Holidaying to Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan

[Koing]

Anyone ever been? What were your thoughts and opinions?

A work mate and I are off tomorrow! 2am landing on Saturday, can't wait to go! I've no been anywhere this year and he was going so I thought I'd go as well :thumbsup;

We have a lonely planets guide and we'll be staying in hostels and such. Should be great fun!

Back on the 4th January and back to work on the 6th! SWEET!

Koing

 

[bignateyk]

I didn't ever really think of those places as touristy. Aren't they war torn? Or am I an idiot who doesn't keep up with the world?

Either way though, take lots of pics and have fun!

 

[Lamont Burns]

Armenia would be cool I think. Georgia not so much. Hail Ruskis as you enter, see what happens

 

[Strk]

I'm not sure about Georgia, but the other two would probably be pretty nice.

 

[MixMasterTang]

Trafficking in persons:
current situation: Armenia is primarily a source country for women and girls trafficked to the UAE and Turkey for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; Armenian men and women are trafficked to Turkey and Russia for the purpose of forced labor
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Armenia is placed on the Tier 2 Watch List for a fourth consecutive year; its efforts to increase compliance with the minimum standards were assessed based on its commitments to undertake future actions, particularly in the areas of improving victim protection and assistance; while the government elevated anti-trafficking responsibilities to the ministerial level, adopted a new National Action Plan, and drafted a National Referral Mechanism, it has yet to show tangible progress in identifying and protecting victims or in tackling trafficking complicity of government officials; the Armenian Government made some notable improvements in its anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts, but it failed to demonstrate evidence of investigations, prosecutions, convictions, and sentences of officials complicit in trafficking (2008)

 

[surfsatwerk]

I've seen Hostel, I know how this vacation ends.

 

[ViviTheMage]

I didn't ever really think of those places as touristy. Aren't they war torn? Or am I an idiot who doesn't keep up with the world?

Either way though, take lots of pics and have fun!

My thoughts too, either way, have fun, take pictures!

 

[bobdole369]

Um wtf for? Isn't it pretty much just desert and sand? Like horrifying Islamic former USSR?

 

[Zebo]

I don't know why anyone would want to leave USA and I've been practically everyplace. Rest of world is way overateted and I can't wait to get home.

 

[Cuda1447]

Why didn't you choose somewhere cool to go? Australia? Switzerland? France? Shit man. Georgia?!? The same Georgia that was invaded by Russia around a year ago? You've got balls of steel my friend. I was nervous going to the Bahamas. (Don't trust those cab drivers)

 

[Cookie]

I think it's awesome! It's nice to go places that are not considered touristy once in awhile. You have a greater chance of meeting local people and seeing how they live and people in poorer countries are almost always extremely friendly and helpful, even if you don't share a common language. If you go with an open mind ready for a new experience you should gain an interesting new perspective. If you go expecting to have the same comforts as you do at home, you will most likely be disappointed.

 

[Koing]

Why didn't you choose somewhere cool to go? Australia? Switzerland? France? Shit man. Georgia?!? The same Georgia that was invaded by Russia around a year ago? You've got balls of steel my friend. I was nervous going to the Bahamas. (Don't trust those cab drivers)

I've not been to Australia yet but I suppose 17 days would have been cool. Maybe next time? I wasn't anticipating using up 17 days in one go.

Yeah the same Georgia that was invaided by Russia. It should be fun.

I don't know why anyone would want to leave USA and I've been practically everyplace. Rest of world is way overateted and I can't wait to get home.

I don't live in the USA. I live in England. I'd like to spend more time in the states though.

Um wtf for? Isn't it pretty much just desert and sand? Like horrifying Islamic former USSR?

It has some nice moutains and towns.

I'm keen for a bit of old hostel staying and travelling.

A lot of work colleagues are puzzled and worried why I'm going to those countries also! Should be fun and I think I'll take the 5D withme...lets hope it doesn't get jacked!

Koing

 

[ElFenix]

some friends of mine just went there as part of a journey from istanbul to hong kong mostly by land. they're all just fine for trips atm.

and no they're not desert. and only azerbaijan is majority muslim (shi'ite)

 

[Mill]

Sounds like a great idea. Going off the beaten path is always a winner. I actually looked at going to some of those countries (particularly Georgia) over the past year. When I have more money I am going to go. I'd like to hit up Iran as well.

 

[bignateyk]

Sounds like a great idea. Going off the beaten path is always a winner. I actually looked at going to some of those countries (particularly Georgia) over the past year. When I have more money I am going to go. I'd like to hit up Iran as well.

Shit, might as well throw Afghanistan and Somalia in the mix too.

 

[Trianon]

Anyone ever been? What were your thoughts and opinions?

A work mate and I are off tomorrow! 2am landing on Saturday, can't wait to go! I've no been anywhere this year and he was going so I thought I'd go as well :thumbsup;

We have a lonely planets guide and we'll be staying in hostels and such. Should be great fun!

Back on the 4th January and back to work on the 6th! SWEET!

Koing

Either of you speak at least Russian(preferably Armenian, Azeri or Georgian)? I would say that going there without local chaperon is pretty crazy idea. If locals suspect you don't know what's what, they think you are a fair game to take advantage of... Mountains are awesome there, that's true.

 

[DaWhim]

I know a taiwanese friend of mine was refused entry at Azerbaijan

 

[Colt45]

You'll need a visa for both Armenia and Azerbaijan... I think Georgia is ok on a US passport though.

 

[Koing]

some friends of mine just went there as part of a journey from istanbul to hong kong mostly by land. they're all just fine for trips atm.

and no they're not desert. and only azerbaijan is majority muslim (shi'ite)

Thats cool to hear man did they mention anything funky/ cool they did or saw? We have a lonely planets guide that we're using.

Sounds like a great idea. Going off the beaten path is always a winner. I actually looked at going to some of those countries (particularly Georgia) over the past year. When I have more money I am going to go. I'd like to hit up Iran as well.

I've always preferred to go away at Xmas/ New Years type of period but this will definitely be the most out there places I've been to. Pretty dam excited and 17days off work! SWEET!

Flights booked about 4-6 weeks ago was £450 for me, but my mate got in at £350 about 2 weeks before me. They are £900 or so if you buy them now. It's going to be interesting to see how busy the plan is and leaving Heathrow from Terminal1. I've never been to that Terminal.

Either of you speak at least Russian(preferably Armenian, Azeri or Georgian)? I would say that going there without local chaperon is pretty crazy idea. If locals suspect you don't know what's what, they think you are a fair game to take advantage of... Mountains are awesome there, that's true.

I don't think he does? He speaks Swedish fluently though. I won't let the locals rip me off if I can avoid it. Can't wait to check out the landscapes and places

I know a taiwanese friend of mine was refused entry at Azerbaijan

Interesting...well lets hope my Cambodian/ Chinese looks with sharp English accent works something...lol

You'll need a visa for both Armenia and Azerbaijan... I think Georgia is ok on a US passport though.

I have a British Passport so hopefully we'll be okay. My mates been looking in to it. He's been to about 55 odd countries so far. He's probably the most well travelled person I know and regularly goes to about 5+ countries a year depending on if he treks about. He last went Russia near Chernobyl I think.

It felt savagely liberating and a cool wave of simple pleasure at not having get get up at 5:30am and be in the office for 7:15 like a little school kid that got some sweets.

Packed now and I should be at the airport in 12hrs time.

Nighty guys and have a Happy Xmas and New Years!

Koing

 

[feralkid]

Walled city of Baku, Azerbaijan is a Unesco "World Heritage Site".

I have not had the pleasure of a visit, but if you are interested in history and architecture, for heaven's sake you are in for one splendid experience.

 

[KeithTalent]

I had a red wine from Georgia a couple of weeks ago. It was quite good, somewhat surprisingly.

That's all I've got, sorry man. Have fun though!

KT

 

[2ll2]

This would make a great trip. Sometimes we want to travel to standard places first, but it may be better to be adventurous when you are younger, then visit Paris when you are 50+

I want to do what Woody did in that movie..travel the Trans-Siberian.

 

[zerocool84]

Hell no I wouldn't go to one of those places. There's so many places that are better and safer.

 

[KMFJD]

I don't know why anyone would want to leave USA and I've been practically everyplace. Rest of world is way overateted and I can't wait to get home.

Lol, of all the overrated places in the world....