12/03/2012
Today was shopping day at the gold bazaar! Every shopkeeper we saw asked where I was from and how I liked Yazd. Shopping is so different in Iran. For example, in the U.S. we shop by brand. If I want a really nice piece of jewelry then I would go to Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, or David Yurman, but in Iran I would go to the gold bazaar. In Yazd the jewelry is priced by weight and intricacy rather than by designer. When I found a piece of jewelry I liked then I really hoped it would fit because most pieces of jewelry cannot be re-sized or ordered in a different size. On the other hand, there are thousands of choices!
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| Gold bazaar Yazd (not my picture) |
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| Gold bazaar Yazd (not my picture) |
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| Gold bazaar Yazd (not my picture) |
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| Gold bazaar Yazd (not my picture) |
12/04/2012
Today was such an exciting day! We went to Esfahan! Esfahan is a very beautiful city. We woke up early in the morning and Hamed and my sister-in-law came to pick up Madar-joon and I. Baba gave us the traditional send off, where I walked under the Quran twice, kissed the Quran, took a piece of shrini (sweets), and then Baba spilled a trail of water behind me as I left. This traditional send off is to ensure a blessed trip and secure my return. Once in Esfahan we visited Ali Qapu palace and the surrounding bazaar and square. I did a lot of shopping and I can't wait to go back for more shopping! Esfahan is the only place I have seen another tourist (so far)! And guess what? The group of tourists I saw were Japanese! Esfahan is a big tourist attraction in Iran (for both Iranians and non-Iranians, though there does not seem to be many non-Iranians in Iran these days...). We also visited Si-o-seh-pol bridge Pol-e-khaju (both very famous old bridges) before heading home. On our way home we stopped at an ice cream shop that Baba and Madar-joon used to go to when they were young. We had such a great time! I won't talk too much about the driving... did I mention driving in Iran is crazy? Basically, if your car can fit (between other cars, between people, between houses/buildings, etc) then you can go! It's also common to hit people (not just cars, but actual PEOPLE). I won't say who was driving, but we hit a total of three people while I was in Iran. There are also more traffic circles in one city in Iran than there are in the entire state of Texas! On the other hand, Iranian drivers are the best parallel parkers I have ever met! And don't worry about bringing your G.P.S... anyone on the side of the road is fair game for directions. But, don't worry, they are very helpful and super willing. So far I think Iranians are very sweet and kind people (especially once they found out I am American).
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| The most popular pictures in Iran... |
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| Exiting the city through the gate of the Quran |
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| Some of the sites we see on the way to Esfahan. Ancient forts and castles. |
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| The mountains are magnificent in Iran with such flat deserts and blue skys |
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| Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque |
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| Me in front of the square |
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| Masjid Jumah Esfahan |
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| Original paintings on the palace wall |
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| look how beautiful the ceiling is! |
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| This ceiling has specially cut out designs for candles, spices, oils, and perfumes |
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| Overlooking the square from the palace |
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| Palace ceiling |
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Spice vendor and his spices in the bazaar.
Almost everything you buy and eat in Iran is arranged to look beautiful! |
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| This amazing gentleman makes these beautiful plates by hand and then paints them. Also, his English is perfect (with no accent) even though he has never been outside Iran. BTW - he told me not to show his picture to the ladies so that they don't fall in love with him! LOL |
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| Making traditional sofre (table cloth) by hand stamping |
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| Hamed, my sister-in-law and Madar-joon walking in the beautiful Esfahan! |
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| Girls walking in the square |
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| The alluring tree lines streets of Esfahan |
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| Enchanting Esfahan and it's many bridges |
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| I promise, we really are happy! |
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Aren't they such a cute couple?
This was taken right before Khadija Kamando asked my sister-in-law to cover her hair! |
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| The river way dry :( |
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| Walking where the river should be running |
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| This bird decided to dive at me right as I was taking it's picture |
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| so romantic! |
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| Did I mention motorcycles are a major means of transportation? |
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| The charming topiary |
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| so beautiful! |
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| Half smiles this time... |
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| so elegant |
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| One of the many traffic circles |
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| Motorcycles are a means of transportation for the whole family... at one time... that means the mother, father, and children all ride on one motorcycle |
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| traditional bastani (ice cream) in Ardakan (the hometown of some of our dear friends) |
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| It was COLD! BTW - that huge metal jet engine looking thing is a heater and yes, this restaurant is outdoor |
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| the bridge and I... |
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