I’m a happy man in an Iranian traditional home because everything – eating, sleeping, receiving of guests – happens not on furniture but on floors covered with nothing but Persian rugs. Empty rooms are peaceful.
Getting non-industrial food in Iran is as likely as running into Joe Biden at the supermarket – unless you specfically ask for farm-fresh food. And beware of Iranian hotels many fake stars.
Filband is a village in northern Iran in the middle of the clouds so dense, you would swear you’re at beach not on top of a mountain. Were having a blast touring Iran’s Caspian Sea area.
“You haven’t even hit the jungle yet!” our host cried on the phone. Just the foggy climb to the 10,700-foot Filband village in northern Iran is an adventure during our Iran Caspian tour.
The infamous Haraz Road north from Tehran offers lots of danger and bad roadside restaurants. It is, however, the shortest most beautiful and interesting path from Iran’s capital Tehran to the the Caspian Sea coast. The breathtaking views of the Alborz mountains are unbeatable.
The first sight of the snow-covered Mt. Damāvand was so unexpected and thrilling, that I just slammed on the brakes. Saeideh jumped out and ran.
On our latest escape from Tehran, we intentionally plan minimally, seek traditional lodging and foods and not worry too much how long things take. Goal is to be open to new experiences.
We had the complete symphony this morning waking up in the village of Lāsem (LAW-sem), a couple of hours northeast of Tehran. Then fell asleep again on the floor of the village “suite” we found by chance.
Here’s a story on I ate fantastic Persian food (after insulting the host) thanks to the legendary Iranian tradition of feeding the masses with free food to honor the dead saints of Shia Islam.
This the first story about our Iran road trip from Tehran to Mashhad, by way of the north Caspian Coast region. Don’t forget to leave your comments.
Ancient Persians, aware of the strategic value of the Silk Road to East-West commerce, built towers with fires on the top to direct travelers. Many of the towers survived the centuries despite earthquakes and the punishing weather.
Don’t pass up the chance to attend a performance of classic Persian music during a trip to Iran. For me, it was an emotional experience tonight.
