Wow today has been very adventurous! Starting with a fire temple called Zoroastrian, which has been burning for over 1500 years by a priest. At the front of the temple there is a symbol, the symbol that dates back to thousands of years ago. It is made up of six parts, head, hands, wings, central circle,  feathered tail and hanging cully threads.

1- Head)The figure inside is that of an old man representing wisdom of old age.

This reminds us the Farvahar elderly can be a better guide and that we should consult experienced and wise people.

2-Hands) One of the hands points upwards, telling us that we should always be in only one direction (lf Ahura Mazda). The other hand holds a small ring, the ring of promise. This shows respect for promise. In today’s world, we see it in the form of wedding rings signifying the promise between two humans.

3-Wings) The wings are spread apart signifying the ascent of the soul or upward progress of human. Each wing is in three major segments, representing Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds. This suggests progress through the triple principles.

4-Central Circle) A circle is a line that has no beginning and no end. The central circle in the Farvahar symbolises the cycle of life and the eternity of the universe. It tells us that the result of men’s actions return to him in this world. In the other world the soul of the righteous one will enjoy the reward, on the other hand the soul of the wicked one will fact the punishment (darkness and sadness).

5- Feathered Tail) It represents the opposite of the wings namely, Bad Thoughts, Bad Words, and Bad Deeds. It indicates the fact that we should always drop bad choices down and avoid them.

6- Hanging Curly Threads) Good Mind, Evil and Angry Mind.

When people passed away here in Yazd the priests would carry the dead bodies up a mountain to place called Silan towers.13000 feet above sea level right in the heart of the desert, they would leave the dead bodies for the vulcher’s. They would not bury human bodies because the people didn’t know what the disease or any infection causing the death, would do to the earth. Only 60 years ago they stopped this tradition that started a millennium ago.

After visiting the fire temple we went to visit the old town. Walking down dirt roads, we came to view a beautiful mosque. It was completely silent, the only voice we could hear was our guide echoing in the vast blue coloured dome. Whilst we walked through the silent town we were told the people living here build their homes from mud , sticks and clay. Some doors would have a knocker for woman and man, others would only have one handle for only a woman to enter. I loved seeing this, it was like taking a step back to the stone aged days!

We came towards the end of the town where our driver was waiting for us, when a family walked passed and saw us. They were all smiles and wanted to get photos with G and I. The mother spoke english and kept asking questions, she really wanting to befriend me. We exchanged email’s and had a brief chat about our countries. I felt so fortunate to have met her and her family.

Before lunch we went to where the people would carry out the ritual of the deceased bodies. Looking how far they had to carry the bodies, way up on the top of a mountain, I was surprised seeing what an effort they would have to go through. Incredible how strong religious beliefs can be.

After seeing this site we went to eat some lunch before making a quick stop to the beautiful Dowlat Abad Gardens. So many colours, pomegranate trees, fountains and beautiful birds. I could have stayed here for hours! If only I had a good book with me to read within these surroundings, that would be bliss!

Saying goodbye to beautiful Yaz we boarded out train to Isfahan. Thankfully they have put us up in a hotel tonight, 17th century  Abbasis hotel. Wow I am speechless, what a scene, this stunning palace looking hotel has so much character. I am starting to feel like an Iranian princess! Just looking at there website is magnificent. I am starting to think that the train breaking down was a blessing in disguise as we would have never got to see this historic beauty! http://www.abbasihotel.ir/en

Im sure excited to sleep in my non moving bed tonight!