August 4- Ancient times

The next morning brought more uphill climbes, with nice views of the city I had just left and the mountainous countryside. Ararat, a 5137m high peak actually in Turkey would accompany me for the next day or so. I found the Ararat Arch, where a group was singing Armenian folk songs. Then, after some impressive, but rather barren landscape came Garni, a Hellenistic pagan ( pre-Christian) church built in the first century, over a deep gorge. It is one of the main attractions in Armenia, and is close to the capital, it was full of visitors, including Chris, the Polish fellow biker. From there it was a tough climb to Gerghard, a medivial monastery, carved into the rockwall of the mountain. These two monuments were definitely worth the hardship of getting there. By the way, both are in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Garni

Knowingg Gerghard was the end of the road, I had left my heavy bike bags in Garni, which was not a stupid thing to do. Now back in Garni, I decided to head south, close to the Turkish-Iranian border. One option was to roll back to Yerevan and take the main road. I took the other option.

Gerghard

This was a road leading directly to the south from Garni, not the best asphalt to ride on. Soon I was riding on this very bumpy and rather solitary road, in an awesome, but not all too friendly landscape. I was hoping nothing bad would happen to my bike, I'd have been in for some trouble. There was an occasional Lada or two, I was busy trying to stay in the saddle. It was sort of an adventure within an adventure.

...moon...

...more moon...

There was hardly any transition and I got from this moonlike landscape to green farmlands growing peaches, melons and grapes. Mt Ararat was with its full glory right in front of me. It was already dusk by the time I have reaches Khor Virap, a monastery right on the Turkish border. The last visitors were just leaving the church and I tried my best to convince the caretaker to let me sleep at the monetary - in vain. So I had set up by tent in the parking lot. What I did not expect was the large number (OK, say three) of cars coming to this place at night, not sure why. I did not have the calmest night of my life - but I was left at peace - no issues whatsoever.

Khor Virap and Mt. Ararat