Oshagan, Ampert, Lake Arakadz today we covered them all with French tourists.
A section of the road leading to Ampert is 2/3 blocked by huge boulders. Tatool, the owner of the small caf� at Ampert says it was on May 15th that the rocks covered the road completely. Buses and cars could not pass by and turned back, it was very bad for the business. Informed everyone including Khosrov Harutunian and eventually opened 1/3 by their own means.
Tatool's grandfather, Aram Manukian, is the caretaker of the church. He was in Egoyan's movie, Calendar. Though he has not seen the movie. It's worthwhile asking him about local history. He mumbles but you get the drift. With Tatool and Aram I get the feeling that they are part of Ampert, the heirs and the guardians of the castle & the church.
Unrelated to the topic - today I saw a huge billboard in the city with a picture of a monastery, it was ad for Anelik Bank. Could have been for another bank or for Aristone or for another product.
Related to tourism - wish them came up with the idea of erecting huge road signs to landmarks, monasteries, cities, and villages and finding and posting sponsor's name. E.g. "Road to Ampert 7 Km. Anelik Bank wishes you a safe trip."