Well, what should i say? It was about going up the (for me) highest pass ever and I waited for the first steep bends, but for long it was just going up a bit, not too exhausting. But I knew that within 35km 1700m had to be done and after 16km I “had” only ~450m.
So I knew the rest would be harder. Of course it was, but only 4-5 times for several 100m it was very hard.
As the view a great I had good excuses to pause for photos.
I saw horses, later their footprints and I guess these are wild horses.
I had reduced my fig ration to one per hour but at 11h I had my last one.
And then I stood on top! No food stand of the like was there (on Transfargasan it was half a village and a hotel etc) but at least there was a sign.
Going down was partly nice, as the street was brand new and sometimes I didn’t have to use the brakes for several minutes, as the wind helped ? and with every 100m it got warmer. Until it was hot. But as I met my first fig tree I ignored heat and sun and ate only 5 and another. Ok a last one. And only this one. And then i saw some on a broken branch – who would take care of them if not me?
I only went through Meghri, as I wanted to stay in Hostel Samuel in Agarak. The owner is a very friendly man. He showed me his garden with figs, grapes etc.
Later I wanted to get some presents and invest my last Drams but was only partly successful. Additionally, I tried to challenge me by going to a cafè by myself. I had been eating alone in diverse street food places, but you do it on purpose of eating. A café in my understanding is a place for recreation, meeting and conversation.
grand pose before realizing the cafè was closed
…but for a few minutes I enjoyed the view and the music (on although no one there)
When I wanted to by bread and cheese for 1000 + coins for another 900, the owner gave me much to much cheese and didn’t take the coins.
So I gave them later to Samuel-host to give me more figs.
The bought cheese was not only too much, but much too salty. So, I drank 2 litres and was completely full, but still thirsty. And in this situation, I was invited to barbeque.
The family sat there, with 3 children and grandparents and two friends. They were nice and funny but I couldn’t avoid eating again and even had Cognac
It was hard to leave, but in the end I simply was tired enough that they let me go ?