Nine Singaporeans and one Armenian (Nara, our guide) with Mt Ararat in the background. The mountain has two peaks - Big Ararat (right) and Small Ararat (left) - and is a dormant volcano.

  

Nara was lecturing Armenian History before switching to leading visitors to her country. So, we learnt a lot of Armenian history and facts from her. She engages in equestrian sports in her spare time. 

Mt Ararat (although now lying in Eastern Turkey) is the main national symbol of Armenia and considered a holy mountain by Armenians. In Gen 8:4, it is recorded that the Noah's Ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. In 2Kings 19:37, Sennacherib's sons escaped to the lands of Ararat after killing him. At times referred to as the Kingdom of Urartu co-existing with Assyria and Babylonia, this attests to Armenia's place in the Bible. Armenia is also referred to as the Land of Noah. 

This is a residence in the mountain resort of Dilijan also called the "Armenian Switzerland" for its climate and natural beauty. The greatest mountain lake in the World - Sevan Lake - is located here.

We had to try the national biscuit of Armenia called Gata. It was unique and and tasty.

A small Armenian church in Dilijan.

Haghpat Monastery, built 10-13th Century, is considered a masterpiece of Armenian medieval architecture. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.  

Looking at some tombs of prominent Armenians interred there and being briefed by Nara..

In the faint light of the church, a shot of three Armenian Crosses called Khachkars. It is included in UNESCO list of intangible heritage. Although there are some 40,000 such crosses in the World, no two swords are identical.

A stand-alone Khachkar outside the church building. Khachkars are crosses carved out of stone with unique motifs like rosettes, interlaces and wings. 

A long shot of Sevanavank Monastery standing in majesty overlooking the lake bearing its name.