Point of Origin: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (DXB) Destination: Yerevan, Armenia (EVN) Airline: FlyDubai/Emirates Flight Time: 3 Hours Currency: Armenian Dram (AMD) Armenia or what locals called “Hayastan” is a country in the Caucasus and a former Soviet Republic. The country was landlocked by neighboring Georgia (North), Azerbaijan (East), Iran (South) and Turkey (West). Because of its proximity to the Middle East, it has become a popular destination for most expats who would like to have a quick escape from the desert. Lately, it has been a destination for expat’s doing a visa run to the UAE. It was my first solo travel abroad and my first time to experience snow, I brought all the stuff that would help me fight the cold weather except for a thermal wear for my lower extremities. You could just imagine how it felt right after I got out of the airport. By the way, it’s easier to apply for an e-visa rather than falling in the queue for a VOA. It was still dark at 6AM when I reached my hotel. I checked-in and took a short NAP. I woke up before lunch, had a quick shower and went out to a nearby grocery store to exchange my dollars to Armenian Dram. I had exchanged 165 USD to 80000 AMD. I instantly felt very rich. I had lunch for a chicken meal at KFC for $2.00. It was snowing when I started walking around. I went around the square, the blue mosque and a snow covered park. I ended my first day having a Pork Shawarma. My very first :D The next day I’ve met with a local Tour Guide name, Ruben. He was very kind and gentle man. We first walked up the Matenadaran, the institute and exhibitor of rare documents. It was difficult to walk up the path because the snow has formed to ice which was very slippery. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get in because it’s a holiday. Next, the Cascade. It is a giant stairway made of limestone. We walked up to the top monument which is still not finished. According to Ruben, it was abandoned for some time now. Mother Armenia, the symbol of all Armenians. Late Lunch with Ruben. Their dish is almost similar with Indo-Arab dishes. Two-person meals are $35.00 I have enjoyed just walking around the snow watching locals and other tourist passing by. It was dark when we arrived to one of the oldest church in Armenia. I visited the Eternal Flame at Yerevan's Genocide Memorial.
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