Iran – Page 2 – Farflungistan

Hidden away in the mountains of southern Iran pics: Shapur City

Yeah…not what the Fox News is going to show you but here’s what really is found near the Zagroes mountains in south central Iran. Bishapur aka Shapur City

Trip to Iran: Shiraz Jet-lagged and caffeinated

The ride to the hotel is pretty much a blur. We learned that a light rail line would be completed sometime. Construction started in 2001 and it’s still not completed. I can relate since I spent most of my childhood waiting for the completion of the “Big Dig” in Boston. Mahmoud also informed us his sisterContinue reading “Trip to Iran: Shiraz Jet-lagged and caffeinated”

Iran Tour: the not so ugly four-letter word

We arrived in Shiraz in the early hours and there’s nothing like be greeted with a smile and have a car waiting at 4am. The tour was going to take us through the center of Iran – starting in Shiraz and ending in Tehran. We decided to go overland the whole way for a fewContinue reading “Iran Tour: the not so ugly four-letter word”

Tomb of Hafiz in Shiraz

The Musalla Gardens is where the great Persian poet K’aja Sams-al-Din Mohammad Sirazi or later more famously known as Hafiz lays to rest. A tall pillared mosaic ceiling and slender outlying evergreens shade Hafiz’s marble resting place. The works of Hafiz are influential in modern Persian society with its timeless themes, romantic dreams, and abilityContinue reading “Tomb of Hafiz in Shiraz”

Day 1 and 2: JFK to Shiraz via Ataturk International

Our ride from JFK to Shiraz and here’s how it went down: Airbus from Manhattan to JFK (1 hour) JFK to Istanbul (10 hours + 6 hour layover + 7 hour time shift) Istanbul to Shiraz (3.5 hours + 2 hour delay + 1.5 hour time shift) Shiraz Airport to hotel (longer than normal halfContinue reading “Day 1 and 2: JFK to Shiraz via Ataturk International”

Iran: What to pack ladies and what to tell the man to wear

What to pack What men and women wear when visiting an Islamic ruled country like Iran is something most travelers should take time to study. Men travelling to Iran should not plan on wearing shorts or short pants in Iran no matter what the temperatures are like. It used to be against the law for men to wearContinue reading “Iran: What to pack ladies and what to tell the man to wear”

Iran – The Plan

Our Plans are coming to fruition Our flight on Turkish Airlines departs on Thursday at 11pm EST and lands in Shiraz at 2am Saturday. No worries since there’s no way to get around it. Mahmoud from Pars Travel Agency is going to meet us on arrival and will then take us on a shortContinue reading “Iran – The Plan”

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”