Following an early breakfast on board the train we stopped at Sadat Shaha, the home of Persepolis. Another world heritage site. Perhaps Iran’s most important archaeological site, this capital of the Persian Empire dates back to the 6th century.. Sadly it was freezing cold and a tad of rain so Mrs G insisted she stay in the book shop, while I went to explore this incredible site and take pictures to show G. Running up the many many stairs and around the site, stopping to get a picture of the most beautifully preserved remains of what use to be a thriving city. Bahman our guide laughed saying he had never shown anyone this place quicker! I just didn’t like the fact G was in the bookshop on her own, as much as G will insist she is okay, I still worry not being there. I did manage to get many beautiful photos and learnt a snippet of the history in 10 minutes! It was fun though, running around like a mad lady stopping for two seconds to take pictures. Great exercise!

Running back down to G in the shop I was breathless, but what a smile on her face.. So happy to be talking to the Persian people. Finally she has had a chance to make friends with the locals.. We had been talking about the downfall of being guided around site seeing when all we wanted to do was meet locals. Even though the language barrier can be a little tricky at times, their always willing to try make some sort of conversation.

Off to Shiraz we go, about forty five minutes in the car my tummy started to go! No stopping, I felt so nauseous and couldn’t wait to get out of the car! Lunch was probably the quickest yet, dashing in and out we were taken to a lovely hotel to freshen up. Thank goodness, finally I could have a private bathroom! So nauseous by this point I was so sick! I felt like I had eaten something bad. Luckily we had these rooms for three hours, I managed to have a nice bath and a snooze. Walking down stairs, G was already in the lobby and had been for the whole time. She insisted I stay an extra few hours to get myself better, while she and our guide went about town.

We made our way back to the train that was waiting for us at Shiraz station, I completely collapsed on my bed in the train. Dr Suzie came to see if I was okay and took my blood pressure ext. 80 over 54 which is extremely low. She gave me some electrolights and told me to drink up plenty of water. Then from 7.30pm until 9am the next day I slept! Slept on the uncomfortable tiny bedded Iranian train! I must have been sick I said to myself, sleeping all that time!