Armenia

Armenia

Armenia is as far east as we go into Asia. Our original thought over a year ago was to eventually push further east through the Stans to China then turn south to eventually head home through India.

However, we have been unfairly discriminated against! Why? Because of our advanced years!!! I and  Gael don't feel like 69 year olds. Gael (I don't think) looks anything like a 69 year old. Yes, I know I look a little worse for wear, but bloody hell to not be allowed to drive across China (which requires they issue you with a drivers licence) in your own vehicle for only a short distance is age discrimination. 

So if you want to transit China in your own vehicle do it before you turn 69. 

Anyway back to Armenia. Armenia would have to be the most easily forgettable country, after Georgia, that we have visited! You have probably heard at some time or another that the old Soviet States have some issues when it comes to the environment. Jesus, what an understatement! This part of the world is a basket case.

It should be unacceptable that industry can just walk away from their polluting factories when they can no longer return a profit. It's no wonder the Armenian populace appear to treat their country like a   lost cause when industry, and governments in the region have persecuted and invaded them for centuries. It really appears to be a very broken place.

The nature of the country is truly beautiful, but unfortunately having to observe day after day the impact that a failed economy and lack of protection for the environment has had on the country caused us to leave early.

The border between Georgia and Armenia looks a bit bleak. But apart from the usual quizical looks at our Vicroads renewal notice which is the only proof of ownership document that we can produce, everything went reasonably well.
Most countries especially in Europe have a vehicle passport or certificate of ownership so our invoice of registration renewal doesn't cut it with border customs. So it always gives us grief.

These are monuments to various events that were all plonked on the roadside. I suppose you had to be a local to know what they're all about.

Old buses and trucks were the norm. The buses had four big gas cylinders on the roof.

This very old small Monastery was purched on the edge of a spectacular cliff.

Just over the cliff was the ruin of an even older Monastery.

This is one of the ancient grave stones, note the knife and bunch of keys at the waist.

 These are modern grave stones with etched portraits, beautifully done.

We camped the night beside the Monastery and this stunning view.

The chimney on the hilltop belched out so much smoke that the once beautiful landscape ( before the gross factories) was hazed in smog.
It still breaks our hearts to look at what once was before man intervened!

Lots of these ancient vehicles still chugging along in Armenia.

 Huge and quite bizzare looking statue of twins holding a large sword.