HASHTAG WANDER

(September 5-8,2021)

 We cross the border into Georgia from Armenia. We travelled there in four hours. Although the government forbade it, we were unable to snap pictures of the beautiful mountain scenery along the route. An immigration office at the border will inspect all of our belongings and documentation. Fortunately, it has already declared that Filipinos having residence visas for the UAE can visit the nation using an E-visa. They requested the Negative PCR test, which we had completed in Armenia before our trip because we were travelling during COVID-19.

Additionally, they needed to reside in the UAE for at least six months before entering the nation. We took our holiday in the Philippines in December 2020 and returned to the United Arab Emirates on January 23, 2021. Even though it has been eight months, they took the time to thoroughly examine our admission and departure stamps from the UAE. (Just kidding, but they don't really trust us anyhow.) We arrived at the Grand Palace Hotel about 4 p.m. We simply take a little nap and unpack the clothes we will need for the next several days. The hotel was decent, but what made it great was that it was close to Europe Square, which has lots of eateries and tourist attractions.

By 5 PM, it was becoming dark outside, so we made the decision to have supper and take a leisurely stroll around Europe Square.

Day 1: Europe Square 

-Metal Tree Artwork

- Peace Bridge 

-Hot Air Balloon - We each paid 50 gel, and although though it only takes a few minutes, you will get a 360-degree view of Tbilisi. All in all, it was well worth the less expensive price. At least you ought to give it a go.

Day 2: Kazbegi

We got up early on our second day because the hotel provides a complimentary breakfast for us. We changed and got ready for our excursion after BF. It was really chilly, and as we didn't realise that our trip would be taking place in a high-range or mountainous location, we didn't pack any coats. Fortunately, we made a detour at the Zhinvali Reservoir, where shawls and other souvenirs were widely available. However, the expense was high. We were forced to get one since, eventually, the linen was still worthwhile. Before we forget, we also made the decision to purchase some mementos.

Note: Book Breakfast in the hotel (it will save you more) and bring jackets on winter !!

-Jinvali Lake 

-Aragvi River

-Ananuri Fortress

-Gudauri View Point - From here, you may choose to attempt paragliding and horseback riding, among other things. We were going to attempt paragliding, but I don't have enough cash, and I left my wallet and credit card in the hotel. (We were upset not to be able to attempt the same as we are very into extreme fun.)

Note 2: Never leave your wallet or cards, you’ll never know when you needed it the most 

- Russia Georgia Friendship Monument

We had a magnificent lunch at Gudauri, Dushet'Is Raioni; it was a buffet, so we were able to eat a lot, especially because we would be returning home late. Our co-travelers who were lucky enough to experience paragliding took up a significant portion of our tour time. So, when we arrived at Gergeti Trinity Church, we could only see fogs. So, even if we wanted to amuse ourselves, there isn't much to see up there but the church.

It was very dark on the trip home, and some roads were small and rainy, so the driver drove carefully. We arrived at the hotel at 9 p.m. and opted not to have supper, preferring to sleep and recover.

Day 3: Kakheti and Badiauri - Morning

- Badiauri , We witnessed traditional bread production and sampled their native bread, Puri. It would have been lovely if we had coffee.

- Bodbe Monastery

- Vineria- we had our lunch here , their food is really great . Superb .

- Vineria kakheti - We also did our wine tasting here, and they were gracious enough to let us sample a wide choice of wines. As a result, we decided to purchase six bottles of wine to bring with us to the UAE. You should also try Cha Cha. They stated it wasn't powerful, but it certainly is for me. haha

Day 3: Sighnaghi

-Sighnaghi Village or the city of love -I enjoy going here because the environment is pleasant, and you may choose to stroll or ride an ATV. But we like to stroll to observe the beauty of the hamlet; they also offer ziplines.

-Georgia's Great Wall - if you start, you must finish all the way to the end. There's no turning back. We simply did it, and it was well worth it.

We arrived at the hotel at 4 p.m., slept briefly, and then chose to eat supper at Pasanauri restaurant, as my friends had advised us to eat pork in Georgia.It did not disappoint us; it was quite excellent and tender. Unfortunately, we cannot have this in the UAE.

Day 4:  Mtskheta and Old Tblisi

-Jvari Monastery 

-Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers

-Svetitskhoveli Monastery - It was pouring when we arrived, and the monastery was under renovation, but we still managed to shoot several images before leaving.

 -Old Tblisi - It was intended to be free on the first day of the trip, but because we came late, we did it on the last day, which was still free; unfortunately, we were unable to experience their famed sulphur bath because we had a flight that afternoon. But you gotta try!!

We returned to the hotel at 2, checked out, and waited for the bus to bring us up. We decided to eat lunch at the airport as we waited for our flight back to the UAE.

Here are our costing: 

Yes, that's me.. BEFORE..

I used to have so many friends, from school, church or even random circles, i easily adopt.

I used to organize meet ups, gatherings, parties and reunions .

I used to treat everyone, ktv's, drink, food trips and even trips just for them to accompany me.

I used to laugh so loud, smile big, humorous, fun to be with and adventurous.

I used to be the one call away friend. the friend who will listen to you to all your dramas in life without judgment, the friend whom you can grab anywhere at anytime.

I used to be everyone's favorite.

I used to be loved by all.

I used to be ...

You might think, i changed

You might wonder, what happened to me.

You might assume i forgot all of you.

You might ask why I'm acting like this.

You might hate me.

You might unfriend me or blocked me.

You might never hear my version.

You might...

Ambivert and Omnivert.

Yes, that's me.. NOW...

I am still your friend, I can still adopt to different circles. However, my old friends were not my only friends now. I've met several nationalities, culture, different attitudes and behavior, yet everyone understands. At times, i like to socialize but sometimes i do feel not talking to anyone, and just do everything on my own, I started loving my own space and gaining my own peace.

I am still an organizer, of events, specially with my family. I can still arrange meet ups, we can still party, attend alumni, be present in reunions, I can still be with you, however, I am here far from you guys.

I still treat friends, we go to coffee shops , eat in the restaurants, however, adult as we are now, we are all working and earning, hence, we can all manage our bills and pay individually. And I think that's fine, there are friends who still accompany me even if i don't pay the bills and enjoy talking future plans. Other's are gone in the wind and I became a stranger to them.

I still laugh, I laugh so hard specially if there is humor in the subject. I am joyful in all people, in the corridor, in the lift or in all places. I want to see people radiate positivity so I really practice smiling and greeting. And though I am a scaredy-cat, I think I am born to be adventurous, and i still am.

I am still a listener, I always listens to everyone's issues in life, I am not a therapist but I will always be your confidant. You can tell me everything, I can be your safe repository. I can be your Abditory and no one will ever know. I might not have enough time to see you, to catch up on you in person for some reason but I am still here.

I will never be your favorite now, but know that you can still count on me at anytime at any cost.

But please know you broke me, you broke me so bad. But I’m learning now, I don’t need to force any relationship with anyone, if that someone doesn’t even bother losing me. 

I will no longer be loved by everyone, but I am still your friend, the one whose been good to you all throughout the years, we both now have different careers, different path, different journey. I never neglected or rejected you, unfriended or blocked you, I have silent battles, so many struggles in life that nobody knows, I have a family that I needed to spent time with every time I go for vacation, I may have lack of time for you, we may never see each other most of the time, nor contacted each other every single day, but know. I am here. I am still here. Please don't count the lapses I had as your friend, please do understand because...

(September 2-5,2021)

This is not the first time I've gone to another nation as an expat in the UAE, but it thrills me much more now because I'll be going for vacation rather than for business. I am not excellent at creating itineraries, particularly arranging flights and accommodations on my own. I am careless in this regard, and I do not want to take any chances or cause any inconvenience. As a result, months before our vacation, I continued to hunt for firms that offered low-cost travel packages. And discovered that Holiday Factory offers AED 1600 for 8 days and 7 nights to Armenia and Georgia.

This includes the following:

-          Airport Transfers

-          Return flights from Sharjah (with 20kg baggage)

-          Free city tours and dinner

-          Transfer from Armenia to Georgia

-          Hotel Accommodations

The Holiday Factory agent will deliver the travel paperwork 48 hours before the trip, and the Armenia representative will send tour brochures for you to use if you like, or you can explore the country on your own. Note 1: The night before the flight, we prepared our luggage and purchased comfort foods in case we became hungry in the middle of the night during our stay in the country, chargers (make sure to bring adaptors), documents (flight tickets, travel documents, vaccine certificates, negative PCR test results, and passport), and, of course, our OOTDs.

We awoke at 3 a.m. on September 2, 2021, and I had previously booked our carlift because finding a cab early in the morning may be tough. And the carlift was substantially cheaper.  We got in Sharjah early since there wasn't much traffic. We too checked in early and had no issues. And waited for our flight at the food court to have breakfast at McDonalds and prepare month-end reports. 😊

By 6 a.m., our gate number appeared on the screen, so we hurried there and boarded the plane in only a few minutes. We flew with Air Arabia, and the flight length was around three hours, so I was able to sleep. Thirty minutes before arrival, I awoke and saw Armenia from above. It gave me shivers to know that, for the first time ever, I would be able to travel to another nation with my own hard-earned money, and not just any country, but the First Christian nation!

I don't have time to examine the country's history; instead, I'll leave it to the tour guide when we arrive. When we arrived at Yerevan Airport, the holiday factory representative was waiting for us. So we quickly board their vehicle and head directly to the hotel. On the way, the representative described the available places and pricing, in case we decided to work with them.

They have the package for 85 USD per person and it includes the following:

-          City tour with welcome dinner

-          Pearls of Armenia with Lunch

-          South Armenia with Lunch

-          Additional of 60 USD (for 2) for North Armenia Tour

-          And 35 USD apiece for a PCR test before heading to Georgia (this is a requirement because we travelled while Covid was still at its height).

Finally, I chose to book with them over private trips. We can save a lot.

Note 2:  It is necessary to always change your pocket money into USD. Fortunately, the hotel has a machine that allows us to transfer our USD into DRAM. Because most of their shops take just local cash.

We booked into the Regineh Hotel and ate our lunch. We also received complimentary breakfast during our stay. We don't have high expectations for our hotel; we'll merely stay there to eat and sleep. However, we were startled since there were no bidets, despite having lived in the UAE for 6 years. Note 3: However, a portable bidet is necessary from now on 😊.

We instantly arranged our outfits for today's excursion. They informed us that we will be on a private trip to North Armenia today, which will include the following places. It gets monotonous when there are only three of you in the service, including the driver. Note 4: From then on, I like to go on group tours.

Day 1- North Armenia Tour : 

Hovhannavank Monastery (St John the Bapstist)

Kasagh River Canyon (which is only at the back of Hovhannavank Monastery)

Saghmosavanq Monastery (Monastery of the Psalms) 

Armenian grand Canyon (back of Monastery of the Psalms)

Abaran (Armenian Alphabet Monument with 39 letters) 

Amber Fortress Armenia (Fortress in the clouds)

Vahramashen Church (Vahramashen Surp Astvatsatsin or Church of Amber)

Mt Aragat’s Slopes 

We opted not to proceed to Kari Lake, even knowing it was the finest destination on this tour, because we were fatigued and it was already dark, not to mention the route. As a result, we asked the tour guide to drop us off in the City Centre so we could explore on our own and have supper someplace.

Note 5: Try Shawarma in Armenia

Note 6: You must have your hotel's business card to show the taxi driver; some local drivers do not understand English. And you should be aware of the minimum fee; fortunately, our tour guide had previously advised us of the range of fare we would need to pay for a cab from the city to our hotel.

Day 2- Pearls of Armenia:

Khor Virap (Deep Dungeon)

St. Astvatsatsin Church (Holy Mother of God)

Mt Ararat - (it is visible behind the deep dungeon) Volcano where Noah’s Ark rested after the great flood

Ararat Valley 

St. Grigor Chapel/Orbelian Sepulchre

Narrow Gorge (made by the Amaghu River)

Noravank

Noravank Gorge Areni

Noravank Important Bird Area Cave

We had our free lunch at Areni Village and had our Home-made wine tasting.

Note 7: They have the best PEACH WINE .

Note 8: Lavash partnered with Shakshuka is SUPERB.

The trip ended around three in the afternoon, so we had some time to nap and relax, as well as post some images to our social media accounts. In the evening, we joined the Free City Tour, which included a welcome meal at Gata Pandok.

Note 9: Their chicken Kebab is delish.

Mother Armenia

Cascade Complex

Republic Square

Day 3- South Armenia Tour

Charents Arch - from there you can see the beauty of Mount Ararat (if the weather is good)

Garni Temple

Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort (where cable car, ATV ride, horseback riding and other activities are located)

Kecharis Monastery - Saint Gregor Church , Surp Nshan Church and Katoghike Church

Lake Sevan -largest body of water in Caucasus region

Sevanavank Monastery

From there , we took our lunch at Ashot Erkat Restaurant- where you will enjoy the view of Lake Sevan , Chicken kebab and the fish also taste good .

Since Geghard Monastery was closed for renovation, hence we requested the tour guide to drop us in Armenian Genocide Memorial.

This is when we got lost because there were no taxis around. We walked everywhere but found nothing. When I questioned several random Armenian youths, they instructed us to walk to the mall in the opposite direction, but crossing the road is tough and far away. So they'd given us a ride. We were cautious at first, but they seemed fantastic, so we took a chance instead of remaining late at the memorial area. And then they asked us to take a photo with them. So, we did! They dropped us off in the mall, where we were able to buy various souvenirs and lip balms.

Then we took a taxi back to our Hotel .

Day 4 - Travel to Georgia

Dilijan Park

On the way, we stopped at Tsovagyugh Supermaket and Food Court to eat breakfast and relax before continuing our four-hour adventure to the next nation.

Costing:

We were friends when we started, the humors we had make our bond strong.

We didn’t intend to go beyond friendship, for we both know, you were still there.

You were the love of her life, that inspires her each single day, the girl of her dreams, her struggles which only you can mend, she waited for you, pretty sure you know that it’s true.

She watched you enjoyed the company of others, she let your happiness be on top, She let you be in new arms because that’s what you wanted.

You let her wait for you in the dark.

She was alone and sad and that makes her mad. She has no one, she barely stands to stir her coffee in the morning, to watch the sunrise, or even play with her friends.

Everyday drunk, sleep in the morning, awake at night. Smoking become her habit.

She was a total mess. While you were there, playing safe and putting all the blame to her. She didn’t want to lose you; she was there looking you from a far.

Remember the time you push her away, she locked herself in the room and no one could ever talk to her. She cried all the pain out. But she’s still there waiting for you.

I was there. I wanted to help even I couldn't . I wanted her to stand and see how beautiful life is even without you.

I helped her rebuild herself, start a new, dream big, accomplish everything she wanted. I push her to achieve the dreams she never had. To obtain the things she once loved to acquire. to reestablish her career, save and enjoy the present.

And she did! We were happy back then, making memories on our own. And achieving all the goals we once wished in the stars.

But suddenly, you came again. And all the scars I willfully patched were becoming obvious again.

You still have her, you still invade her, you still love her, and she is too.

She’s still into you , and she was able to let you know that you were holding a big part of her life.

That broke me, but I can do nothing but watched you killing me in secret.

Yes, I know every single words you traded. Every memory you again brought to life. 

Every recent photo you shared and your daily updates towards each other.

Yes, I know everything, but I prefer to remain calm and silent and hoping you will not go through the pain I am now.

People will walk in and go out your life

But  real ones stay and leave footprints in your heart,

They will always be there to listen and be your confidant

Those people who become your family, 

Proof that you are loved.

Family is our strength, you can always trust them

Act worst but still you can count on them

You might misunderstood each other and argue at times

But family is everything,

Coz, you are loved.

You may think you’re not enough, and have doubted yourself

You feel sad and kept the burden all by yourself.

Take easy, break free, be bliss and blessed

Don’t get mad and do much better, Rise above , Love yourself 

because that’s who you will be spending the rest of your life with.

When you are down, He lift you high

When you are weak, He made you stronger

When you are cursed and insulted, He even blessed you more

In Him you will find your worth, in Him you were reminded on just who you are

1. The one who loves you despite YOU hurting them

Days, months and years continue to pass, yet no one sees the pain of a lass.

Swaying along the fuming breeze, feeling the coldness that will let you on freeze.

Smile you’ve usually seen, now roofed with qualms in the eyes so keen.

How can anyone know? when all they perceive is you’re in so much awe.

Tears are falling in silence, as memories flash and you’re about to reminisce.

Waking up with dreams untold, blankets I hug and handled-fold.

Days I had with my pillow talk, it seems someone I used to walk.

Suddenly, my life has change, and only a few can come on my range.

Been tagged as bubbly and funny, the lovely girl and oh! so Friendly.

Extroverting for twenty years, always on the go and looking so fierce.

Having a lot of friends is good and being with them will give you in a mood.

Yet Still found so many Why’s, so Transformed on becoming wise.

Time flies, the sun rise, there’s still a lot of things so nice.

Friends always come and go, yet the truest will constantly stays with you and grow.

Now,the old had left behind, and the new has now started to grind.

Tedious topsy-turvy as may seem, at least you’ll behold the long-time buried gem.

We wished for a relationship, a fairy tale like in a ship.

We dream of a lover , whom a prince alike ever.

We prayed for a partner , to stick with and look after.

We always find them in a world, where no one else we’ll find even in a thousand fold.

I thought of forever with her , though impossible will takes over.

I thought of contentment, and it turns out to almost bereavement.

I thought of happiness , then t’was change to sadness.

I thought of love, but slowly you only give a little, and that’s all now I have.

Flowers blooms fast, and same died at last.

Foods and coffees you gave, will be with me until on my grave,

The sweetest messages I once received, are now airplane mode switched.

And the humor we had, been silenced and blocked.

I once heard and loved, ‘I cant live without you’ , that bad.

I believed and wished that was true, though the worst came through.

Once I had hugs and kisses, now it was almost fears and tears.

The soft touch and caress, turned to pains and hurts.

Yes, I am tired, and I’ve been so mad

I would rather give this up , but I still think of lifting us up.

I still prayed will be back to norm, until we get through this storm.

I’ll wait till the end, even waiting will seems to be the end . . .