Got up early and got ready for my flight to Esfehan. Managed alright and got to the hotel reasonably early and checked in. Figured out where the hotel was in relation to the main sites in Esfehan and started walking.
It is very sunny and I am getting a very nice farmer's tan. I headed right for Imam Square. There are 2 beautiful mosques here: Imam Mosque and Sheikh Lotfolla Mosque. The Imam Square is the second largest square in the world after Tiannamen. There are little hand made craft shops all along the edge. I just love the blue and yellow design of these mosques. I would have put photos but until I get to a computer where I can download them I can only describe them. This site is probably the thing I wanted to see most here in Iran. So beautiful. I tried to take some very nice pictures. Too bad they are doing some repairs in Imam Mosque, so could not get super great shots.
There are some local shopmen who come around and tell you to turn to page something of your lonely planet book to notice their shop is there. People come up and try and get you to come to their shops and show you their wares. I did get some of those nice jewelry boxes that I like with the nice design on them. I just don't know what a good price is and if I am getting quality. I try and look around and compare the prices to avoid getting ripped off.
Another Iranian came up and started speaking English, he held an English study book so I assumed he wanted to practice speaking. We went to a local teahouse and had some tea while others drank tea or smoked their hookahs. I told him I was interested in those blue painted copper vases. He said he studied art in University and knew where they made really good ones cheaply. Apparently, the previous President bought them from there. Never know if someone is telling you the truth or just feeding you a load of stuff.
We went there and I did find a really nice large one and a smaller one I wanted. Heck, I am in Iran and should get some keep sakes. Later compared with other stores and these ones are nicer for sure. Starting to get sore feet and baking under the sun.
Went to Chehel Sotun Palace, which is sort of an open palace apparently made of 40 pillars but they reduced it to 20 when making it. They said the reflection from the pool made it 40, doubling the 20. Then went to Hasht Behesht Palace which is another older palace located with a nice pool in a park.
I feel good here in the library at the computer but looking forward to maybe heading back to the hotel to shower and lay about reading and writing some post cards.
Tomorrow, I should check out some of the bridges here. I fly to Shiraz on Tuesday afternoon.
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