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<\/a> After a large breakfast buffet at the Ani Plaza Hotel, we attended a private lecture given by the former Armenian Minister of Finance, Levon Barkhudarian. He spoke about some of the important issues facing the country today in light of its history, world politics, and geographic location.<\/p>\nAfterwards we drove to Republic Square, previously called Lenin Square, to visit the State History Museum. This is a wonderful museum with a great collection of artifacts which trace the history of Armenia from early civilization through modern times. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed.<\/p>\n After the Vernisage, we went to a very stylish underground restaurant for lunch. Fresh delicious appetizers began the meal followed by fillet mignon and profiteroles for dessert. Yum.\u2026<\/p>\n Then off to Surp Hripsime Church. The building was built in 618 to replace the chapel\u00a0where St. Hripsime was slain because she refused to marry King Trdat and remain true to her pagan faith. There was a wedding taking place inside the church when we arrived and several other brides were waiting their turns outside the church. If it’s good luck to see a bride, then we were very lucky!<\/p>\n Holy Echmiadzin is the Vatican of the Armenian Apostolic Church and where Surp Grigor Lusavorich saw a beam of light in a divine vision and built the Mother Church of Armenia. The original church was built in 301-303 AD. Today, the compound\u00a0is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the spiritual center of Armenia, and the seat of the Patriarch of the church. We also visited the fabulous church treasury which includes a piece of wood from Mt. Ararat said to be from Noah’s ark.<\/p>\n A few short miles away were the ruins of another 7th century church, the Zvartnotz Cathedral. Irina, our Armenian guide arranged to have four professional opera singers meet us there and sing for us! What a location and what a treat! They were wonderful.<\/p>\n Our\u00a0group returned to the hotel in enough time to freshen up and go to a local theater to see a performance of Armenian folk dancing and singing.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>
\nThe next item on our schedule was the Vernisage outdoor market for a mini shopping expedition. I had enough time to find a lovely pair of silver earrings and a handmade wooden cross for my Mom. One of the women in the group bought a carpet. Now to get it home!<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n