Similar to what we had seen in Georgia, the Armenian countryside was
just as beautiful. Upon waking in our cars we visited the Khor Virap Monastery situated
in the foreground of Mount Ararat, the tallest mountain over the border in
Turkey. The convoy continued on towards the Iran border, anxious to make it
in time for the start of the guided tour early the following day.
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| The Khor Virap Monastery in the foreground of Mount Ararat |
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| Mountain road through Armenia to the border with Iran at Norduz |
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| Its head is sellotaped on |
We stopped off in town called Meghri for lunch and a re-fuel. The Armenians proved to be very interested in our cars as many wandered over to sign the bonnet and wish us good luck. Although they weren’t particularly impressed when we had the nerve to try and pay for fuel in American dollars. One cause for amusement however was the high street shops we found in many towns en route to the border. A personal favourite was Armenian Topshop’s attempt to entice customers in with its mannequins .....
In good time we made it to the Iran border and decided it would be
best to camp on the other side. Although slow, customs at the border was
relatively painless thanks to the most laissez-faire baggage checker. Through gritted teeth we pretended
to support Manchester United after learning that one of the Armenia guards was
a die-hard fan. It was touch and go when we didn’t know their new Armenian
signing. Like the majority of Armenians though he gladly posed for a selfie,
signed our car and sent us on our merry way.
On the Iran side of the border we set about ridding our car of contraband not allowed in a heavily Islamic country. Alcohol, radio equipment and shorts had to be disposed of through tear-streaked eyes. It was trousers from now on in probably the hottest country on the trip. It’s like the UK imposing a ban on waterproofs.
On the Iran side of the border we set about ridding our car of contraband not allowed in a heavily Islamic country. Alcohol, radio equipment and shorts had to be disposed of through tear-streaked eyes. It was trousers from now on in probably the hottest country on the trip. It’s like the UK imposing a ban on waterproofs.
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| Iran border on the left hand side |
Posted by: Rich