Today we woke up early and left for Baba-jan's baq in Tezerjan (baq = plot of land usually used as a weekend house w/large garden or mid sized orchard)! On the way to Tezerjan we passed the largest dakhma (tower of silence). Dakhma is a place that was once used by Zoroastrians to dispose of their dead (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dakhma).
Tezerjan is very beautiful! Mountains surround the Baq and it often snows during winter. Baba-jan's baq is very new, but some turnips, beets, and carrots were already mature and ready for harvesting. After picking some havich (carrots) and eating a few, we climbed up to the roof of Baba's baq by going up some scary bricks used as steps. Vahid had to come down and help me up while Baba-jan held the bricks in place! Once I was brave enough to climb down (and after seriously considering just jumping to the ground) we headed to Deh Bala (another mountain village) to visit our Aunt and Uncle's baq.
First Vahid surprised me by taking us to the top of the mountain to play in the barf (he knows I love barf (snow))! Mountains in Iran are a bit different than mountains in the U.S. The Irani mountains tend to be very pointy with sharp & jagged ridges. This is also where I had my first Arab toilet adventure... not a fan! Let's just say Iranians must be born with much better balance than Americans!
Dakhma (tower of silence) on the outskirts of Yazd
Our first glimpse of the snowy ridges just 30 mins outside of Yazd
In Tezerjan near Baba-jan's baq
My awesome brother-in-law, Vahid, harvesting some turnips at the baq
Madar-joon and Baba-jan harvesting havich (carrots)
On the roof with Baba-jan, Barf Khane (house of snow mountain) in the background
Vahid and I on the roof with a great view of the baq and Tezerjan
Our bountiful harvest
Madar-jan and I at the top of Deh Bala mountain village with Shir Kooh (lion mountain) in the background
Me and Shir Kooh
Can you find Baba-jan? He's looking over Tezerjan to spot his baq
Me, Madar-joon, and Vahid at the top!
Our Aunt and Uncle's baq
My sweet Cousin and I keeping warm by the fire. Can you spot the samovar?
These are traditional giant kettles that are kept on all day so that chi (tea) is always ready!
All of us for dinner! After playing cards and chatting.
Dinner #2, in Iran, we eat A LOT!
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