Brush away your misconceptions – Iran is amazing!  The scenery varies between mountainous and arid to lush and green and the Iranians are some of the most welcoming people you would ever hope to meet and generous to a fault, inviting us to their homes for tea or food and a chat. 

 

 

 

   

After an easy border crossing into Iran, our first stop was Tabriz and time to explore the old bazaar and sample the local food before heading into the hills to Babek Fort whereby a hard uphill slog was rewarded by amazing views over the valley.

 

 

Onto the wonderfully lush mountain town of Masuleh, a holiday destination for the Iranians and a place for us to chill out and enjoy the countryside and the offerings of food and nick-knacks in the bazaar. 

 

This was followed by the next milestone birthday of the trip – Emily’s 21st!  Sadly no drinking as Iran is a dry country but we made the most of it and had a memorable evening - Happy Birthday Emily!

 

 

Moving onto the beautiful city of Esfahan with its wonderful blue tiled buildings and covered bazaar. We had plenty of time to explore the Grand Bazaar and purchase carpets amongst other items and discover some of the cities renowned tea-houses. 

Off to Yazd now...

Until the next time …

So far...

2012 Dawn Service at Anzac Bay, Gallipoli on 25 April

Following the early morning Anzac service we headed onto the beach resort of  Selcuk where we based ourselves for visits to the historic sights of Troy and Ephesus.   

On our way to Oludinez we visited the brilliant white terraces of Pamukkale for a soak in the calcium rich waters and a wander around  the ruins of Heirapolis. 

Oludinez itself provided the adrenalin junkies amongst us the opportunity to try their hand at paragliding and quad biking and the rest the opportunity to swim and sunbathe and enjoy th nightlife in town. 

Then onto Olympos, our last beach resort until Vietnam, for a more laid back ‘hippyish’ couple of days where we stayed in tree houses and which saw the first milestone  birthday of the trip;  David’s 70^th .  We celebrated in style with a ‘D’ themed fancy dress party and despite the lack of shopping opportunities to purchase props and costumes made some fantastic outfits!

We are now in beautiful Gorome in the heart of Cappadocia  and home to unusual rock formations and fairy chimneys, best viewed during an early morning hot air balloon ride. 

Tomorrow we head out towards Nemrut Dagi on our way through eastern turkey and onto Iran!

Until the next time!