We headed out early for our tour. This would be the whole day so we wouldn't get back into the city until about 8pm. The tour had all young people our age (yes I still consider myself young) and all spoke english. Some tour mates were Canadian so Ashley had a chance to interview Canadians who were not Armenian which was good. The tour took us to some beautiful old churches and even a pagan temple which was been restored but still had much of the old foundation. We went to a famous graveyard called Noratus. This was where the comedy began. We were bombarded with old ladys who they call Tatiks here (grandmas). All of a sudden it wasn't just the Tatiks but their grandkids too. They even brought out the big guns in the the form of a little girl who looked up at us so sad trying to sell her pot holders. It was so hot out and they followed us around trying to sell the wool products they hand make. They were peddling hats, scarves, socks and gloves and most of us were just sweating buckets looking at them. They did not stop hassling us and after awhile we started having fun with them but still they would not relent. Ashley and I finally bought a hat each and even them it was not enough. We finally broke free and made our way back to the bus. Wool hats and all.
The tour group ventured over to Hayravank monastery where there were tons of old ladys selling Gatah (or as Ashley calls it "Gotta") and Bastegh which Ashley bought and loved. I remember Nana making it and never liking it so I passed. The Gatah was decent but not as good as ours. I learned that every family/village makes Gatah differently so I think we would be up there as the best.
We had lunch at this villagers house and I was nervous I wasn't going to able to eat anything if it was meat based and I didn't want to insult our host but everything was family style so you could take what you want. I had cheese and bread and soup and it was very good. Later we had Armenian coffee and one of the tourguides read some of our coffees (apparently they do this here). I had my cup read which meant I had to # 1.drink my coffee, #2. when I was close to being done turn over my cup on the saucer, #3. Let it sit for 5 minutes then turn it over. #4. She reads what the cup says - My had something to do with Mountains and lakes and being supported by my family. Also I had two small snakes to look out for (eek) #5. Mark three dotes with your finger and she will read that as well. My dots said I will have a husband who will support me in all I do. Good luck to you future husband.
We got back late and went to dinner at a really cute place with really cute things everywhere which reminded me of some hipster places in Toronto. Tomorrow we go to Dilijan where I am not sure what I'm in for but should be an adventure whatever happens.
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