August 10 - The lake

Despite me not fancying the hotel, I slept really well and was soon on the road, following a heartless breakfast served by this Lady Piggy. I soon met a Spanish rider couple on their way to Iran. The road on this day lead along the shores of Lake Sevan, in which I bathed twice. Three more Polish riders were heading southward, quite a traffic! Then came a beautiful monastery on the shore, I had to fight the urge to go swimming a third time, but then I'd be stuck there forever.

Spanish fellow riders

Yet another monastery on the shore

The town of Sevan is the Armenian version of Ballermann, full of hotels, beaches, restaurants - I had been warned I would not like it, they were right. I took a wrong turn that brought me to a small city, where I had an impuls purchase of a Nexus 7 laptop, no more haggling with Miss Piggies, now I can write whenever I want (internet allowing).

Images of the lake

The lake ended, and now the road was going uphill, but not for too long. Then came a tunnel, about 5 km long - I must admit I was sh*t scared, knowing how careless some drivers are. It ended - and I was miraculously back in the Alps! But how - you go in on one side, barren hills and cameboutbto lush greenery? To celebrate having survived the tunnel, I had some corn on the cob. And finally, a great descent, this I enjoyed to the fullest.

I reached the town of Dilijan, where I found my favorite place on this trip so far, called Villa Jrvezh. It was small huts set in a peaceful, beautifully kept garden. I tried my new gagdet, it worked nicely and got some goat cheese with three types of bread. A nice night followed...

The hotel

My dinner