~ In A Land Which Nothing Is As It Seems And Cakes......My Month In Iran ~ Part One

Hi Chris, it was a great trip, one I remember with fondness and amazement. In many ways, it was one my most favorite trips as it is a country with hidden pockets of deep beauty. It is also a rugged country with varied topography, delicious food, and countless treasures.  Some of the architecture and tile and stone work alone is staggeringly gorgeous. Will be happy to show you.

Well John, it's about time you got rid of a silly rule like that.  I don't know if I believe you anyway, you forget I read and comment on your "other" blogs... I also want to go to Libya, are you still interested? What can I say, I love the ancient ruins. Guess where I got married the first and last time? On Mount Olympus, in Cyprus.  I know, I'm hopeless in my quest.

Carolyn, Uzbekistan has one of my most favorite things. I will blog about them. I adore them. 18th and 19th century silk ikats.  Here are a few from my collection.  The silk threads are painted on the loom in sections and then woven with other silk threads that are dyed to create a pattern. They are woven in around 16" widths and then sewn together for large pieces for decoration and architectural panels and clothes for the very wealthy were also made from them.  Even in the 19th century, it was a punishable crime in Uzbekistan for a person to wear an ikat if their social standing was not on par with the quality of the weaving. How's that for quality control on a grand scale? Here are two  - and a detail. The more colors, the more valuable, the more difficult the design, etc. Probably two is more than enough for the uninitiated.  I love these instead of art sometimes with either mid century or antique French furniture or very contemporary furniture.

Hi Patrick, I do so know what you mean. It is frightening how we let others form opinions for us, that later morph into half -truths, then one day crystallizes into facts. Very convenient for everyone, except for the target.  Which we know is always moving.

Terry Don't pass up a great opportunity like that. You will be in the best possible company, people from there. I would jump if I had a chance like that.  The last trip I took was to Prague and Budapest, two years ago, if I were you, I would visit those with them too, if you have time, they are intriguing as well, but Central Asia ~ magical.

Hi Shirley, I was surprised to see this. I shot this in the car as we were driving behind the truck and was surprised to see it come out as it was a very bumpy road. Even though the women are covered up, it still is the same message isnt' it. I tried to find these decals when I was there, but couldn't,  You should have seen the shop keepers faces when I was requesting any information on how to obtain these.  It was hilarious.

Sally, you are more than brilliant enough to write that and more.  You also possess great and contagious wit which is something that eludes most of us. In fact you should write more.  That appears to be Inna Hardison's mantra and she is usually right.  I am so humbled and pleased that you read a few blogs of mine.  Believe me, everythime I post, it is a leap of faith asI just started writing here on AR. In closing, travel is what puts it all into perspective for me. A roving classroom and I, a parched student waiting to be quenched. I hope the lessons never end.

Sally, it would be hard to believe that you don't get business from your blogs. It is what positions you more intimately and transparently than another Realtor who is more opaque in their approach. I see your blogs as a yellow brick road, a path to getting and keeping clients.

If I were looking to buy or sell, I would view your blog as a horn of plenty. Many professionals in my area are very concerned with their "perfect" image and it becomes as plastic as their smile. I know, not nice, but I do live in Scottsdale...Believe me, I deal with them by proxy with my high end design clients as well as with my plant based carpet and air duct cleaning company. These particular professionals and some are Realtors would never render a tell of any sort about themselves unless it is highly scripted.

I love your candor and impish take on much of what you explore. I find it refreshing and optmisitic. Traits we could all use more of.

Hi Russel, it's been awhile since we crossed paths. Nice to see you.  This was a great trip and my friend who was with me is my dearest friend. We travel together frequently as we both love adventure near and far. I am looking forward to posting more installments to this trip. Thanks for stopping by.

Hi Robert, it's nice to meet you.  How did you even find this blog, it was written so long ago! I had a great time, which I know sounds so strange. Iran is a fascinating country and visually rich with natural physical beauty and astonishing man made structures that are mind boggling due to the the intricacies of the structure or the surface materials.

It's funny you ask about the food.  I love to cook and I love to eat, and I love to talk about food. I know... The food in Iran is a tasty puzzle. Iranian food is the most varied in the Middle East with Lebanese food coming in second. Iran has such arid land, that their cuisine has the most variety, freshness and creativity.  I could write a whole blog about that food, but to state it simply, they use ingredients in such novel ways. Their food is hearty, refined, savory, and the ingredients all stand expressively on their own. They understand the pairing of flavors very well. They have the best way to prepare rice, the best pistachios in the world, they actually invented pistachio ice cream and they invented wine in Shiraz. and they have excellent caviar in the north.

So, here are a few of my favorite dishes -

Fesenjun,is a sauce made with pureed walnuts, crushed pomegranate molasses, and spices with a slightly creamy consistency and is delicious served over any anything, but primarily over chicken.

Zereshk pollo, is a saffron chicken an d barbarry rice. 

They are big meat eaters and vegetable lovers and have all kinds of grilled meat dishes. I could go on and on, so will stop before I get carried away with all this food talk. But if you would like some recipes, email me and I will be happy to email them to you and walk you and yours through any recipe.

My dearest Malu, I am so excited and stunned to hear from you.  Patrick and I were talking about our trip and you, just the other day. Honestly, we were. I hope you and your family are safe and well.  Many in your country have faced such difficult challenges recently, and our collective thoughts are with you. 

I would like to thank you for the wonderful time you showed us in your country.  It was the best trip I have ever taken, such beautiful and expressive times we spent there are indelible in my memory. I would also like to express my gratitude with regards to the items we were not able to ship out.  I am so very grateful that you have kept them. Your honesty and integrity are your jewels and your wear yours beautifully. Please email at my email address - healthyhomeaz@msn.com  I will be very happy to get in touch with you.  All my kindest regards, Michelle