After descending the barren mountains we arrived in the densely forested Dilijan National Park where we spent the night and had our first rainfall. The morning brought low hanging clouds and drizzle which muted the rusts and yellows of the forest.
In the 19th century, Dilijan grew significantly. as became known as a spa and resort town, appreciated for its clean mountain air, forests, and as a retreat. Wealthier people from nearby regions built summer houses there. It later became an educational center and has recently had a renaissance as young entrepreneurs from the city have moved there and opened cafes, restaurants and other ventures.
We visited the Tufenkian Old Dilijan area which now houses many workshops for crafts people. The traditional buildings are somewhat Alpine in appearance built of wood and stone.
Our last monastery was the Haghpat Monastery, founded by Queen Khosrovanuysh, the wife of King Ashot III, around 976 AD. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the nearby Sanahin Monastery, which was built around the same time. The two monasteries were significant centers of learning and religious study during the Middle Ages and are considered prime examples of Armenian religious architecture.
We enjoyed another delicious Armenian lunch which included barbecued sturgeon and then continued to the border with Georgia which entailed a bit of a wait on the Georgian side, but once they decided which policy to use went very smoothly. Our new guide, Nick, ushered us through the process and brought us to Tblisi and the lovely Mercure Hotel on the edge of the river and old town.
