As we drove through the hills near Shiraz, we were constantly threatened by oncoming sheep - every 2 miles there were about 200 sheep waiting to ram the car. 

I decided to go NY style in a traditional Tea House for a few minutes - OK, my clothes aren't really...NY, but, hey! 

This is the group that went on a trip to Shiraz and Persepolis. It was really amazing! 

I am definitely not posting my favorite photos - but here is Persepolis!!! 

The Anglican Church of Shiraz seemed to be abandoned on a Sunday morning! 

The Esfahan Bazar

The Bazaar at night - and where I would find some lovely antique Polish tea glass holders made at the Norblin factory in Warsaw.

Wall Painting on Ali Qapu Palace

This is a portrait of a European Lady on the side of the wall of the Ali Qapu Palace in the Beautiful Imam Square of Esfahan. She's noticeably European for the hat she is holding in her hands.

The Imam Square of Esfahan - Also Known as Naqshe Jahan, Image of the World

Sitting in the Courtyard of Imam Square in Esfahan. It was a VERY bright and sunny day...actually got a sunburn somehow.

Bridge on the River Zayandeh

Now, I have just started the third semester of classes here in Tehran - but for the last three weeks I have been on vacation. This was a break for Noruz, or the Iranian New Year, which falls on the first day of Spring. To take advantage of the few days off from classes, I went to visit Isfahan, where there were many beautiful monuments, palaces, gardens, and bridges. Here I am standing in the underside of a bridge -- just above the water.

For Easter I went to visit the local Catholic Church, right next to the "Embassy" of the Vatican. The service was in Italian, and it was actually a full house - everyone singing and praying in Italian. I could not have imagined so many people in Tehran were Italian....

Although Tehran is an overwhelmingly large metropolis - there really are many beautiful buildings. Unfortunately, many of them are being sacrificed for the greater good of 20 story commercial complexes. Here you can see an old iron grating, behind which is possibly a run down summer house. You can find such remains all over Tehran. I hope to put some of their photos on this blog from time to time.