@khinkali
I just returned from Yerevan. Other things aside, I took the jab in Northern Ave. . Worked fine.
Just a word of warning regarding the second jab: Do go exactly by the date written on your vaccination card! The nurse told me that all this is a promotion and of all participants about 96% are Iranians, 3% other foreigners and only 1% are Armenians. So, the program can be stopped anytime and the government might change rules and will insist on the date written on the vaccination card.
I took the train in both directions which was great. Price for 1. Class (spalny) is GEL 150.65 (one-way; the way back from Yerevan to
Tbilisi can only be booked in Yerevan), payable in
cash at the ticket counter of Tbilisi Central Station. It is a good idea to do the reservation a few days in advance. The train now consists of brand new Russia-build carriages with excellent air-conditioning and good bedding. Every compartment is equipped with sockets which means it is possible to run/load a laptop. The ride is very smooth and comfortable, the bathrooms are clean and they even gave out some bottled water and instant coffee for free.
The train stops on both sides of the border for about 30 minutes. At the Georgian border station the Georgians collect all passports to check and stamp them in their police office. After that they again jump on the train and "try" to return the correct passport. Well, it is a Georgian organisation which means it does not work as smooth and precise as a Swiss clockwork (they showed me a selection of passports and I had to pick mine
).
Then the train moves on to the Armenian border post. The Armenians are better equipped. They do have mobile passport checkers which enable them to scan and stamp all passports onboard the train. A couple of nurses also enter the train in order to check PCR tests and scan the temperature of every passenger.
Neither on the Georgian nor on the Armenian side of the border did I have to leave the train or my compartment. The border guards and nurses will always come to the passengers' compartment/seat.
That's it and afterwards nobody disturbs. It is easily possible to get at least 6 hours of undisturbed sleep on the train. If one want to enjoy the beautiful view towards Mount Ararat it is worth getting up about one hour before arrival (the train enters Yerevan station at 07:35AM).
Go Green - Take the Train.