This was one of the best day trips I have ever encountered.I was hoping to see a bit of Armenia along with Georgia and all went so well.Keto was so kind and graciously patient with me and Yoshimi , a young solo Japanes girl.With them and Goga the most excellent driver I have been with in a long time.
The dual passport stops at the Georgia / Armenian borders were not at all discomforting and indeed a bit of adventure.Has been a long time since one of those twice in a day .
The drive south from Tbilisi is both pleasant in getting out of the city and Envoy made sure we had the best of the monastery visits at Ahktala, Haghpat and Sanahin.They are ancient , and Keto gives both their significance and history with great ease and it is not a dry thing to hear her information.It comes alive through her.
I felt honored to be part of this excursion.
A number of people had to cancel ,so for the two of us eager to go we felt rewarded with attention.
It is a long day but never felt so.The northern mountainous area of Armenia was magnificent and from our small group we felt almost invisible.
The lunch at and with a local family near Haghpat was indeed the highlight in that Envoy has chosen to help support the locals by doing this, and we ate in their home a good home- cooked meal of great variety and flavor.There were many farm animals around..horses, chickens, dogs and cats and the view from their balcony up high on the mountain was a nice finish.
I had scheduled, but then cancelled, an all day trip from Tbilisi to Yerevan and back, but chose this trip instead thinking the drive into Yerevan might be a bit city- much on a long day, and a focus on the upper region of northern Armenia might be more rewarding.I chose wisely I think.
Thank you again Keto, Goga and all of Envoy for their experience you gave us!
