OzBus 14

We have what is undoubtedly the tour’s best breakfast before seeing another museum. 6 hour drive ahead of us would, to the normal pedestrian, sound like a long journey, but is somewhat of a norm for us now. We stop for lunch and the 1st taste of western comfort; burger and chips!

As we pull into Esfahan, the city starts to look like Zanjan; one long high street with very little variance. The hotel, 4-star Ali Qapu, is similar to our last and just as centrally located. Handy as we plan on staying in the city for two nights.

After our usual bag drop stop we regroup and head towards the river to catch the sunset. From there we break off and the girls go for ice cream. Sweetcorn is popular in the city, sold in the street by vendors and mixed with various sauces and broken crisps. The walk and river is scenic and peaceful at sunset, but it’s the start of the Iranians looking to express their feelings and improve their English. Crowds of people, attracted by the fair skin and bright eyes of the group, watch and stare as we walk by – rather intimidating for us all, especially for the females among the group. Night falls and we all head back as Hassan has promised us a special trip to see a friend.

8pm we are all in the lobby, waiting to see where Hassan will take us. We find out as we walk that we will be visiting an artist with a niché for his canvas – camel bone. Miniaturist by trade, Hassan’s friend was also a salesman, showing us catalogues of his work. Amazing miniature pieces of art carefully dotted onto a small slab of camel bone (originally Ivory till the ban was enforced) that has seen the globe via exhibitions. Definitely a recommended experience for anyone who likes the strange and quirky. Back at the hotel, the dinner is light and a milkshake acts as our nightcap.

Tags: 1, Travel

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