I Predict A Riot

Iran; Tabriz, Zanjan, Tehran, Esfahan, Tehran

If someone turned around to me and said wear your pj’s down Oxford Street, I would say “don’t be daft, I’d attract attention and look silly”. Well that was exactly the expression we were getting from the locals throughout Iran. Little did we know that eventhough in public they wear black as their religious wear, in the bedroom it’s a different kettle of fish… So there was us 15 women dressed in all the colours of the rainbow and not a single head unturned. And not to mention the riots that we got caught up in Tehran and Esfahan, we just stood out like sore thumbs!!!

Day 19- Tabriz, Iran

Once we said our goodbyes to Martin, our driver who took us through Europe and Turkey, we put on our glad rags (seems totally insane to be covering up in such heat), and proceeded through the Turkish border into Iran by foot.

We were kept waiting for quite some time while the necessary visa checks and hand prints were taken!! Once all was in the clear we were allowed into the world of flying carpets and Aladdin.

Our first stop was in the city of Tabriz where we experienced our first public encounter, the reactions ranged from dropped jaws, to full on laughter. We were only trying to respect their religion, laws and to fit in but we obviously got that one wrong…

We spent the afternoon walking around some bazaars and headed back to the hotel before dark, as per locals recommendations.

Day 20- Zanjan, Iran

The next day we had a full day’s drive and arrived to the small town of Zanjan. Once news had spread that Westerners were in town, the dead town became somewhat livelier. We had people coming up asking for our photos and autographs… So that’s how celebrities feel : )

Day 21- Tehran, Iran

When we got to Tehran everyone decided t o eat at the hotel’s restaurant, I wasn’t hungry and fancied a walk around the city. Even though I did feel slightly intimidated being on my own and getting constant stares I needed to have ‘me time’ away from the group. Some ‘me time’ that was…..Other then fearing for my life of being knocked down by human traffic let alone car traffic, I also got stalked by a local who tried to grab my hand and lead me away so I thought it wise to return to the hotel. Once I joined the group in the hotel’s 16th floor rotating restaurant we watched natures show of lightening. We were amazed at how many strikes were hitting the city and causing fires… little did we know that was the start of the political riots caused by the election results.

It was unnerving to be told that it wasn’t safe to leave the hotel and to see/hear the riots gradually getting closer. We watched in fear from the hotel windows as we could see tear gas being thrown, people running for their lives and unfortunately people being beaten up. Its sad when you see such things on tv but when you actually see it with your own eyes it brings so much more into perspective..

The sirens and smell smoke continued throughout the night…

Day 22- Esfahan, Iran

The streets which were once a battlefield were now transformed into a serial calm of silence. We were given the go ahead to leave the hotel and continued on our journey to Esfahan.

We arrived late afternoon and were given an orientation of the area. We walked along the Zayandeh River, mostly dried up, but never the less pretty bridges. We were again advised to be back to the hotel before dark and to go around in groups. The insides of the hotels seem to be the theme…

Day 23- Esfahan, Iran

We had a free day in Esfahan, a great example of ancient Persia culture. We walked around the spectacular Imam Square decorated with blue mosaic tiles, expansive bazaar, and talked to friendly locals. We met a local called Ali who took us around the best shops and got us to sample some of the local delicacies. Esfahan has definitely been the highlight of Iran for me.

It was in the afternoon that we were warned to head back to the hotel as there were protests walks planned. Even though the protestors are for Western civilization we didn’t want to risk it.

Later on that evening there were celebration walks for the president elected, a few of us were caught out on the streets, for a most needed a chocolate fix, but ensured we headed straight back to the hotel. We were told to stay away from the hotel windows as celebrators were congregating outside our hotel and chanting words outside of my vocabulary, I am more than sure they weren’t welcoming words….

Day 24- Tehran, Iran

Having made it through the night and in one piece we were now going to chance it and head back to Tehran. We had an early morning flight booked for day 25 and were thinking it would probably be safer to head straight to the airport rather than overnight it in the city of unrest. But our local guide decided it was safe enough for us to go to Tehran and low and behold ended up right in the middle of the riots. As our bus inched its way through the main streets to get to our hotel my heart skipped a few beats. I was confused as to whether they were for or against us as some were showing peace signs and some their fists??

I hope this country finds some harmony. I feel for the younger generations as they are not getting themselves heard. Nothing stays the same you need to adapt to the times. Its not about voiding religion its about the choice of freedom. Goodluck Iran…

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