The Yerevan Cascade in Armenia!!!

Amidst the hustle and bustle of unfinished Soviet aesthetics, my best friend and I took a trip to the Caucasus during our vacation, with Armenia as our first stop. During our short trip to this land once touched by communism, we saw Soviet and European architecture lining both sides of the streets. The Yerevan Cascade was one of the planned stops on our itinerary. Of course, I prefer the other transliteration of the capital, Yerevan, which is more in line with the past of this Christian country. A classic of architectural aesthetics, the "unfinished utopia" of the Soviet era, the grand socialist staircase. This giant staircase, designed by architect Alexander Tamanian, was once a landmark showcasing socialist ambition during the Soviet era, but its construction came to an abrupt halt due to the collapse of the Soviet Union. Today, the beige travertine staircase cascades down like a waterfall, with the unfinished top still under construction. The sense of historical rupture and the possibilities of the future collide here, creating a cyberpunk x classical style in every photo. If the Soviet Union had not collapsed, perhaps this staircase would have been a symbol of entering a communist society. Ascend to the top at sunset and overlook the sacred mountain! The beautiful legend of Noah's Ark's resting place** Reaching the top, the view opens up! The snow-capped peak of Mount Ararat appears and disappears among the clouds. It is not only the resting place of Noah's Ark in the Bible but also a spiritual totem that Armenians "love but cannot have," as it now belongs to Türkiye. Waiting for the sunset at the Cascade, the eyes of the Armenians around me are always filled with sorrow. The unfinished latter half of the Cascade, with its fragmented beauty and the beauty of ruins, makes me want to learn more about the history of this country surviving between Europe and Asia. Travel inspires many thoughts. Briefly experiencing other civilizations and experiences, although life has many unsatisfactory moments, makes me cherish the peace of the present even more.