I wanted to write about Iran on my blog. I imagined so many stories of meaningful encounters, experiences that went against the tide of the media, of rich and interesting history. But as you know, I couldn’t get the visa so I didn’t get to go. I thought I might be able to convince Bruno to write an Iran post, but that suggestion didn’t go over at all! He did share a few scattered experiences and stories, but not enough for me to feel like I could write something meaningful about Iran for him.
Bruno did take photos, however. He managed to sneak a few in markets and towns, and also took a couple shots from the road. The best way I can capture Bruno’s time in Iran, then, is by showing you a few images that caught my attention.
And so, without further ado, here is Iran, in pictures:
Bruno spent only two weeks traveling through Iran. As you can see, he chose essentially the fastest route through the country to the border of Turkey. He stayed only one or two nights in most places and spent a good part of each day driving. I guess he was looking forward to reuniting with me!
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Bruno’s approximate route through Iran is in green.
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One of Bruno’s campsites in Iran.
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Bruno’s “campsite” in Persepolis, one of Iran’s greatest historical sites. You can see he’s not the only one here…
Bruno’s “campsite” in Tabriz, in a big park.
Bruno visited quite a few markets in Iran. I guess he needed to feed himself, since his chef wasn’t around! It seems to me that the markets were rather photogenic, and a great way to experience some aspects of Iran’s culture.
Iranian spices are known to be unique and flavorsome. I remember trying a simple Iranian pilaf at the home of an Iranian family I used to babysit for, and I can confirm that it tastes like nothing else I’ve eaten. I would have loved to sample more of Iran’s spices!
I would have found my true happiness at this shop!
Bruno spent a lot of time wandering around this covered market in Esfehan.
Typical Persian decoration and colors on this old man’s goods for sale.
Bruno opted not to visit Persepolis this trip. He has been to Iran twice before and spent much time wandering around its ruins. He did, however, manage to catch a bit of Iran’s rather unique architecture in photo. I’m sure there are important histories attached to most of these places, but unfortunately, I didn’t get to learn about them!
The entrance of Persepolis – as far as Bruno got this trip.
Khaju Bridge in Esfehan.
The underside of the bridge is also a local hangout. I love the symmetry and the material used.
Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Esfehan. Seems like a nice city!
The mosques scattered all over Iran also have that unique Persian flavor:
Just a random mosque on the side of the truck highway.
Another random mosque. Bruno says these mosques remind him of those he’s seen all over central Asia (the “stan” countries). I guess that makes sense since Persian culture extended very far during the height of their empire.
The entrance of a mosque in Esfehan.
Wandering around the city streets and markets, Bruno managed to steal a few shots of the local people out and about. He reports that it wasn’t at all easy to communicate with them, as Bruno knew only a few words of Farsi, but he appreciated their friendliness, hospitality, and numerous offers of tea. Here are a few of my favorites people shots:
Women taking in the view near the bridge of Esfehan.
This old man must have quite the story to tell…
Cool outfits.
Bruno and I have been trying to capture a woman in a metal mask since our arrival in the Middle East (it’s a style of facial covering designed to cover facial hair, as per some Muslim’s interpretation of the law) . These masked women are not easy to catch!
But Bruno’s time in Iran was not all about tourism. He had some work to do as well!
Taking advantage of cheap parts and the absence of his partner to tackle a few Totoyaya tasks.
Filling up our empty cooking gas bottles. Points to the Iranians for thinking up creative problem-solving methods for these types of tasks!
And of course, the biggest task was actually driving through Iran. The road was long (2,400km!) and the drivers maniacal. Somehow Bruno still managed a few shots from the road. Iran seems to have a beautifully vast and varied landscape. Wish I’d gotten to see it!
Bruno thinks these are covered wells, perhaps designed to protect from the desert dust and sand in the south.
Beautiful patterns in the rock.
Interesting topography.
Wildflowers everywhere. Spring has arrived to the north of Iran!
Bruno had driven through Iran and was almost in Turkey. He just had a few final obstacles to cross before reaching me:
A bad road and a narrow entry under a decaying bridge…
… and the first of many snow-capped mountains. Brrrr…. the nights were cold!
Soon after those mountains, Bruno reached the Turkish border, leaving Iran behind. His time there may have been brief, but it was long enough for us lovebirds. Our reunion was lovely, but that, friends, is a story for my next entry!
rcs - Together again…a wonderful thing.
The pics are great but I missed your deatiled explanations that you would normally give. Shows that a picture needs an author for the thousand words.
Brittany - You’re right about the thousand words (or more – I’m slightly loquacious). Maybe you’ll have to write to Bruno to convince him to write the blog entry next time we’re forced to be apart, ok? He doesn’t listen to his wife… Sound familiar?? 🙂