Our last day before heading home to London. I have to say, this trip really has been something extraordinary. How much we have done in each day in almost three weeks, it almost seems made up. Traveling through central Asia and into Iran, on a train! And not just any train, but the Golden Eagle the worlds best train. Staying at the Ritz, seeing Royal jewels, visiting the only space station on the planet, learning how the ever so expensive silk carpets are made, visiting “the door to hell”, trying traditional food in each country and the surprise of how welcoming Iranian people really are! Just being able to experience all this with a lady that has a heart of gold, how she see’s and appreciates all the little things. How lucky am I to have had the opportunity to experience yet again another educational experience. We start this day again with smiles being picked up at the lobby by Bahman, his wife Camelia and sweet daughter Rozhn in there 4×4 family car. A tour around Terhan. Stopping at the top of the main mountain called Mount Tochal. Over looking the city, with my favourite fluffy white snow all over! Being shown where all the mega wealthy Persians live and being told a little history of the city we then drove past the American Embassy. With graffiti plastered all over the fences, skulls and nasty writing, There was no stopping here! Eventually hitting the all famous Tehran traffic, we were stuck trying to make our way back into the chic part of Tehran for lunch. As we finally made it to the building for lunch, we could tell this was going to be quite the restaurant. Up to the 12th floor we went and over looked some of the mountain. Seeing all of the sunny city covered with snow. We all sat at our table while Bahman spoke in Farsi to the waiter. Before we knew it, there was mass’s of food on the table. It really was nice being in a breathtaking restaurant, enjoying yet again more tasty food. We were with such a kind happy family that really made us feel right at home. Bahman was sitting at the head of the table and pulled our a little box, handing it to G. It was a necklace and matching Opal earrings. Mrs G couldn’t believe it. Such a smile, thanking him with watery eyes. Bahman then passed me over a small box too!! As I opened the box, here I found a torques necklace. I was speechless! This man who has guided us around Iran has not only given us the best possible experience one could have showing us his country, but gone out of his way completely. Taking Mrs G and I into his home to meet his family while they showed us their incredible talents in painting , playing the piano and now spoiling us with gifts! Dining with us at such a fine restaurant and just being themselves, the kind, caring and welcoming people they are. G and I keep saying how lucky we are. So so lucky! We didn’t want to say goodbye to this special family. Exchanging emails and personal details while we now sat at the hotel lobby. Bahman, G and I were finding it hard to say farewell.
An end to another life chapter, one I will certainly never forget. Now as the old saying goes “Home James, don’t spare the horse’s”
My world in a diary 