Destinations / JOURNEY
I TH THE MUSIC of Pink Floyd blasting
at full volume, my guide Sanaz and my
driver Vahid are laughing and joking as
we speed down a deserted highway in
our Peugeot while the sun begins to set.
And so it is in this spirit of camaraderie and adventure
that I return to Iran. I have visited the desert country
many times and enjoy finding wonderful places to visit and
meeting the friendly, incredibly hospitable people. The
second-largest country in the Middle East, Iran has a rich,
refined culture and of course, an incredible history as one
of the world’s oldest civilizations.
Americans are allowed to legally travel to Iran as long
as they have a visa. Before applying for a visa, visitors
need to first apply for a travel authorization number from
the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. American citizens must travel with a guide. The purpose of my trip is
to scout out potential routes for future tours that might
interest adventure seekers.
And indeed, Iran is place that should not be quickly
ruled out as a travel destination. It is home to 19 UNESCO-
registered historical sites and some rugged and beautiful
country. It is also a safe place to visit as long as you respect
the culture and customs. When I was in Isfahan, one of my
favorite cities in the world, I saw only five other Westerners,
all from Europe. Most tourists stay away in the summer
due to the heat but I love being there during that time.
Like a Moonscape
And speaking of the heat, it is now 4 p.m., the temperature
outside is 122 degrees, the highway ahead is simmering
like a mirror from the radiating heat and we have not seen
another car for an hour.
I am on my way to photograph the Kalout rock formations in the Shahdad Desert and the whole trip out there
in the heat is worth it. We arrive just before the sunset;
the light is wonderful, turning to gold as the sun sets in
the horizon. The landscape reminds me of the American
Southwest, only a lot more dramatic.
As I climb slowly, drenched in sweat, around the huge
rock formations the scene is like a moonscape and I love
the solitude. “This is what real travel used to be all about,”
I think to myself. What an adventure I am having and,
with no one else around, I feel totally free.
Opener: Imam Reza Holy
Shrine in Mashhad. This
page: Naqsh-e Jahan
Square in Isfahan. Opposite
from top left: A village
merchant; Isfahan's spice
market; Arca restaurant
in Isfahan; curious
children in Persepolis.
