Iran: Day 1

I think my journal says it best... "I exited the KNOWN world and entered Iran."

Over the years I have heard so many things about Iran.  So many conflicting ideas and points of view on this country I was about to walk into were running through my head.  When our plane departed from Turkey I was one of three or four hijabis (scarf wearing women) and as the plane landed in Iran, EVERY woman aboard pulled out a scarf and jacket and developed a new personality!  It was a strange experience..  Immediately upon exiting the plane, before I could even enter the airport I had to go through passport control #1.  I handed over my passport and quickly shuffled through the hallway.  

Once inside the airport I was greeted by a much less friendly, non-smiling, passport control agent.  We split up into lines and Baba-jan stood behind me.  As I was called up to the passport control agent and handed over my passport, I started to get a little nervous.  The agent asked me a few questions in Farsi, to which I responded, "No Farsi".  All the other lines were moving, but I was just standing there!  Soon EVERYONE had gone through the lines.  Baba-jan and I were the only two left.  The agent told Baba-jan to go through another line, and I became a little more nervous.  The agent continued to ask me questions in Farsi and I thought, "should I answer back or stick with the no Farsi thing?".  I kept glancing and Baba-jan, who was waiting just on the other side.  The agent noticed me looking at Baba-jan and asked if I knew him.  I said, "Baleh (yes)".  Baba-jan was called over and explained I was his daughter-in-law, and all was well!  The agent said, "No problem," stamped my passport and finally I entered Iran!  

After a few more interesting moments (forgetting the parking pass, no toilet paper in the restroom, people openly saying they don't like the government), we were finally on our way to Yazd!  It was a 7-10hr drive through open space from Tehran to Yazd.  The sun rose as we drove through the desert, and we all were so happy to finally see the gate of Quran (the blessed arch through which travelers pass when leaving the city to ensure safe travels).  

 Sunrise on the way to Yazd

The blessed Darvazeh Quran of Yazd