Shiraz, Iran
Trip Start
Nov 19, 2009
1
8
Trip End
Jan 09, 2010
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Just a quick post to say we've arrived safely in Shiraz and have had a pleasant if culturally shocking, first half-day wandering the streets, visiting the Tomb of Hafez - Iran's most famous poet - and having tea and dates. While at the tomb - a major social meeting place on Fridays -we had a long and fun, if awkward, conversation with four young women from Shiraz University. Despite our complete lack of Farsi and their very limited English, we managed to address their most pressing concerns - our relationship status, our religion and what we think of Iran and Iranians...(Mark dealt amazingly well with a gaggle of giggling girls!!) Somehow, perhaps through desperation, and via the use of maps and the universal language of giggles, Rach managed to get some tips on good shopping locations. This is just as well, because she looks like an Aussie bogan who shopped for her Islamic clothing at Target. I think the local women find this rather humerous but forgive her (someone did mistake me for being Iranian though...think he was thrown by the hijab). So, our focus today is to get her some decent clothes! Tomorrow (Sunday) we will visit Persepolis.
To put some friend's minds at ease, our Iran Air flight was uneventful and we have yet to meet any Arab terrorists, probably because Iranians are not Arabs and they are not, seemingly, terrorists - except... on the roads! The traffic is mind bogglingly dangerous. Even on the rare occasions an intersection has traffic lights, these are ignored. Also there are very deep drains that run in between the road and sidewalks. I (Mark) managed to fall into one while leaving Hafez's tomb much to the amusement of Rach and the taxi driver. Oh, and Rach almost got run over by the same motorbike twice.... but generally, we feel very safe and welcome.
Mark & Rach
Comments
I thought they may think you are a local..you have that look.
Hi Rach & Mark,
Great to hear that your adventure has gotten off to a good start.
Your tales about the traffic open up a whole new line of possibilities as to why the chicken crossed the road. and Is it any safer on the footpath than the roadway? Good luck with the shopping.
Good to hear all going well - Do hope you Mark will be OK given RID.
Thanks all
Michael - you will be pleased to hear I am coping with ... what's the term?... RID!