Lighting out for the terrritory

his time we take a leetle rest from the trains. Thought it would be fun to travel on a freighter so picking up ship in Genova. But I did not know it would be a brand new ship of surpassing beauty with charming officers and crew. There you go. Hope there a

Thur 16th Oct -Yazd

IRAN | Thursday, 16 October 2008 | Views [196]

God, this Amir Kabir hostel is a dump! the man washing down the loos first thing is also the guy who makes the breakfast.

First H and his wife arrive with armful of presents, poetry by Hafez and others. Then P and her children and mum arrive to take me to the bus station. Not only that she books my seat and pays the fare and I cannot stop her. They have presents for me too - it is too much. really sorry to leave them Damn this short visa - I could stay in Esfahan forever.

I travel with Hamsafar to Yazd. 5 hours and not comfortable. Tea at Yazd bus station with old ex-Navy man who knows America well. Taxi to the Silk Road hotel but full and taken to sister establishment, the Orient. Built on the caravanserai model with rooms round a central courtyard, the Orient is stunning. Again with the rooftop terrace for meals and make some good friends.

Stayed up till 4.30 am talking with David, a pilot from England and Sami the waiter who has better English after 4 months than many native speakers.An Afghan refugee who uses words like 'invidious' and streptococcal'. David and I in state of wonder.

Tags: kindness of iranians