Welcome to Tehran (Day 1)

I first headed to the big bazaar where you could buy anything that came to your imagination (from carpets to flashy bras)- after getting lost I eventually had a much needed coffee break (I still hadn’t slept yet!!).

I then took off to Golestan palaces where I discovered that Iranians like lot and lots of mirrors! It was one of the last Shah’s residences where he conducted official ceremonies such as coronations and weddings. It was built under the Qajar dynasty and consists of several buildings around a garden. At this stage I was still confused about the currency as the money has lost so much value they switch between Rials and Toumans and by the fact you don’t get change back in museums unless you ask for it?

I headed for a quick lunch in the sun before attempting to cross the busy road towards the park and giving in to what seems the Iranian way of crossing – say a prayer and hope not to get hit by a car!

Time for more culture at the Islamic national Museum before heading back for a snooze. After a stroll on Tabiat bridge overlooking the city by night, I had the traditional meal of Dizi but I had to refer to my favourite guidebook to enjoy it the authentic way. Off to bed now as it’s been a long and busy day!