2 Travel adventures Iran

In the Footsteps of Marco Polo

28 april - 1 juli 2012 (65 days)

As the sun slowly sets, more and more people gather on the square. Families settle on the grassy fields to eat. Children play near the fountain, and horse-drawn carriages come and go with local tourists. When the square’s lights turn on, it creates a picturesque scene. I wait for the perfect evening light to photograph the Jameh Mosque. Suddenly, I hear shouting from the other side of the square. Something’s happening. The sound of people grows louder in my direction. The wind also starts picking up. Before I realize it, carpets are being blown into the air, and trash flies everywhere. A billboard next to me falls over. A small whirlwind sweeps across the square. Just as quickly as the wind started, it dies down again. Everyone simply carries on as if nothing happened.

Photos Video Travelogue Route

Iran

Mausoleum Kashan

A small mausoleum in the outskirts of Kashan

Hafez Park Shiraz

Poet Hafez was born in 1324 but remains immensely popular in Iran

Khaju Bridge

The Khaju Bridge over the Zayandeh River in Esfahan

Chehel Sotoun Palace

The Chehel Sotoun the palace of the forty pillars

Impressive and Hospitable Iran

29 april - 9 mei 2010 (11 days)

Back on Ali Iman Square, I find a bench to write down my travel experiences. I don't get much opportunity to do so, as I'm soon approached by Ali and Hossein, asking if they can talk with me for a moment. In the end, we talk for over an hour about our trip, about Iran, the culture, and Amsterdam. Around 6:30, I break off the conversation for my appointment at the teahouse. By now, the square is bustling, and families are sitting on the grass everywhere. Attention is not lacking here. Whether I want to take a picture with the children to the left, shake hands to the right, and I shout "From Holland!" to a waving couple on a picnic blanket. The teahouse is located at the far end of the square. From the terrace, there’s a beautiful view over the entire square.

Photos Travelogue Route

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