I still intend to do one more foodie holiday post but I have been prompted to write this post because of the comments I have been receiving when I tell people I have been to Iran. I have been asked time and time again, questions like “Was it safe?”, “Were there police/soldiers/guards everywhere?” I was chatting with my hairdresser the other day and I don’t think she believed me when I said I did not see one woman wearing a burkah – ie, the full face covering garment. Continue reading
Hello, everyone. I am back from my holiday. People have asked me whether I had a good time. I don’t know the answer to that question. I am certainly glad I went but it was hard work in more ways than one.
My favourite country out of the four I visited was Iran. Azerbaijan was also a pleasant surprise but we were only there are few days so it is hard to make a call on such a short stay.
The main thing Iran has going for it is its people. They are so friendly and welcoming. People in the streets come up to you and welcome you to their country. I heard a thousand times, “Welcome to Iran”, “You are welcome,” and “What country are you from?” Mothers would thrust their young forward to speak to us in English, then burst with pride when we could understand them. As we walked past, a group of elderly men, sitting on benches in a park, burst into song for our benefit. Everyone was cheery and appeared optimistic for the future.
Here I am (on the right) with my friend, Sandra, looking very modest.
All in all, it was a very pleasant experience. There were only two negatives – no alcohol and having to wear modest clothing and a head scarf. The lack of alcohol made meals a very quick affair. There was no dawdling over a lovely shiraz in Shiraz. We even tried to get a non-alcoholic version just so we could say “we had a shiraz in Shiraz” but it appears they don’t even make non- alcoholic wine.
And, if you thought about the reason women have to wear a head scarf, you would get grumpy so it was best not to think about it.
Passion Fruit Garden 