Day SEVEN-HRI CAMP 2016

Contributor : Lilit Bazikyan

They say churches are often times built on top of hills so that we are closer to God; well it’s hard to see such beautiful nature at Tatev and not believe that you are closer to God.

Today, waking up closer to one another than we’ve ever been, we headed to Tatev Monastery, arguably the most beautiful sight in Armenia. Taking the longest tramway in the world, with our eyes glued to the windows, we made our way to Tatev Monastery.

Built in the ninth century, it is the embodiment of an aging beauty. We took our time exploring the church and its surroundings; with every turn of the head we were welcomed with amazing views. Our team had a humbling experience since we were often speechless and all we could do is just look at each other, recognizing the same amazement and wonder in each other’s eyes. Our bonding further developed when Margarita, Asya, and I were put in a rocky situation. We went down a hole from the dining hall that took us underneath the monastery to a beautiful opening overlooking the cliff.

When Margo channeled her inner rock climber and went down the side of the hill, we had to trust each other completely and believe that one would not allow the other to go down the cliff. Our day of adventure continued as the group split, some going to the Devil’s Bridge, and others, including myself, going to a view point, close to our cabins. Margo, Hasmik, Raffi, and Katherine went to the waterfall at the Devil’s Bridge and had quite the experience; having to walk down a vertical hill was scary for them but totally worth it. The rest of us took a hike to a viewpoint overlooking all of Harsnadzor. The views were breathtaking. There was also a tree on which you can tie something of yours as a symbol of leaving your problems and sorrows and letting them go. Although we were sad to be away from Shvanidzor and the kids, being able to spend quality time with one another has been amazing.
​
We spend hours taking pictures, taking life-threatening risks, and enjoying each other’s company all the while getting closer and closer to one another.