When things go wrong, when you’re down, when you need a soothing drink, Iranians don’t open a beer bottle; they turn to the ultimate healer, tea. This is a picture of teachers who joined me for a 2004 tour of Iran. In the background is Isfahan’s famous plaza. Behind us on the right, you can see Ali Qapoo Palace from where kings used to watch polo games on the square. On the right is Shayk Lutfallah Mosque and in the center background is the world-famous Jum’a Mosque. But what was really fun was the teashop. The steps to the second-story patio are killers! Below is my journal entry for that day.
Had dinner at the restaurant with the multi-colored fountain again. The owner recognized me from last year. His prayer room is gone, but he’s building a small mosque right next to the restaurant. Afterward, went to the Praise God Teashop that overlooks the square. The steps are extremely (!) steep, and the stairway twists. You have to pull yourself up by the railing. Painted on the wall next to each step is one green letter: A-l-h-a-m-d-u-l-l-i-l-a-h! “Praise God!” Which is exactly how I felt when I reached the top. Whenever someone makes it to the top, the customers in the restaurant raise their glasses and cheer. Sense of humor is great here. Now, if we can just get back down again.
[Click on the above link to “Isfahan’s famous plaza” to get to Flikr. If you click on “ISFAHAN” to the right, you’ll have access to 192 stunning photos of a stunning city!]
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