Armenia

The ancient country of Armenia lies on the southern slope of the Armenian Mountains in the Lesser Caucasus, bordered by Georgia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Iran. Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is one of the oldest cities in the world, founded nearly 2800 years ago during the time of ancient Babylon. Most of the old town was demolished in the 1930s, ostensibly to upgrade standards of public health. Rebuilt, its architecture is solid, sometimes imposing and essentially Soviet in character. Lake Sevan, 70km (43 miles) east of Yerevan, is the largest lake in the Caucasus, much praised for its pure waters, stunning setting and delicious salmon trout. Armenian cooking is based on lamb, either grilled and served as shashlik with flat bread, or prepared as soup (bozbash) or stew. Armenian brandies are excellent. Locals are proud to inform visitors that Winston Churchill always insisted on Armenian in preference to French brandy. Restaurants and nightclubs are increasing in number, especially in Yerevan. Opera, theatre and ballet performances are cheap and of a high standard.