"Iran" a Iran Travel Page by kiwiwahine

We made it through Pakistan, the final run for the border being the toughest, we cross near Nok Kundi and head straight for Bam finding ourselves enveloped in sand as we ran into a sand storm.
Unfortunately one of the passengers travelling on a US passport; Geoff, had to fly over Iran as the US Embassy would not give him the letter of recommendation he needed in order to obtain a Visa. Sadly he was unable to join the trip again after becoming ill. Another of the passengers on a Canadian Passport had problems in Shiraz with visa's when it was found she had noted on the Iranian Entry Permit that she was a Police Officer, fortunately the problem was eventually resolved and Donna was able to join the truck again.
A lot of the Iranian woman still abide by the black cape principal but the younger ones in their trendy platform shoes and overcoats can be found wandering the major cities arm in arm. Iran is by no means as liberal or democratic as the West but the people are happy and healthy. They live in an environment that sees the family unit as a key componant of everyday life. One of the best ways to meet locals is at one of the numerous public parks, where you'll find the extended family picnicing, flying kites and kicking a ball around.
One of the weirdest sights was a huge "Down With The USA" sign in brass lettering that can be found in the foyer of the Hummer Hotel. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera on me the night we were there.
Iran would turn out to be one of the highlights of the trip, it is nothing like I expected. After being told be media in the West how oppressed and horrific it is, the beauty of the people and the place is astounding . I wish eveyone could travel here to experience it because it truly is one of the greatest places on earth
Have a look at my travelogues for more information and photos.........Ange