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Armenia
As supposedly the first country to embrace Christianity, Armenia
has the architecture to prove it. It is a country boasting
40,000 churches and monuments scattered throughout a picturesque
landscape of snowy mountains, caves, and blankets of wildflowers.
Whether you're looking to experience castles, ruins, skiing,
hot springs, or a taste of the ancient silk route, Armenia
has it all.
Facilities for travelers are fairly limited and Armenia will
pose a challenge to the traveler, but it's worth persisting.
In the capital city, Yerevan, you can sit in Republic
Square and take in the colorful markets, Arab influenced
carvings and the pink volcanic rock buildings.
Armenia has a long history of being controlled by many empires:
Ottoman, Persian, Byzantine and Roman, to name a few. It most
recently gained its independence from the U.S.S.R. at the
same time as Azerbaijan in 1988. The two countries started
fighting over a piece of land called Nagorno-Karabakh
and surrounding areas (largely dominated by an Armenian population).
Genocide and war ensued. Peace still evades the countries
and along with pollution, an economic blockade from Turkey
and a fuel blockade from Azerbaijan, their economies are flailing.
However, as the interface between Europe, Asia and the Middle
East, Armenia is an eye opener of a country you won't have
been taught about in your geography lessons.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is a Muslim country positioned between Russia
and Iran on the Caspian Sea. Its protracted fighting with
Armenian over Nagorno-Karabakh, causing 800,000 displaced
refugees, has put a strain on this tiny nation. Azerbaijan
has an as yet untapped resource of oil and as oil companies
and international business visitors increase in number in
its capital, Baku, the quality of tourist facilities
has begun to rise. Azerbaijan has always been an important
stop on trade routes; it was a major stopover on the Silk
Route.
This small country just oozes culture and history. Don't miss
the Acropolis of Baku, the Zoroastrian Fire Temple,
and 12,000-year-old rock carvings at the Qobustan Museum.
Bustling street life and tea houses give Azerbaijan a very
Middle Eastern flavor. Do stay away from the Armenian-Azerbaijan
border as this is a region still engulfed by conflict.
Cash
For up to date currency information, check the Currency
Converter.
The currency in Georgia is the Lari, but US
dollars and Russian rubles are also useful to have on you.
They can be exchanged in shops in the larger cities. Traveler's
checks and credit cards are useless.
1GBP = approx. 3.5 GEL
1USD = approx. 2 GEL
1 Euro = approx. 2.5 GEL
The Currency in Armenia is the Dram. Exchange
traveler's checks and US dollars either at the Arm-econobank
in the capital city, Yerevan, or through market traders. There
are no ATMs and very few exchange booths in Armenia.
1 GBP = approx. 1000 AMD
1 USD = approx. 500 AMD
1 Euro = approx. 600 AMD
The currency in Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat.
US dollars are also widely accepted. In Baku, traveler's checks
and credit cards may be useful. Some restaurants will give
cash advances on cards. Accommodation is still state run and
as a result is very basic.
1 GBD = approx.10,000 AZM
1 USD = approx.5,000 AZM
1 Euro = approx.6,000 AZM
For per diem living expenses in all three countries, expect
to budget for $20 to $50 a day, although in most places $25
a day will be realistic.
People
Georgia has a population of five million people, largely
Georgian (70%), with 20% of the population come from the neighboring
countries of Armenia, Russia, and Azerbaijan and the other
10% comprised of other immigrants. The Republic of Armenia
is 93% Armenian, while there are also communities of Azeris,
Russians, and Kurds living in the country. Although geographically
tiny, the Republic of Azerbaijan has the biggest population
at nearly 8.5 million. 90% of the people are Azeri, whilst
10% are Russian and Dagestani nationals.
Dress
Georgia and Armenia are mostly Orthodox countries, although
an Armenian Apostolic community can be found in Georgia, while
Azerbaijan is a Muslim country. Remember to be respectful
and cover up in religious buildings.
Travel
When traveling in Georgia, it's probably wise to use
a combination of air travel, hire car (but beware of car jacking),
and train, depending on where you are traveling to and from.
Assess the situation once you are there. Travel is made more
difficult due to bad road markings and conflict zones. In
Armenia, traveling by bus is your best bet or hire
a car. All transport is very expensive, however, due to the
fuel blockade by Azerbaijan. In Azerbaijan, taking
the bus makes the most sense; it's cheap and quick. When in
Baku, do be aware that the state of the subway leaves a lot
to be desired and taxis may be a safer option for getting
around the city.
Health
This part of Central Asia does not pose any particular health
risks for the traveler, unless venturing into the border areas
where there is currently conflict; be warned that bombings,
kidnappings, car jacking and petty crime (such as muggings
and pick pocketing) is not uncommon. Georgia is considered
one of the most lawless countries in the world and a Brit
was recently assassinated there. Research the current situation
carefully.
Language
As former Soviet states, Russian is spoken in Georgia,
Armenia, and Azerbaijan. In Georgia, all three of the region's
tongues are also spoken. In Armenia, Azeri and Kurdish
are spoken in addition to Armenian and Russian. Russian
and Azeri are the only languages spoken in Azerbaijan.
Climate and When to Go
May to October is the best time to travel through this part
of Central Asia. There will be less snow on the ground in
Georgia, Armenia will be carpeted with beautiful wild flowers
(although if you're a skier January or February is a better
time to go), and Azerbaijan will be hot - possibly as hot
as 38C in peak summer. Avoid Azerbaijan during Ramadan
at the end of the year if you're not Muslim, finding food
and coping with the sundown rush home will be difficult. Hordes
of tourists are not something you'll encounter at any time
of year in these countries. Visit Georgia in September to
October when the Harvest Festival is a big countrywide
event and you will see many traditional marriage celebrations
taking place.
Food
Georgia
Georgia is renowned for its food; a combination of spices,
herbs, garlic, meat, fruit, nuts, and vegetables characterizes
the national dishes like example satsivi and chanakhi.
Dinner is accompanied by complicated traditions and customs
that are led by a tamada (toastmaster). This is often
the environment in which disputes are settled peacefully.
Georgians are also well known for their wine - head to Kahketi
to sample wine at the vineyards.
Armenia
If you are lucky enough to be invited into someone's home
in Armenia you will not be disappointed with the food. The
table will be piled high with dishes - all served at the same
time. It is considered a bad reflection on the cook's culinary
skills to refuse to taste anything. Unfortunately, eating
at restaurants is usually a very different experience and
the many faceted recipes developed over thousands of years
have been reduced to grilled meats. A better bet is to cook
your own meals by visiting a shuka - a fresh food market
where you can buy the freshest fruit, vegetables, and nuts.
You will be overwhelmed by how many varieties of everything
are available, and to see that peaches and apricots come from
Armenia.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani food is influenced by Turkey, Georgia, and other
Central Asian cultures with lamb as the main ingredient. In
Azerbaijan, the food is much more heavily spiced, commonly
with saffron, mint, fennel, and coriander. Dishes are also
heavy on meat and meaty soups made with sheep fat are common.
Whatever you eat you'll be drinking black tea with
it.
Visas
Visas for Armenia and Azerbaijan can be obtained on arrival.
Visas for Georgia should be arranged before you depart from
your home country from the Georgian Embassy, although Commonwealth
Independent States (former U.S.S.R.) only require a valid
passport. |
