin of the name say that Sevan comes from the Armenian words Sev, which means black, and Vank, which means monastery. This refers to the monastery located in the island. 

Another version links the name to Lake Van, which is located somewhere in Turkey. It was told that Armenians may have come from the areas of Lake Van to Lake Sevan. The lake was dark and reminded people of Lake Van. So, it was called Sev (black) + Van.

Memorable Armenia

Armenia has given me so many memories including many of my firsts. I definitely want to go back if given the chance. It was a jump from one extremely religious country to another – Arab to Christian. It was a sudden shift of environment – from sand to snow.

But no matter how different the worlds that I’ve been to, I learned that we can all get along well as long as we keep our minds open. We all have different roots. Believing that what you have learned in your culture is the only right and best thing in the world will bring you and anybody no good.

Smile, listen and share. You’ll never know what a good conversation can bring the world. 😉