To many who read widely reports by 'external' media, Iran is a country with inextricable link to terrorist organizations, and has been under pressure from the international community for its nuclear development. And with Trump’s recent pulling out of the nuclear treaty with Iran and sanctioning on countries from purchasing crude oil from Iran, this country has once again been brought to the forefront of international attention.
Many have expressed disbelief and reservation about my decision to take this trip to the ancient land of Persia.
“Trust me. It’s one of the safest countries and the people are so friendly you will never believe it,” reassured Adrian.And the deal was done.
In retrospect, this was one of the best trips we have ever embarked on. I was fortunate to have with us on this trip David and Kong Wan. And eventually we discovered to our pleasant surprise that a few more of our ex-trip-mates like Jeffrey, Shun Jie and Ron were also with us.
Having the pleasure to meet and interact with all the other new-found trip mates on this trip was one of the most satisfying aspect, on my own part, as I learned as much from them as I did from the travelling.
Pre-Iran Bangkok trip
As fate would have it, the trip had to be started from Bangkok because Adrian wanted us to fly from BKK to Tehran.
So Serene and I had a couple of days of eating at Lek Seafood, praying at the Four Face Buddha, shopping at Rot Fai Srinakarin market and massage at The Grand (cheap and good!).
[I have compiled a collection of videos and photos from many of our teammates. Where possible I have given credit to the photographers, but if I am unable to remember whose shots they belonged to, please accept my apologies in advance.]
Day 1
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| Mahenistan Raheb Hotel, Tehran |
10 Nov 2018
The problems with first days of trips are always a severe lack of inspiration when it came to shooting. However, being present on the soil of one of the cradles of civilsations was intoxicating in its very self. Throughout this first day, we kept pinching ourselves to remind that we were not in a dream.
Day 2
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| Arga Bozorg Mosque, Kashan |
11 Nov 2018
Kashan is another city south of Tehran. It is a more laid-back version of the capital. My first impression of Kashan was the captivating Kashan Bazaar. Simple, authentic, flavourful. And the simple, down to earth locals who are oh so friendly to us. One of my favourite cities in Iran.
Day 3
~ Esfahan: Exploring the ancient village of Abyaneh & the magnificent Naqsh e Jahan Square12 Nov 2018
Day 4
~ Esfahan: The longest day - Khajou bridge at 4am, Chehelsotun and man, were we lucky to accomplish the remote village of Sar Agha Seyed Village13 Nov 2018
Day 5
~ Vazarneh: In search of the Ancient Silk Road in the desert - Kharghouri Rabbit Caravanserai14 Nov 2018
Day 6
~ Pigeon Tower for shit. Yazd: running amok in the 4000 year old village of Kharanagh; keeping quiet in the Tower of Silence.
15 Nov 2018
Day 7
~ Shiraz: First time in 20 years - Rain, rain, rain... on a day of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Pasargadae, Necropolis, Persepolis & Shah Cheragh Shrine.16 Nov 2018
Day 8
17 Nov 2018
Day 9
~ Embraced by the medieval Arg e Reyan; and a looooooooong journey in an attempt to tempt Afghanistani bandits by shooting star trail in the Kalut desert!18 Nov 2018
Day 10
~Kerman: Kerman Bazaar... where foreigners are a strange sight.19 Nov 2018
Day 11
~ Back to Tehran... Bazaar-ing in Tehran before going home.20 Nov 2018
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