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Reza Pahlavi
all that remains of a large bronze statue that proudly stood in front of Sadabad palace So a reader sent me a short youtube link to a redonculous parody travel ad to the Middle East:
Sure, it's black humor to it's deepest darkest black hole, but 'oh dear' enough to check out. Thanks for the worries, but Iran's really not all that dangerous once you're there as long as you don't confuse the country's name with its western neighbour's! (it has happened, no joke, at a UN Ambassador's university seminar. The guestspeaker who congresswoman made the mistake was not on 'wanna grab drinks after this gig?' terms with the Iranian UN Ambassador at least.
Much of the American media, including the popular Glenn Beck, has said a lot of harmful comments about Iran. I'm a frat-party-ridden college kid so I cannot say that I am a specialist about the country...but I think I have learned much since I visited the Islamic republic of Iran recently and I can make more conclusions about the situation than the flimsy sexy biotch newscaster on TV that has never ventured out of the Americas.
During my last day in Iran, I checked out a few places in Tehran. SaadabadPalace for instance was an interesting visit. This was
White palace
luxurious furnishings of the palace the last Shah's summer palace, built upon hills and natural settings that could trick any visitor to be in some hilltop villa of a European aristocrat. the complex is full of trees and lawns, taking up hundreds of acres...although Lonely Planet may discourage English speakers to visit the place, I have different thoughts. Although this isn't the Versailles, it explains much about the political climates of Iran at the time. If you are not familiar of Iranian political history, let me explain.
The Qajar dynasty of the 19th century was full of troubles, especially when it came to their luxurious spendings. Hey, they were the ones who used the term, 'The Persian Peacock Throne' and really made one with a gazillion gems! After the Shah was pushed aside in a military coup, Reza Pahlavi was used by the English and Soviets as a halt against Indian invasion, and later, the invasion of Bolshevik penetration into Iran(the man was general of the Persian Cossack army). his radical regime involved to de-head the scarfing of women and much unexpected westernization. He was forced to abdicate in favor of his son, Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi in 1953 due to his personal support
world's largest pink diamond
'sea of light' - National Jewels Museum of Nazi German troops.
The Pahlavi dynasty only lasted for two generations, due to the 1979 Khoumeini Islamic Revolution. the very last shah was completely different from his father, but influences of a father pass onto a son full of dreams and hopes. Disregarding western assistance, the sensation plunged to failure in 1979 when a charismatic religious figure by the name of Ayatollah Khoumeini captured the popularity of Iran after the previous Shah had his secret guard pull religious Chadors off religious old women and prohibit the capture of photos of mere camels.
Anyway. Saadabad palace is a lovely right to see in these green grounds full of nature and palaces that are not extravagant like European palaces but tell much about the lifestyle of the last Shah of Iran. Mohammed Reza Khan was far from his father who drove the peoples like a disobedient camel. Instead, he designed his palace to be luxurious enough for the visits of foreign visitors, and yet humble enough to be seen by the iranian peoples. White palace is a destination to check out. It even holds Persia's biggest 150-knot carpet! It's huge!
The national Jewels Museum in Tehran was truly
Shah's crown
At the National Jewels museum...and this is only one photo from the vast collection full of gems to see as it holds the beautiful wonders from the Safavid dynasty. It even has a 40-kg jewel-encrusted globe that portrays Iran in diamonds and Japan in emeralds...and the world's largest pink diamond - it was so big to the point that it looked so fake and resembled a cheap 'christmas deal brooch' from macy's.
security is so tight that you can't check in merely the smallest ladies' bag. even still, i managed to sneek in my little phone to take photos but i suppose this is illegal and I could have authorities arrest me as soon as I fly to Iran again, oh dear. The crazy sensors go off if you go too close to the glass, and then the main huge metal door starts closing with beeping sounds, causing you to make a run towards it with an action-flick like 'Nooooooooooooooo'. (yes, that happened too, and as soon as the sirens went off I was desperate to point at a random stranger and shout 'It wasnt me, it was that Italian man who looks like Colonel Saunders!' it's a fantastic sight though....even after seeing the Kremlin's treasury in Moscow, I awed over the jewels.
Gardens of the Summer Palace
damnnn...this is far from the desert image i had of Iran! what is this, Switzerland??? Really.
After all that, we went to a lovely restaurant full of architectural wonders. the scent of water pipes lingered in the air. the national specialty of 'Ab-Gushte' (water-meat) seemed lacking, but i later found that as part of the custom you would drink the soup parted from the pot, as an appetizer, and continue to crush the contents of the pot with something that looked like a toilet plunger to eat it with soft servings of nan bread accompanied with the presence of pickled veggies and fresh salad galore.
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Stephen Paul
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
Into Space, Out of Time
Love this post! I like the pictures of the food. Maybe I can write a line like the other guy who gives you comments... "you so pretty, I love seeing your face, brilliant food pic my favorite you are beautiful I luv you.." ha! ok maybe I offended someone? Have fun going back to Iran this weekend and be safe!! :)