Exploring Isfahan

We made an early start to walk the streets of Isfahan. The local guard let us into the Madrase-ye Chahar Bagh (entry is usually only allowed to Muslims).

We walked up and down the main drag, Chahar Bagh Street. We paid 500 rials for a used cardboard box for Ahura. bought gaz and tape.
We visited the Palace of 40 Columns (Chehel Sotun), the reception hall of Shah Abbas and saw a “tear holder” in the museum”.

Next, we headed to the Friday Mosque (Masjed-e Jame), one of the most impressive sites, representing over 500 years of Persian religious architecture (from 11-18th C) In one mosque, you could see all 3 divisions of Islamic architecture (brick, stucco and tile).

We blew off lunch and took a taxi to a woodworking shop.

We had 3 guys leave their lunch and make a pair of Ahura Mazda legs for us for $1.00.
Late lunch at Shahrzad Restaurant.
We visited the Armenian Quarter and the Cathedral in Jolfa (Vank Cathedral).

Then it was on to one of the many bridges in Isfahan.

The Pol-e Shahrestan – the oldest, built during the Sassanid period
The Pol-e Khaju – constructed by Shah Abbas II in 1650
The Si o Se Pol (Bridge of 33 Arches).

Teahouses are located beneath the bridges.

We smoked hubble bubbles and had tea with a group of high testosterone teen-age boys. Lots of laughs, lots of photographs. All the boys kissed John and I got my butt patted by an 18-year-old.

On the way to the hotel, we met a group of Iranian students studying German who walked us back to the hotel.
Dinner without the group in the beautiful hotel restaurant.