Yerevan

What a lovely day we’ve had exploring this delightful city. This is Mr C arriving at the National Art Gallery.

We had a late start, not getting t9 our hotel till 3.45 am. The hold up was a late flight leaving Moscow, then when my bag didn’t turn up, we had to join a queue of disgruntled passengers who needed to give their whole life story to the clerk who was taking details. After an hour it was our turn. What’s really annoying is that I always pack a change of clothes in my cabin bag and this time I only put underwear in. So I’m very hot in jeans and 33 degrees.

We are near Republic Square so enjoyed a sunny walk to the art gallery. From the top floor it started with Greek and Roman pottery, the moved down floor by floor through Renaissance to Armenian art. I loved it. I hadn’t known there was such a wealth of Armenian art. Sarian is renowned and I loved the vibrancy of his work. There were many female artists too, and I loved Zinaida Srebriakova’s self portrait. I’d go up to see Chahire’s etchings any day. There was a whole room of them. Though technically French he was of Armenian decent, and supported the country. There was wonderful glass from Galle too. An unexpected delight and enough of interest for Mr C too.

We then walked the length of V. Sargsyan St, Italy and Beirut Street to Al. Miasnikyan monument. The tree-lined boulevards were full of families out, with fountains playing - as were children, fading in and out and getting soaked.

Our tour starts tomorrow, so the guide popped in to say hello. We are to be 11 when others arrive tonight, so far we are 2 NZ, 1 Canadian and 3 Brits.

We have been to the supermarket to get reacquainted with vodka.