The Best Summer Scenery From Armenia (Photo Blog)

Though Armenia is a small country (141st largest in the world), it has a lot of diverse landscapes. From snow capped mountains and alpine lakes, to dry deserts and lush green valleys, there are lots of micro climates within Armenia. Our Go Eat Give photographer, Amanda Villa-Lobos took over ten thousand pictures while traveling around the country last month. Here are our top 10 scenic views for you to enjoy…

caucus mountains — Volcanic regions in the Lesser Caucasus mountains and Armenian highlands.

Mount Ararat is the highest peak in Armenia. Parts of it are located in Turkey and Georgia.

Tatev monastery Armenia — Tatev monastery stands against a beautiful backdrop in the southern part of the country bordering with Iran.

canyon in Armenia — Canyoning, rock climbing and hiking can be enjoyed all over the country.

Lake Sevan is a nice place to relax, swim and eat fresh catch such as crayfish and whitefish.

Lake Sevan Armenia — Get an aerial view of the area while paragliding over lake Sevan.

novak-monastery — The canyon where Novak monastery is situation looks something like Utah.

wings of Tatev — Aerial view of the valley from Wings of Tatev, the longest non-stop double track cable car in the world.

tombstones — Khachkar at historic cemeteries, or Armenian cross-stones, give lots of good information about daily life.

marmashen-monastery — Marmashen Monastery 10th-century Armenian monastic complex consisting of 5 churches.

Has this inspired you to travel to Armenia? Read more blog posts from our visit.

~ Photos by Go Eat Give photographer, Amanda Villa-Lobos.

Shop at a confession booth in Cuenca, Ecuador

The monastary of Carmen located in the basement of Catedral Inmaculada Concepcion is home to nuns who don’t make any contact with the outside world. They do sell homemade jams, jellies, honey, wine, pastries, and trinkets, but without a shop or a display window.

The product list is stated on the board. You simply ring the bell for an attendant. A nun will come to the wooden window but you cannot see her. Tell her your order and she will send it across the rotating screen. Similarly, place the money she asks for into the chamber and complete the transaction. It feels like going to the confession booth at a church, with a nice prize at the end.

The monastery has been around since 1682 and located in the Cuenca city center. Visit the cathedral any time of the day and you will find local devotees. Also, there are flower markets outside every day.

Blessed by Saint Naum

Just a few miles outside Ohrid, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Macedonia, is the Monastery of Saint Naum. The monastery overlooks the pristine Lake Ohrid, that borders with northwestern Macedonia and eastern Albania. One can drive around the lake in under thirty minutes or take a day cruise aboard a ferry to visit the monastery. Continue reading “Blessed by Saint Naum”