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Armenia

Welcome to Armenia. We cross the border today from Georgia to Bavra, Armenia and traveled to Gyumri, Armenia. The equestrian statue of Vartan Mamikonian is erected at the centre of the memoria

Gyumri is an urban municipal community and the second largest city in Armenia, serving as the administrative center of Shirak Province in the northwestern part of the country. Gyumri has a population of 121,976. The 19th-century Church of the Holy Saviour to the south of the square

Gyumri City Hall on VartVartanants Square is the large central town square in Gyumri, Armenia

The 19th-century Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God. The church is topped with a large dome at the center surrounded with 2 minor domes. Unlike other Armenian churches, the altar at the Holy Mother of God is unique for its multi-iconic decoration.

The altar at the Holy Mother of God is unique for its multi-iconic decoration.

Looking up into the copula almost over the alter in the Cathedral.

The Church of the Holy Mother of God belongs to the Cruciform style of the Armenian churches with an external rectangular shape

The interior is simple but beautiful.

This is a monument commemorating December 7, 1988, earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale that struck northwestern Armenia devastating the town of Gyumri and others. The earthquake killed almost 25,000 and injured injured thousands more.

I am told that the average monthly salary in Armenia is the equivalent of $364 US in the country and $390 US in Yerevan the Capital.

Armenia is a small country that doesn’t find itself on the list of popular tourist destinations. But for tourists, like me, who like to explore nature, learn about history, drink and eat delicious food, Armenia is the right choice. It’s a rustic ancient land with amazing countryside where people take great pride in their traditions, culture, religion and cuisine.

New Pedestirian only street helping restart Economic Development for downtown Gyumri.

Kerkorian donated millions of dollars to Armenia through his Lincy Foundation, which was established in 1989 after the devastating 1988 Spitak earthquake.

Our Armenian guide Sonya explaining the statute of the late U.S.-Armenian billionaire and philanthropist Kirk Kerkorian was very generous after theearthquake.

Armenia is a country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia. Located in Western Asia on the Armenian Highlands, It is bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, and Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran to the south.

Just like Russia the ATM's in old Soviet Bloc countries are never pedestrian friendly. They take an old window and put steps underneath to accommodate bank customers.

A better view at the Church of the Mother of Holy God.

Our group of travelers and our guide to the right Peter. We represented 4 countries Australia, Canada, South Africa and the United Sstates.

Statue of Charles Aznavour, a French and Armenian singer, lyricist, and diplomat. Aznavour was known for his distinctive tenor voice. Ironically the day this photo was taken he died and Armenia was morning his death, especially in Yerevan, the Capital.

Older Soviet Bloc residences

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