Raketh (Away 🛫)

Looking good! 👀

I note saying that I believe that even if you think you have no artistic skill, I'd rather see your effort than your A.I.

In today's installment of Old Lady Yells At Clouds:

It's more a stopover on the way back home. Staying overnight in Paros and getting the train back to London tomorrow. :p

Visited here quite a few times already!

Oui! Bonsoir! 👀

Yeah, hotel breakfasts tend to be expensive for what they offer and the quality isn't all that great either.

I'd rather skip that and go try different local places and sample what's on offer! Usually cheaper and MUCH better quality. :3

I have done that on previous visits to France! 🥐

Though whenever I travel, I skip hotel breakfasts and find a little local bakery or coffee shop to have morning noms in. Often it's a better choice!

Wine more like. 🍷

I mean, why not? :p

Now in France and on the way to Paris! 🇫🇷🥖

Yesssss! I may sound biased, but IMO that kind of design improves the look of any paws. 😍

To be fair, she is probably used to the heat! I recorded a video of her making it, and she nonchalantly reaches into the oven (that cooks the bread in a few seconds) with her bare arms and hands. 😄

Alright! Thank you! ^^

Sure, that works for me! ^^

Unfortunately I have a small single room at an overflow hotel, which won't be suitable. :(

Well, I mean... dungeons and dragons are a classic combo. ;)

I had the bread, yes! She plucked a large sheet of it right from inside the oven and just draped it over my hand. Needless to say it was very hot, and I stood there smiling politely as it slowly burned my hand.

I remained stoic and continued to take pictures. 😄

Also I should add it's also cool to see influences of cultures that may have once occupied the land or passed through (architecture is a big tell!).

It's also neat to see how and why places came to be. :)

Not as much as you'd think. But at the same time I believe visiting historical sites or places of important events helps understand the culture and country you're visiting. :p

Plus a lot of them (like these) are super cool to visit and experience first hand! 🤩

I get what you mean! It's got fantasy dungeon vibes!

Tried taking a video in part of the monastery, but sadly my phone camera / focus just didn't play nicely with the changing light. :(

It's not great, but here's a clip to show what it was kinda like. This is when I explored one of the side rooms.

Stopped by the basalt rock formations known as the Symphony of Stones, saw a lady making some traditional lavash (flatbread), explored the Garni temple (that came with a free dog!), and finally Charent's Arch - sadly Mt Ararat was obscured by the weather. 🥲 [2/2]

Visited Khor Virap where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned, and then the 13th century Geghard monastery which is partly cut into a mountain. Felt like stepping back in time!

Had the privilege of having the place almost to myself to wander about in, which was nice! [1/2]

Ok, it's super pretty at night here in Republic Square. 😍

Really friendly! People seem curious and interested why I'm visiting. :p

Most people speak some English, so it's not too hard to get by. But out of respect, I always aim to learn a handful of common phrases in the local language. People warm up to you when you make the effort!

Let's just say they took a REALLY long time looking at my passport and grilling me about travels, and if I'd ever visited Azerbaijan. Was kinda tense, then I managed to walk right past the baggage scanner with my big backpack and the guards came chasing after me. x3

Certainly is an interesting part of the world! Honestly, been loving this trip so far with the places visited and people I've met! ^^

After a long drive and interesting border crossing, I'm here in Armenia! 🇦🇲

Hello Yerevan! 👋

Mostly been ground transport - more often than not it's been on busses, but today it's a car!

Prefer it over flying because I can see the country, scenery, and day-to-day life over just clouds. Plus can stop in places along the way, as the journey is part of the experience! ^^

On the road again! 🚗🐲

I found it after maybe 20 minutes. Ended up asking around and one of the drivers directed me to another (partly hidden) parking lot through the market.

Good thing I decided to get there early to look around!

I'd throw some money Brandy's way, like before. Though to be honest, it'd be nice if someone else organised it and I get invited for once.

It nearly always lands on me to arrange / coordinate these sorta things, and I'm kinda getting tired of being the admin jockey. 🥲

All part of the adventure though!