We took a bus out to Persepolis and some other nearby places today. These are all UNESCO sites where the names of Darius, Xerxes, Cyrus and Alexander are all writ large in the very fertile landscape of the Fars Province. Cyrus The Great's tomb at Pasargadae was the highlight for me. Huge and simple, lifted up above the Morghab valley floor by six giant plinths.
On the way back we had lunch with some farmers, had a melon tossing competition, ate tiny cucumbers straight from the fields and held an impromptu dance competition on the bus to some traditional Persian music.We were 2 Turks, 2 Columbians, 12 Iranians and 2 Brits.
Another great day in this country that is surrounded by some disintegrating neighbours, but which itself seems an oasis of.calm and hospitality.
