the magical city of Esfahan

Some people who heard we're heading for Iran advised us to visit Esfahan, referring to it as "Iranian Krakow". It is also known as the city of artists, famous bridges, rugs and beautiful architecture.

We said good bye to our German friends but only for a while, because we were supposed to meet again the next day. Tony arranged that they'd be hosted by on of our potential hosts, Hassan.

We went to meet our host, Mahtab and her father and went to their house to leave our stuff. There we met Mahtab's sister, Mitra and their mother. Then we went to see the city. The girls showed us Khaju Bridge and Si-o-se Pol, also known as The Bridge of 33 Arches.

The area by the river is charming. Tony got a cigar from a passer-by but had to throw it away, because a policeman reminded him that he couldn't smoke in public during the Ramadan.

Near the Si-o-se Pol we met Mahtab's friend Hamed who told us a lot about the history of the city. We saw UNESCO World Heritage Site - Nash-e Jahan Square
(aka Imam Square) with Ali Qapu Palace. You can see it on 20 000 rial note.

Then we visited Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque, where I had to wear chadora. The Mosque has double cupola and if you make any sound directly under it, it echoes two times.

After we left the Mosque, we were joined by Persian guy Salman aka Awesome Guy and Arthur, a French guy who studied Persian. We went through the Esfahan Grand Bazaar to have some rest in a park. Somehow I fell asleep there, right on the grass ;)

In the late afternoon our friends arranged carpet demonstration for us. We had some tea there and learned about different kinds of carpets, which were the most valuable, what materials were used, how to make carpet look old, ect.

In the evening we went for tea and water pipe with our newly met friends. We all agreed to meet the next day in the evening, for the CS meeting, after our return from Kamron's village.