The blog consists 5 chapters to give you the taste of Armenia and tips on the way...

Chapter 1- Introduction

Hey Everyone! I’ve got a question for you- what’s the first thing that comes up to your mind when you hear Armenia? If I were to guess I’d say you won’t have much to say apart from some music enthusiasts of you who might know that the members of the band- ‘’System of a Down’’ are Armenians, the same goes for Kim Kardashian’s fans… however the Armenians I’ve just mentioned make no much of an example to the real Armenia since they live far away from Armenia and are integrated fully, in this case, in America. However, this blog aims at delving into the real and unknown Armenia.
Being Armenia so un-known was exactly the reason I wanted to go there one year ago when I was considering my travel options in the Caucasian area. Armenia is special, unknown, rigid, very unready and will surprise you if you come with the right attitude. 
I’d like to stress: If you are one of the ‘’beaten track’’ travellers who is looking for the well -known, comfortable/well facilitated destinations this blog is not for you… but if you are ready to be an explorer within undeveloped destination you are in the right place! you most likely to see this blog as a pre-introduction to your prospective journey to Armenia.

             Caucasian mountains, Armenia 2016

When arriving in Armenia I got stopped for interrogation by the immigration officers. I did not understand what was it all about since English was not the strongest element. After being questioned thoroughly what was my purpose of visit and why am I travelling alone (well, not really alone I was with my nephew…) I realised- I was a single traveller about to entering Armenia- a phenomenon which the immigration officers were not used to encounter often since travelling to Armenia is usually done by organised groups.
After being stranded at immigration for a while I was finally released to start exploring the country…

When I came out of the airport I felt as if were drawn back in time. The outskirts of Yerevan city, 30-minute drive through dark streets, somehow the quiet streets and the very friendly taxi driver made our landing in Armenia a good opening experience! 
Armenia is located between Turkey, Georgia and Iran in the Caucasian mountains area, for the religion enthusiasts of you it would be interesting to know that Armenia was the first country in the world to embrace Christianity as its official religion by the beginning of the 4th century. You can still feel that Christianity is very important in the country and so the locals are quite devout. Good example for that is when I wanted an owner of a shop to open his outlet one hour early in Sunday so I could buy travel gear in a significant amount of money before I had to leave the country (interesting bargaining over a phone call) the answer I got was: ‘’No! it is Sunday the holiday I can’t do that’’!

A bit of history that’s relevant for you to know- The country went through hardships throughout history. Armenia was a part of the Ottomans’ region. Armenia had peaceful relations with the Ottomans until the beginning of the 20th century, during first world war the Ottomans took over systematically great parts of the Armenian land. Following the Russian revolution in 1918 the first republic of Armenia was established. The republic was part of the soviet-union until its dissolution when it became an independence. Due to its history, you can imagine that Turkey is not very likeable amongst Armenians, be sensitive when you talk to locals about their country and their history.
When you visit Yerevan which would likely to be your starting and ending point of your trip (at least) you might notice at first that the country is in its development phase. the lack of preparedness for the tourism industry is substantial, though that is what you will like eventually (I hope). Only in Yerevan is where you will find tourism facilities in a basic level. 
Yerevan city- take yourself some time to ‘’land’’ Yerevan could delude you in a way that is far more westerner than the rest of the country it has nice streets, modern shops, bars and restaurants. You might visit the republic square which located in the city centre where you can see locals and tourists crowding the streets that intersect in the square. During the evenings watching the ‘’dancing fountains’’ is a must do! The impressive spectacle features music that is being played in the vicinity and the colourful fountains are ‘’dancing’’ along the music’s rhythm. Strolling the centre of Yerevan would make good urban experience, later on you would see this as an ‘’escape’’ from touring the rest of the country that contrasts the capital Yerevan totally! 
This is the first taste of Armenia and the beginning of your journey. Keep follow my blog! more details about Yerevan city and Armenia will be described in the next chapter…