I’m about to set off on a business trip to Brussels then London, starting from the worst airport in the nation for delays and cancellations, on a nasty day. I’m a glutton for punishment I guess.

I had to semi-promise to do some cultural sight-seeing this trip, which means a venture into a cathedral. If I’m struck by lightning and don’t return, you’ll all know what happened.

I’ve been back from my travels for over a week now. I’ve survived all the questions like ‘why would you go to Iran for vacation?’ and ‘don’t they eat goat’s heads over there?’ (the answer is no, but the do eat lamb’s head). (more…)

My sister likes to say that Iran won’t be left behind. Tehran has a metro system with an interesting story, as told by my brother-in-law (I’m not sure of the story’s accuracy but it demonstrates the Iranian pride). The story goes something like this; Beneath the city are several sewer systems that make building a subway system very difficult. The French were hired to build it and started work, but learned the engineering feat was too great to overcome. The Chinese tried and also failed, so finally the Iranians took on the task themselves and currently have two complete subway lines and are working on others. (more…)

While I was in Iran there was a debate going on about hijab, the conservative clothing requirements women have to follow. There was an article in the Iran Daily, a newspaper in English, about it. There were interviews on IRINN, their version of CNN, about it, and in Esfahan at Se O Se Pol bridge there was a guy making public announcements over loudspeakers about hijab and how it gives a woman respect, protects her, etc. (more…)

Iranians hate to wait in line. Going to the bank was an interesting experience. In the states, you have nice neat lines of people waiting to be served. In Iran you have to line up right on top of each other so there is no room for someone to jump the line in front of you. And even doing that, they’ll elbow their way in to just ‘ask the teller a question’ that turns into a transaction. And the tellers aren’t bothered with it. I never saw anyone say ‘sorry sir, you have to wait your turn.’ (more…)