🇦🇲 ROADTRIP ~ Gyumri to Summer wine & music festivals!

After the opening ceremony of the Pan Armenian Games in Gyumri, I jumped into the car with Shahe, Roupinah and co and started towards Vanadzor, where we were going to check out this bike cafe which we were told had great views and then head over to the Dilijian Wine Festival and from there to Lake Sevan where there was a music festival happening and then eventually back home to Yerevan

Distances were pretty close so it wasnt a bad day of driving, with experienced driver Shahe it was a smooth and easy ride even on harsh Armenian roads!

Very comfortable in the capable hands of Shahe who did an amazing job getting us from A to B to C to D

We were saddened as on the way to Vanadzor we passed by a large mass of newly dug out graves for the young soldiers who had died during the latest war going on with Azerbaijian

On this road there were quite a few nicely made tunnels going through the mountains

Ok, so as soon as we got to Vanadzor… the roads went back to what I remember 10-15 years ago!

These dirt pot holed roads dont look that bad in photos but as you are driving over them going at 10kms and trying to dodge and miss all the pot holes, lets just say its bad for the back and on the suspensions!

These roads are NOT fun to drive over

BOO MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK

We finally got to the bike cafe but google maps had directed us via the back back back streets so we drive around 30mins up into the hills and on the dirt streets where there were puddles of water and mud where we thought at some stage we would get stuck! Luckily we got through all right but did have a scare

https://www.facebook.com/Boomountainbikepark/

We had a coffee and lunch at the cafe enjoying the views over Vanadzor

The park offers bike rentals, cycle tours, camping and more onsite, there were many young people around enjoying what the area had to offer

The beautiful mountains we drove past, they are just gorgeous

Vanadzor from up above

VANADZOR

Vanadzor is the third-largest city in Armenia and the administrative center of the Lori region.

Before it was renamed Vanadzor, which means Valley of the Church, it was called Kirovakan during the Soviet-era

St Grigor Narekatsi Church

We visited a famous bakery place, Shamams Macaroons, but the one thing we wanted to try had already been sold out!

https://goo.gl/maps/g2r7kb24dHo3JNe1A

Shamam is a local woman who won a grant, she creates unique artwork on her macaroons and having filled a life long dream of owning a cafe and creating these edible works of art, they are now a popular place to come have a coffee and enjoy these awesome creations – just means I have to come back again to see if I can score some next time!

The beautiful scenery along the drive

We made a pitt stop at a road side little wooden stall which happened to be selling all these russian pickles, the 2 russian ladies were speaking fluent armenian and we bought some lovely russian pickles

DILIJIAN WINE FESTIVAL

More than 25 wineries and restaurants from Armenia and neighboring countries are represented at this festival

There were many people enjoying the day – hard to find a parking spot nearby

Dilijian Wine fastival location

Only 1.5hours from Yerevan city centre

A huge stage with entertainment and music, people dancing

A bit of a walk up to the venue, Aghasi Khanjian Villa, it was located around this bautiful eerie ruin of a 3 story building

Our entry included a wine glass, and 3 glasses of wine from any of the tents we wanted to try the wine from – I didnt have a favourite, all were lovely

Comfy bean bags to relax in while watching movies

The place was huge, there were diferent sections of the festival and so many good wines to taste

SEVAN MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Sevan Music Festival unites young people from Armenia and around the world through music.

The festival signifies the beginning of summer!

The Festival features performances but also invites visitors to participate and perform

The location was right at the shores of the beautiful blue waters of Lake Sevan, people had brought along picnic blankets and their food and drink and were making a day out of it – enjoyment! Unlimited sun! Beautiful cool blue waters!