

we spent last days in Armenia in the Aragac mountains - camping near the Kari Lake and reaching one of the Aragats pick. To get to the Kari Lake we had to walk around 20 km so we started... after some time we catched a lift with local sheepyards:) Near the lake we had some nice party during which we drank nice vodka from paprica-glass:) After staying there it was time to get back to Georgia. With 3 Armanians we get to the road to Gumry and than just after few minutes black mercedes stopped. With the captain of Russian Army and his friend we got to Gumry. They were very helpful and even paid for our wine! We got also some food supply:)
After passing Armenian-Georgian border we were taken to KAMAZ by two guys - border police officer and driver. They offered us a lift to Vardzia - place where old monastery is located in natural and artificial caves. We got there late after exciting race with another Kamaz:) During next day we visited the monastery and started to move towards Kutaisi. Again we were very luckyt - we were invitewd by the major of Aspindza first for a coffee and later for a biiig party at the evening. We didnt refuse:) The party was amazing - we could feel the true georgian atmosphere and tradition.. Hectoliters of home made wine, Tamada - the party leader, long toasts - we could taste Georgia! next morning Aleks's (Mayor) private driver drove with us to Borjomi - popular georgian resort with mineral springs. We found cheap accomodation and went to try healing water. We also met two Georgians with the polish orgins:) We had nice time talking about history and their roots. They also encouraged us to visit Gori. we went there next morning to see Stalin's Museum. We saw a lot of gifts for Stalin, Stalin's private train car and so on...
Then we hitchiked towards Kutaisi to see two impressive churches - monastery Gelati and ruined Bagrati Cathedral. When we were in Gelati looking for a place for tent we started to chat with group of doctors. One of them offered us to sleep in his unused house. He gave us keys and ordered to leave them next day under the doormat. We were very lucky because the night vas extremly rainy.
Today morning we left Kutaisi by taxi but the driver didnt want any money from us - just said that we have to drink a toast for Georgia (already done). Just after 15 sec next car stopped and we were driving with 3 persons in direction of Poti. We were given some local specials and a water mellon:) They also left us under the protection of their friend - police officer, who started to stop cars and ask drivers if he/she can take us:P!!! Can You belive?! So we had a lift just after few minutes. Than again we didnt have to wait long - ford transit stopped. We were invited for a very good wine and food. Now we are in Batumi and probably tommorow we will leave Georgia :(
Bye
After visiting Erewan we decided not to sleep in the same hostel ( we cant afford it) but to find something cheaper. So our idea was to get out of the city and find a place for a tent. We decided to go to Echmiadzin - the place where the oldest church in Armenia is located, and where is the residence of "armenian pope". After visiting the atractions we went to a place where were a lot of houses with gardens. Near one of them i started to jump near the fence to see if there is enough space for a tent. During my research the owner went out ( i didnt see him) and started to watch what am I doing:P Fourtanetely he was very nice Iranian and said that we can sleep in his garden and also invited us for a meal with their friend who lived in Poland (so we could eaisly speak). The next day was full of attractions - we saw Garni, Gehrard Monastery and at the evening we managed to get to the Khor Virap (the bus to that place should be described in a separated post). We pitched our tent on a plain between old monastery and magnificent Ararat mountain... In the morning we woke up early and went to the hill to see the church. Near the entrance we started to chat with some guys, who was glancing at us when we were packing our baggage few minutes before. They appeard to be the movie makers who were producing a document about Armenian Churches, and they were going exackly there where we wanted - to Tatev:D:D:D With them we saw also places which we thought it is impossible to see because they are located in wild areas - not on the main road. We visited Norawang monastery and Zorac Karer prehistoric astronomical observatory:) During our trip with Artak, Arsen, Vardan, Sargis and Artur we tasted wonderful home-made wine and ate a lot of juicy sweet aprocots and other fruits:) Finally after few hours of driving we reached Tatev. We pitched our tent just next to the old monastery. Next day we spent on walking nearby, getting lost in the deep rocky canyon, visiting abandonned monastery, taking bath in mineral water, visiting satan's bridge and drinking cold beer at the evening:) Next day we decided to leave tatev and get to the Aragats mountain. After 3 hours of hitchiking (new record) two cars stopped. We joined two families - one which lived in Poland for a few years - so They can speak polish, and the second - that lives in the USA - so again there was no language barrier. They invited us for a meal, and then again we had a chance to see unplanned place - Jermuk resort. After that again meal (veeery tasty - see the pictures:P). They offered us also that we can sleep in their house in Erewan. It was our salvation because we arrived to Yerewan about midnight...(THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!) Today we plan to get near the lake under the picks of the Aragac. See You! (btw is anyone reading our blog in english?)
PS. - one nice proverb for You (fonetic transcription) - kto nie kurit i nie pjot ten zdarowienki pomriot. (who doesnt smoke and doesnt drink will die healthy) :) - thanks Arsen!