We are lucky to be among the few Americans who have visited Iran during the past 5 years! With nuclear negotiations making headlines  every day, what would we see in this country? Beautiful palaces, mosques and  tree lined boulevards. 6 cities that were clean and green, with people who loved Americans.

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The Houston World Affairs Council offered an educational trip to Iran, visiting major cities and historical sights. Our itinerary was Tehran, Yazd, Isfahan, Kashan, Ohm, Shiraz, Persepolis and Tehran. 14 curious travelers joined us on 5 bustrips and 3 domestic flights to see this mysterious country.

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There was a shady green park across from our hotel. After a full day of travel,  the exercise was welcomed. So we walked and we walked.

 

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All these trees and parks were watered with irrigation regulated throughout the city. There were beautiful fountains were found throughout the city. From the center of traffic round-abouts to the numerous city parks.

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Some of the water was in canals that ran through the city. The benches along these waterways were full of people enjoying the outdoors.

Everyone loved seeing the “countdown

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On the sidewalks there were 2 of these donation boxes for the “poor” in each block. It kept you very aware of helping people in need.

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A MUST – SEE for all visitors to Iran is the Carpet Museum or at the very least, a store that demonstrates how Persian rugs are made. Rugs are very important to Iranian art and culture. Carpet weaving goes back to 5th century B.C. The traditional Persian carpet is tied with a single looping knot which allows for a finer quality of work. Today, Iran is the largest producer and exporter of handmade carpets.

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Visit to the Contemporary Arts Museum in Tehran

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An Iranian with connections in Texas – his brother is a professor at UT Austin.  He was working at the museum gift shop!!! He loves America!

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All women wore scarves to respect an Islamic tradition. It wasn’t hard to do. There were millions of scarves  – in every color and every design.

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Agha Bororz Restaurant – our first lunch in Tehran

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There was a real effort for us to try a variety of Iranian culinary dishes… but we ate a lot of kebobs. Kebobs for lunch, kebobs for dinner.

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Hookas