Armenia
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Visas, Embassies & Border Crossings
NAGORNO KARABAKH: We read we had to have a visum to get in, but we just asked a taxi to take us which he said was no problem and that we did not need any papers. He stopped at the checkpoint but we stayed in the car and nobody took notice of us. The landscape getting to Stepanakert is not very brethetaking compared to the road we had travelled to get to Goris. But it was fun to see they had there own Parliament building etc. But getting back, we again stopped at the border but this time I climbed out to pick some flowers (stupid) and oops we had to go to the police station. The driver was fined for taking us in illegally but we did not get any trouble and they could not stop us from getting out as we theoretically never got in. Anyway you should not try to get in without visum which (as you said in you book) you can get in Yerevan.
Inger-Anne Becker Wold, Norway (Jul 05)
Travel Tips
In the National Gallery the floors are misleadingly labelled. Floor 'vii' is eighth in lift. My advice is to skip the top two floors, full of European and Russian stuff that you can see anywhere, and go straight to the fascinating Armenian section on the sixth floor. There are some wonderful little bronzes, and an interesting painter called Gevorg Bashirijaghyan whose work is very reminiscent of Joseph Wright of Derby's (If you know him. Local boy made good for us).
Nick Wray, UK (Oct 05)
Moving About
Though taxis may often be an unavoidable option, many drivers in the region, especially in Armenia , are rapacious. In addition to setting the fare in advance, it is useful to specify that it is round-trip or one-way. Have exact change with you if you can, to prevent any mischief. If you are travelling to a site and back, the driver may try to charge for the return. Alternatively, if you are going one way, the driver may try to charge for the return. By far, the best way to get around is by marshrutka, not taxi.
Andrew Dier & Vio Barco, USA (Oct 01)
Scams & Warnings
Do not say that you have been to/are going to Azerbaijan. It is social death here and your otherwise extremely friendly Armenian acquaintance will freeze up on you.
Nick Wray, UK (Oct 05)
Gems, Highlights & Attractions
Heading to the Iranian border: You must absolutely recommend the trip from Yerevan to Goris. It is one of the most beautiful roads we have travelled. Mountain panoramas, one after the other. Even if you do not go to Iran, the Tatev church and monastery and the road up there is worth the trip alone. Fascinating.
Inger-Anne Becker Wold, Norway (Jul 05)
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