The drive through the mountains gave up some glorious views of the Caucuses.
The monastery complex was constructed between the 10-13th C
Ooer Missus, wondering how friendly the natives are???
The Bell Tower
I may have already mentioned that our guide was anal too the extreme, but I promised myself I would listen and soak it up.
Well, that lasted all of ten minutes,( and we are still standing in the monastery gate).
I do not need to know the intimate detail of some fucking priest who lived 1600 years ago, and how the church was built in his memory, Gregory the Illuminator, (killer name in all honesty, Good for a rock and roll band "Gregory the Illuminator and the hand held torches")
How many more times is he going to be mentioned sheesh. We get it, he is your hero, you forget I have been in his hole.
The ladies who drink wine and shop were hanging on the guide's every word, me? I wandered off, along well worn paths and dark alleys, too see what I could see and when needed reference my Lonely Planet Guide book.
Ancient inscriptions and a lovely sandstone "khachkar", Armenian stone cross,erected for various reasons, from winning a battle to the salvation of an individual's soul.
The Scriptorium, a posh word for library really, if you see the holes in the floor please note they are not ancient squat and squits, but hiding places for "sacred" documents in times of attack by hostiles. Though others say that the holes were lined and used for food storage?
Who knows?
The main altar within in the main church still visible though long faded the wall reliefs
The complex which is in remarkable condition has had little restoration over the centuries, is now under UNESCO protection (free money)
"Gregory the Illuminator" ,,,... could be a fantasy game character. 😄
Wonder if @slobberchops has a splinterlands version?
You should look into a career or side gig hosting alternative photographers tours of historic places, as your images and perspectives are A+! @grindle
Blushing here! thanks @ninahaskin your comments always inspire me. Always a pleasure to have you drop in thanks
Gosh it's stunning - super old! It doesn't particularly look well tended or cared for? I had to laugh at you getting annoyed with the guide.
cheers @riverflows , there were some super stunning old places, on the trip and yes an annoying guide!
@tipu curate
Upvoted 👌 (Mana: 65/75) Liquid rewards.
Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍
Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!
Want to have your post on the map too?
I guess there is a fine line between too much info and not enough on a tour.
The hidey holes are neat. Like removable floor boards in a house
exactly, I have the attention span of a gnat, and would rather just read snippets of info. Do you have a thing about house renovation? Thinking of mudrooms and stuff!!!
Doesn't everyone have a thing about home renovations? Maybe it's just Canadians. There are so many shows on TV on the subject. Maybe I should put a hidey hole in my mudroom floor 🤔
😂
Must be honest I get a man in, I find it a chore! I shall stick to my gardening , that's pleasurable.
I await pictures of your hidey hole construction !! lol
Awesome captures @grindle such a good decision to walk off.
Beautiful views, I love the details seen in the building.
Thanks for sharing. 👋🏻😊
cheers @littlebee4
Cheers @grindle
Old, super old architecture most definitely in great condition considering the age, stone masons of the time new their trade!
Awesome photography looking out dark passage which I would imagine is cold within the walls. Grave yard with stunning views of landscape as well.
!BEER
cheers @joanstewart the cold alleys were a welcome respite from the hot sun!!!
All the building lumping rocks and stuff and building so high without any mechanical aids... Now that is skill
Very different skills used to accomplish, reason why it pisses me off when defaced for no reason than stupidity.
yes, mindless vandalism not what is wanted
History is what it is....
View or trade
BEER.Hey @grindle, here is a little bit of
BEERfrom @joanstewart for you. Enjoy it!We love your support by voting @detlev.witness on HIVE .
Great photos of the monastery complex. It looks great for its age. Although annoying - it is great that the guide allowed you to wonder off. In Bhutan we had a hard time losing our designated tour guide. We behaved illegally and did finaly though.
cheers @momogrow Bhutan looks a fantastic place, a place one needs to wander on your own when you can, I have often thought of visiting at festival time, is that when you went?
I have sourced a travel company that visits Bangladesh, it has been on my radar for years, I love the subcontinent, so I may just do that in february, the trip actually takes you to the ship breaking yards in Dhaka ..... well so they say in the blurb.
Unfortunately like most of my travels it was unplanned. We were in India then decided - why not see the land where Gross National Happiness is more important than GDP. Hmm if I can dig up my old photo I might blog about it. So - no festival just us satisfy our curiosity and not being able to wander around.
When you look into traveling there you will notice that it is a fixed price per day which comes with a driver and a guide. I do not think things have changed although my trip was 23 years ago.
Why oh why can't we all live like that.
Oh - Bangladesh some great especially if I get to visit the shipyard.