We set off around nine in the direction of the Aragatsotn region. As we were driving in Yerevan I couldn't resist taking a few photographs from the bus.
Far away in the distance, whilst crossing the Armarvir district we could distinguish the chimneys of Metsamor nuclear power station built with a 30 year design life, which since it had six years out of use, could operate till 2016 according to claims which have been made depending on Armenia being able to fund a replacement able to supply the 40-45% of Armenia's electricity requirement which Metsamor currently satisfies.
I was impressed with burial grounds around the same area, which stretched along the roads in what looked like never ending kilometres of tombstones.
As we approached the Saghmossavank Monastery area the gas pipes also caught our attention, once they ran on the outside, wherever we looked at, which proved to be a common characteristic everywhere I hadn't yet noticed.
Perched on the edge of the precipitous gorge of the Kasakh river the 1215 Saghmossavank Monastery (Monastery of Psalms) stood proudly against the background of mountains crowned by Mt. Aragats. It is a medieval complex comprising St. Zion church, a printing house, the church of the Mother of God and some khachkars.
The entrance to the Mother of God church (built in 1235) has a rather impressive entrance similar to those found at the entrance of Mosques, whose explanation is unclear till nowadays.
There was an image of St. Gregory over its door which despite being faded still looked quite impressive.
Once inside the church Armine, our guide provided us with some precious information regarding the differences between worshipping in Armenian and Western churches, namely the sign of the cross practice and others, the circumstances surrounding the drawing of the curtain, etc., which were very helpful so as to further understand ceremony sequencing, as well as varied symbolisms still unknown to us.
Inside the Zion church, said to be the oldest part of the Saghmossavank Monastery there are frescoes still visible on the arch over the apse and carved angels over the sanctuary.
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