Lighting out for the territory nce more in the Middle East. The more I travel the more I want to travel and the longer that I am out of England the happier I am. At present in Iraq and having a wonderful time. really fallen in love with the country and the people. Very glad I came and

Gallery: Train to Kerman, bus to Bam

IRAN | Monday, 20 Oct 2008 | Photo Gallery

Gallery: Iran - Yazd

IRAN | Monday, 20 Oct 2008 | Photo Gallery

Sun 19th Oct - Kerman to Bam

IRAN | Sunday, 19 Oct 2008 | Views [462]

Decide against another night in this overpriced hotel and opportunity to see the town as no one has a good word to say about Kerman so it's a rush for the border sans rest, sans bazaar, sans decent-sized daybag. Bus to Bam is 4 - 6 hours. And it must ... Read more >

Tags: the tricky bit

Sat 18th Oct - Yazd to Kerman

IRAN | Saturday, 18 Oct 2008 | Views [1012]

Making plans to leave. Asked manager Ali for his advice on timing last night. I want to get the 6.10am Yazd to Zahedan and then Zahedan to the border, the scary border. If I leave today I will see nothing of Yazd and miss Zoroastrian Fire temple completely ... Read more >

Tags: food, no fear, zoroastrians unseen

Fri 17th Oct - Yazd

IRAN | Friday, 17 Oct 2008 | Views [546]

Orient Hotel - what a fabulous place. Stayed up till 4 talking and feel deathly. Jobs today: 1.Work out schedule for leaving before visa ends. 2.Post Office to send presents home. 3.Internet. 4. Shower. Not necessary for hygeine particularly but only ... Read more >

Tags: beauty of persians. heat

Thur 16th Oct -Yazd

IRAN | Thursday, 16 Oct 2008 | Views [504]

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 ... Read more >

Tags: kindness of iranians

Wed 15th Oct - Esfahan

IRAN | Wednesday, 15 Oct 2008 | Views [1011]

Saw so much today. At the Imam Mosque a man is standing singing in an empty room. His friend asked if I understood what he was singing about. I said yes, everyone understands beauty. I did not photograph him. Sometimes you don't. 2 small Afghani refugee ... Read more >

Gallery: Iran -Esfahan

IRAN | Wednesday, 15 Oct 2008 | Photo Gallery

Tues 14th Oct - Tehran to Esfahan by bus

IRAN | Tuesday, 14 Oct 2008 | Views [1234]

The bus is amazing - actually a Volvo coach with snacks and a movie and reclining seats.At 1.30 am we stop at truck stop for tea. How cool is this? I am chased by chai man for 500 rials as forgotten to pay. At one point we pass a motorway sign that seems ... Read more >

Gallery: Iran - Tehran

IRAN | Monday, 13 Oct 2008 | Photo Gallery

Gallery: The Ferry across Lake Van

TURKEY | Monday, 13 Oct 2008 | Photo Gallery

Mon 13th Oct - Tehran

IRAN | Monday, 13 Oct 2008 | Views [1061]

3 mosquito bites and counting. Dial up internet is dreadfully slow but fried eggs for breakfast make up for a lot. Martyn just left to take the metro from Imam Khomeini Square. Most savvy in forn parts is Martyn. I shall miss him. Laundry ready 11.... Read more >

Gallery: Still on the train

IRAN | Monday, 13 Oct 2008 | Photo Gallery

Sun 12th Oct - tehran

IRAN | Monday, 13 Oct 2008 | Views [554]

I lost my scarf on the train so come down for brakfast wearing my little travel towel on my head. Better look an idiot than be shot. So it's off to the Grand Bazaar for headscarf. Gods, it's hot! Tehran has insane traffic and locals just step off the ... Read more >

Tags: bazaar, kurdistan, traffic

Sat 11th Oct - Iran at last

IRAN | Monday, 13 Oct 2008 | Views [397]

day 1 of 12 Iran visa. Off ferry and onto next train. 4pm we killed someone! An old man sat on the track and committed suicide by train. Not uncommon, they say. We are delayed by only half an hour which is really sad. In Tabriz I change money and ... Read more >