farflungistan

Rick Steves and other thoughts about Touring Iran

Rick Steves managed to get himself and a film crew journalist visas to Iran back in 2008. He too seemed apprehensive about the trip even with his travel resume and years of teaching others how to travel. They were allowed to film 10 short days and brought PBS viewer a very thoughtful piece about travellingContinue reading “Rick Steves and other thoughts about Touring Iran”

The Skinny on the Iranian Travel Visa for U.S. Citizens

The process sort of reminds me of what it takes to get a Russian Travel Visa. It involves some cash up front, a form of letter of invite, a detailed itinerary, and patience. The Russian one seemed more to do with cash since it took a just few minutes to fill out the application, aContinue reading “The Skinny on the Iranian Travel Visa for U.S. Citizens”

Short list of WHO WHAT WHERE and HOW for Iran Travel

Here’s my list of online sites which inspired and kept the dream alive while waiting to see if Iran wanted me to come or not. I hope they are useful to others looking to go: US Travel Warnings British Foreign Office Travel Advisory WHAT Destination Iran Tour Site Traveler Nico from Scotland’s Flickr Stream Soorm’sContinue reading “Short list of WHO WHAT WHERE and HOW for Iran Travel”

Americans in Iran 2011: Planning, applying and waiting…

It’s May 2011 and our next trip will be to Iran. Ignoring the propaganda and the fact that it could take months to get a visa we begin the visa application process and the trip research. It was now or never and we’re going for it. The trip will be at least 14 days whichContinue reading “Americans in Iran 2011: Planning, applying and waiting…”

May pictures of the World Trade Center from up above

WTC in lower Manhattan 30 stories above last night. It’s looking pretty good. It seems like they are in high gear as the 10 year anniversary is fast approaching. The big corporations are signing up for a piece of space in the towers. The financial giants now headquartered in Times Square and Jersey could be planningContinue reading “May pictures of the World Trade Center from up above”

Echo rules Madison Square Park NYC this summer

What is that glowing white figure in the middle of Madison Square Park? It’s Echo by artist Jaume Plensa. This large 44′ tall sculpture is made up of 15 blocks of plaster which have been individually joint together by lead sheets. The 3-D sculpture is the face of a 9-year-old girl who lives in his neighborhood andContinue reading “Echo rules Madison Square Park NYC this summer”

Escape from Manhattan

Biking along the west side of Manhattan is one of the best ways to a break away from city and immerse yourself in the beauty of the green pathway that snakes its way around this big island. The ride from Midtown to Riverside Park (99th Street) takes anywhere from 15-30 minutes. Anyone thinking about takingContinue reading “Escape from Manhattan”

The Frying Pan is open @ Pier 66…well sort of

The Frying Pan is summed up the best by this Yelper who said on April 17th this year: “I like drinking, I like boats, and I like the great outdoors. Ergo, I like Frying Pan. On a beautiful spring day it’s absolutely magical that you can be sipping a beer and overlooking the Hudson.” TheContinue reading “The Frying Pan is open @ Pier 66…well sort of”

Spring NYC…what’s going on at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

Now that the temps are rising and the sun has made its way through the thick grey clouds of this winter we here in NYC now look forward to many things that begin to open up and remind us that summer is on its way. This means we can comfortably dine outdoors without the assistanceContinue reading “Spring NYC…what’s going on at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens”