Blogs from Rasht, North, Iran, Middle East

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Middle East » Iran » North » Rasht September 20th 2018

We have been in so many countries and places already during this trip where our main insight was that people are so incredibly friendly everywhere. Now again we have to admit that the people we meet are so much friendlier and welcoming to us than we would ever picture ourselves behave towards them in our own country. We experience hospitality taken to the ultimate level. Although we try to learn the local language Farsi we have a serious language challenge with the majority of the people not speaking any English but this does not really hinder us nor them in social interactions. The Persians (as the Iranians are called) are truly wonderful people. We find them joyous, having fun, very social, curious and happy. They are the contrary of the fanatic angry somber or shy persons ... read more
Tehran - Golestan Palace
Tehran - Golestan Palace
Tehran - Golestan Palace

Middle East » Iran » North » Rasht June 29th 2007

Portraits of turbanned Ayatollah Khomeini are everywhere, whether it be on a huge billboard in Tehran or a postcard pasted on a goat-shed in Kurdistan. Eventually, it came to the point that he felt like a friendly smoking buddy on my trip, and I was no longer intimidated by his signature 'angry Sean Connery' look. Anywhere, I'd light up a cig, feel his stare, and nod in acknowledgement. Yo, long day man. The national icon has become the visitor's local mate. In all urban areas, local hot spots happen to be located on either Imam Khomeini street or square, so it's a dead giveaway when you're new in town. Can't read Arabic numerals on your Iranian rial bills? Not to worry, the street vendor will tell you how many 'Khomeinis' he wants. Can't read street ... read more
Grand Ayatollah Portraits
Glasswares Museum, Tehran
Glasswares Museum, Tehran

Middle East » Iran » North » Rasht June 28th 2007

Tough hiking proved to be impossible for me during my trip in Iran, not only for my untoned blubby form (next stop, Jabba the Hut!) or my smoker's black lungs, but the sad fact that my only pair of walking shoes had been destroyed when (one of) my bottles of scotch erupted in my suitcase and drenched my shoes in beautiful liquor as soon as I got to Iran. I personally wouldnt have minded giving off a scent of Johnny instead of some annoying fruity perfume reserved for baby prostitutes, but I knew that cops would give me trouble while my fake crying wouldnt help. This was a sign from some deity. At college, even when people didn't know my name, I was known as 'the asian with the random australian accent and crazy shoes'. ... read more
Alamut Tower
Ilkhanid Ruler's tomb
Alamut Castle

Middle East » Iran » North » Rasht June 6th 2006

From the bus station we went by taxi to Ali and Mahshid's home in eastern Tehran where I passed out on the couch. Around 4pm Ali returned from work and we loaded the car and off we went straight into a 3 hour traffic jam, its the aniversary of Khomeini's death and everyone has a five day holiday. I still thing the traffic is insane but it doesnt bother me so much now, we stopped in a restaurant on the side of the road and were joined by nine other people, apparently this was the meeting spot, I didnt eat though, I am eating much more than I am used to as it. Ali, Mahshid and Mozghan are members of a hiking group as were the others, except for the Doctor who got roped into coming ... read more
The Group
The Group
The Group




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