Armenia

Four years ago me and my family took a trip to Israel for my brother's graduation. To celebrate my graduation this summer we traveled to Armenia. We hadn't been in ten years since we lived there for a year for my dad's field work. 

This summer we traveled to towns in the country side for five days then were in Yerevan, Armenia's capital (where we lived 10 years ago) for 10 more days. I recognized where we used to live and my school but surprisingly not that much else. It was a tiring trip filled with tons of walking but I know it's a trip I won't forget. Eating delicious foods and seeing Armenia's beautiful churches, monuments and mountains, although some for a second time, made it a trip to remember. And although taxi drivers constantly tried to rip us off, it was all a part of the cultural experience. 

I took pictures on the days we were in the country side. The city was much more hot and carrying around a huge camera wasn't so fun. I know the formatting isn't so great for tons of pics and is a bit odd so I apologize but I've picked out some of my favorites to post and share. My descriptions aren't very detailed but if you have any questions you can contact me. 

Enjoy!

    

(clicking on images will make them larger) 

Pulled over to buy some fresh fruit. The man selling them then invited us for Armenian coffee. 

First stop was a small church just on the edge of a cliff. 

People are constantly trying to sell you things. Hanging are strings of walnuts dipped in a grape concentrate.

A tree with handkerchiefs for peoples wishes next to a sculpture garden of the Armenian alphabet. (Armenians are proud of their alphabet)

Delicious bread 

Old Olympic stadium 

Food market 

(walnuts covered in grape concentrate I was talking about earlier) 

On the road

Best kind of picnic 

Church and its view... a steep hike 

Frescos 

Abandoned Soviet Union Factory

Noraduz cemetery  

Lake Sevan 

Sub Rosa Bakery

A couple weeks ago my dad read an article in The New York Times about different bakeries around the United States, including Richmond, that let their bread ferment much longer than usual.  

Link to the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/23/dining/against-the-grain.html? 

So it was perfect when we found out I had a field hockey tournament in Richmond a week ago. 

The bakery is small but cute no doubt. Huge windows allow beautiful natural light to come in and shine on your pastries. 

There aren't many options on their menu so I think it's a perfect place for breakfast or a light lunch. 

They offer soups and paninis as well as lunch stuffed croissants (like ham and cheese) and small quiches. Of course they have desserts and bread as well. 

Here's the east side panini. Inside there is chili paste, greens, and melty cheese. It was quite delicious and surprisingly filling. Not much salad came with it, but still yummy.

The almond chocolate croissant on the left was definitely my favorite out of everything. The chocolate was rich and creamy and the almonds gave it a crunch. The dessert on the right was filled with dried cranberries and nuts. Also very good, but not as sweet. 

We took these phyllo dough braids home with us. They were crisp and buttery. Perfect for breakfast with cheese or jam. 

Overall loved the bakery. Hope to travel to the other ones mentioned in the article in the near future!