The GUM market is the biggest fresh food market in Yerevan. The first part of it is largely dedicated to candy-dipped fruits & nuts and local spices, and I assume they are mainly targeting tourists, both Armenian and foreigners. After every 3 meters we were given not-so-small pieces of desserts by a new seller. It was not a pleasant feeling to take free food and move on, but people were polite and curious.
The second part was a wholesale market for fresh products. At first sight, I was not sure if it was part of the GUM market, because people there looked busy and serious and no one was nudging us to try samples. I enjoyed feeling like an invisible person while watching local people doing business.
@ GUM market, Yerevan, Armenia, November 21, 2019
Yerevan Cascade is a giant stairway with five levels of gardens adorned with fountains and statues. The construction began during the Soviet era but some work around the top hasn’t been finished. But as it stands, it boasts an elevation of 118 meters and provides some good views and exercise opportunities for citizens of Yerevan.
Ironically, far from enjoying the views and the sunny weather, my mind was busy with some heavy thoughts and concerns I had back then. This photo reminds me that it is still not easy for me to live in the present.
@ Yerevan Cascade, Yerevan, Armenia, November 20, 2019
Sevan Island has become Sevan Penninsula during the Stalin era by lowering the water level. It hosts the popular Sevan Monastery, which was founded in 874. In Armenia, there are around 4000 monasteries and churches but this one was the oldest one I’ve seen.
Unlike the body-shaking cold the night before, the Sun kept us warm and wanting to walk around during the day. Among all, I greatly enjoyed the total quietness on the island.
@ Sevan Island, Armenia, November 19, 2019
Armenia is a country with a very long history, and so is their alphabet, having been invented around 405 AD. According to the guide, it is an easy and efficient system and it bears some similarities with the Greek alphabet.
Unfortunately, Google camera translator doesn’t work with the language yet, but I could make some limited guesses on the board.
@ Marshal Baghramyan Avenue, Yerevan, Armenia, November 22, 2019