Unexpected discoveries

Sometimes when you are starving you just wanna go to the first restaurant you find on the street, no matter which one. This is how my husband and I felt this summer on our first day in Gyumri, the second largest city in Armenia. We never would have imagined that we were about to live such an amazing experience for our eyes.

We were walking on the street, it was lunchtime and and were starving. We were a bit lost. Ongoing street renovation works almost everywhere and no idea where to find something yummy to eat. Or, at least, something lactose free for me.

We were getting nervous and started arguing on what to do. At some point we see an anonymous door. Slavyanski Dvor restaurant. Thank god, something to bite!

We open the door. A little glimpse inside leaves us completely frozen. What an amazing surprise!

The place was huge. Traditional objects were combined, creating very original decorations! We had the impression of travelling in space and time. We were looking around like children in a candy shop. Old pictures, beautiful carpets, old radios, wood creations, old swifts, vases... a party for the eyes! Everything was so warm and colorful! We had the impression that all those objects were hugging us, welcoming us, wishing us to enjoy our meals. We were so happy that we had quite idiot smiles on our faces. We were so captured by all the beautiful things around us that our hunger was not important anymore.

At some point, between a "wow!" and a "look at that!!!", we realized that we were the only tourists there. Local people eating there must have been amused by our reaction. They were all smiling and looking at us.

We left the place one hour later. I even don't remember what we ate. But I perfectly remember how satisfied - and a bit sad to leave - we felt.

Sometimes happiness is just behind the first door next to you!