On the Republic Square, early in the morning on October 14th, hot air balloonists from all over the world gathered 🗺. I had been looking forward to this day for weeks. At half past seven, it was finally time. The Brazilian hot air balloonist was already waiting for our arrival. In total, there were five of us, standing shoulder to shoulder. Shortly after, not only did the balloon rise, but so did our excitement 😁. It felt somewhat insecure. "So helpless, so unpredictable." Max even said he found it worse than paragliding 😯. But for me, it was the opposite. In the first half-hour, we ascended up to 2000 meters and enjoyed the incredible panoramic view 🥰. Then I felt nauseous for five minutes, and luckily I felt better afterwards 🤮 🤣. I don't usually have a fear of heights, but even for me, that was pretty high 😂! (By the way, the ride lasted an hour).
An experience that will probably stay in my memory forever. ✨
Cascade Complex 😎
One of the most beautiful viewpoints over the city of Yerevan is probably the 118-meter-high staircase complex, the Cascade. Don't worry: There are enough escalators available that slowly take you up through the interior of the Cascade 😁. Meanwhile, you can admire the artful exhibits and make a stop on the outdoor terrace at each level. ☺️
Mother Armenia Complex 🙂
In Victory Park, you'll find the "Mother Armenia" monument, which consists of a mausoleum, military museum, and a large statue. 🤗
From there, you also get another impressive view over the city! 😇
Modern Art Museum 🎨
In Mashtots Avenue, you'll find the modern art museum, where you can find various paintings and some statues. The artworks are truly impressive, allowing your imagination to run wild. 🎭
Vernissage 🛍️
A paradise for all souvenir buyers and shopping enthusiasts. ❤️
Here you'll find a good mix of knick-knacks and high-quality craftsmanship! At some stands, you can even see how the chessboards are made. Did you know that chess is a separate subject in Armenian schools? ♟️
Dancing Fontains 💦
In the evening, you'll find illuminated water fountains at Republic Square, presenting their water display with diverse music and changing colors 😯. Additionally, you'll have a view of the Marriott Hotel, the Post Office, the Government Building with Clock Tower, and former buildings of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 🥰
Freedom Square 📸
At this city square, you'll find the Opera and Ballet Theater. It's the most important and largest music theater! 🎶
Also, a cool spot to zip around in an electric car 🤙.
Yerevan Zipline Airlines 🙌
A zipline that runs directly under the bridge! 😱
The first route starts at a height of 123 meters and is 870 meters long. The second one is slightly shorter, only 650 meters in length. You don't really need to worry about much since the track has an automatic stop system installed. That's why it was pretty easy. The only important thing is to ensure that the minimum weight is met, so you don't get stuck halfway 🤣.
Max and I rode together, which was pretty cool! 💨
2. Garni📍
The Symphonie of Stones, Garni Gorge
This majestic natural monument is only about 23km away from the capital and is truly admirable! ✨
Das majestätische Naturdenkmal liegt nur ungefähr 23km entfernt von der Hauptstadt und ist wirklich bewundernswert! ✨
Haha. Okay. As everyone can see in this picture, we were the typical "beginner backpackers"! Our backpack was way too big and stuffed to the top. 🎒 Of course, we didn't need more than half of the contents, but who knows that beforehand?
In retrospect, we panicked way too much about forgetting something important. 🤦♀️
Note: There are shopping opportunities in other countries too. 😄😄
🕰🕰 Just before the trip ....
1 year in Australia. But alone? I have to say, I was a real scaredy-cat 😟. I asked around with my friends, but nobody seemed interested in joining me. Why not❓😂…
Plan B: Look for a travel companion online 🤔. After a few attempts, I finally found Jessi. She is the same age as me, had roughly the same idea of the trip, and comes from Bavaria. Perfect 😍. It didn't take long, and we booked a flight from Munich to Australia. But beforehand, we almost talked on the phone every day and planned the trip step by step 🗺. "We need this, we'll order that, this is important ... Bla bla bla." I can tell you one thing: We didn't need more than half of it! When the backpack was eventually bigger than we were, we finished our packing list. Plus, we had to clarify 1000 other things (deregistering residence, quitting jobs, etc. 🤮). After all the huge effort, the time had finally come. It was kind of a weird feeling to go exploring the world with a 'basically' stranger. But Jessi seemed really great, so I was confident. Finally, we met at the airport in Munich. We got along super well right away! I was super happy, excited, and sad at the same time. I talked nervously the whole flight out of excitement. 🤩
"Sorry again Jessi 😂🙏"!
Also, I just want to mention how grateful I am to have had you there for this big step! Who knows if I would have even gone... And now? Now I'm still traveling around the world to this day. A big thank you! 🥰
The plan starts without a plan! 😛
The bad news on October 11, 2018 👺👺
Vom Flughafen ging es los nach Bangkok! We booked an open-jaw flight (1 week in Bangkok and then on to Australia). At least, that was our plan !!! 😂 However, during the wait, we received the first message: "Your flight is delayed by one hour" 🙄. We were annoyed, but we talked about how it could have been worse. No more than 10 minutes later, the next message came, "Your flight will not arrive until the next day due to technical problems" 😠. Yes, now we were there. Completely planless, confused, and lost at Cologne Airport. We've come a long way ... Now it was time to get information at the counter, which of course was also associated with a huge queue! And of course, we were at the very back of the line of all passengers. We waited and waited ... 🥱
In the queue, we met two other backpackers. Funny enough, they had the exact same destination as us, so we could pass the time chatting. When we arrived at the counter, we were offered two options.
Option 1: The airline takes you to a selected hotel, and the costs are covered, or
Option 2: You book a hotel independently for up to 250 euros per night, but you only get reimbursed for the costs a few months later.
With the other two backpackers, we opted for Option 2 and booked a fancy hotel in Cologne 😍. The funny thing: Our new replacement flight was already early the next morning, so we only spent about 5 hours in the overpriced hotel. Ultimately, the flight cancellation was the best thing that could have happened to us. We received 600 euros compensation, a completely new flight, a luxury hotel stay with a talking robot 🤖 (which even explained the way to the toilet), made new friends, and last but not least, we also received a lot of shopping vouchers for the restaurants at the airport. Perfect. 🥰
25Hours Hotel The Circle with robot greeting!
Off to Thailand 🇹🇭
A week in Thailand 😊
In the middle of the night, around 00:30, we arrived in Bangkok at the airport without any plan. Unfortunately, the other two backpackers already had accommodation, which was fully booked. However, during the flight, we met two other travel enthusiasts who gave us a hostel tip. We already had to write down the accommodation we were staying in on the plane - so the tip was extremely helpful. 🙈
In the night, Bangkok is very lively, but our hostel was hidden in an alley. Overall, the hostel was very clean. And for 6 euros per night, for a private room, you really can't complain. 🤑
At Home Guest House - Our first accommodation for 6 euros per night for 2 people
Everything felt so unreal. Suddenly we were extremely far away from home 😟. But it felt good. We just did it. 👏 The only thing that didn't feel particularly good were the 1000 mosquitoes. Ohhh, how I hate them!!! 😠
Travel Hack: BITE AWAY STICK! Best stick in the world against itching, believe me! 🙏😄
Khaosan Road🎉
Bangkok's famous backpacker street
"Jí zhòng" and they've already clinked glasses with us! Mega friendly and open-minded people you meet while strolling through the night markets on the street.
Bangkok's streets are always crowded!
A few impressions from Bangkok 🥰🥰
Excursion to Wat Pho ⭐️
Ohh, the beautiful Wat Pho. Already on the way there, we were fascinated by the beautiful park. Wat Pho is a Buddhist temple located in the center of Bangkok. Definitely worth seeing! 😊
It was particularly impressive when we were able to witness the prayer ritual of the Buddhists. A calming and loving chant. 🥰
Afterward, we encountered some squirrels in the park that we could feed by hand! How cool is that??? 🤩
Do you see the squirrel?
Pataya😳
Not really worth a visit...
Our hostel was only 5 minutes from the beach! Cost: 6 euros per person. Not bad!
However, when we took a closer look at Pattaya, we were more than disappointed! Trash was everywhere, and the water was more gray than blue 😭. For this reason, we moved on the very next day! 🚐
Plastic pieces everywhere... 😤
Quickly back to Bangkok 😌
Here, we first booked a great accommodation for a sweet 8 euros per night. We could jump straight into the pool from our room! 🏊♀️
In the evening, we toasted to our work and travel journey! 🍹
Delicious cocktails at the Mojjo Rooftop Lounge & Bar
When strolling through the streets, you always come across new exciting things in Bangkok. In the photos, you can see how the Buddha is worshipped and other rituals are performed (lighting candles 🕯, incense...)! The best thing about the place of the new accommodation was (Sorry - unfortunately, I don't remember exactly where it was) that there were no tourists far and wide (except us, of course 🤭)! Hardly anyone could speak English. Communication was done through gestures and actions 😄
Here's what you should know before going to Thailand:
The standards are definitely not like those in Europe.🧼
Lots of environmental pollution. Tap water is not drinkable! Hygiene in many places is rather borderline.
2. The people are very generous and helpful. 😇
Small example: We asked for directions in a store. She stopped her work and accompanied us to the destination.
3. The weather is humid and hot! 🥵
Well, maybe it was so extreme because we were there during the rainy season. An air conditioner is a MUST HAVE!
4. The streets are full of scooter riders! 🏍
It takes a bit of courage if you want to ride around here alone!
5. Mosquito alert 🦟
Get yourself a BITE AWAY Stick or something similar... You'll need it! 😉
6. Impressive sights! 🤓
At every corner, you'll be amazed, believe me!
7. Endless food & great street markets! 🥥
Probier doch auch mal eine Heuschrecke, wie ich. Schmeckt nach Pommes. Ihh gitti gitt. Du glaubst nicht, wie sich die Einheimischen auf dem Markt an dem Anblick erfreut haben, wie ich diese Heuschrecke in meinem Mund zerkaue! Vieeelleicht sollte ich bald mal das schöne Erinnerungsvideo hochladen ? 🤔
Conclusion: I will definitely fly to Thailand again one day. There are still many places to discover! 🤪
Next Stop: Stay tuned 😛
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My name is Janet Dannehl, and I have been a passionate travel blogger for over 4 years! The travel blog Janetsworld takes readers to various destinations around the world, describing experiences and tips from the real-life adventures of a globetrotter.
On my social media channels, I regularly share my lifestyle, travels, and various adventures with my audience.I place particular emphasis on authenticity, so I only showcase products or services with which I can personally identify. I am particularly interested in topics related to sports, outdoor adventures, nature, photography, fashion, and accommodations.
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