Walking the bridges in Esfehan

I got pretty sore feet from walking around yesterday in those dress shoes. Today, I wore my running shoes as I wanted to see all the bridges in Esfehan. It is so sunny here, I am going to have a good tan when I get back.

There are about 4 very old bridges along the Zayandeh River here in Esfehan. It was quite a hike to get to the Shahrestan Bridge which was 3km past the Khaju Bridge. But I was pretty determined to see that one. All along you can see people resting in the shade studying or couples talking to one another. I stopped to get a coke and some ice cream and some Iranians gestured for me to sit with them. I was tired and said what the heck. They always have some standard phrases like Hello, How are you that they try on you. One of them made it understood that I should buy them some ice cream and I made it understood that he should buy me an icecream. His friends laughed at him.

After that massive walk along the river, I decided to mail some post cards. Got those off, then changed some more money as I wanted to pick up some souvenirs. I really like the copper kiln fired blue plates and vases. They are very nice. Still holding off on a carpet, just to fatiguing for that. I will try a last minute thing in Tehran Friday.

Had a little nap in Iman Square in the shade of some bush. Feels good to get a little sleep on a hot afternoon. Almost all the shops close down from about 2 to 5pm for a sieste. Almost like southern Europe. I tried walking around during that time but eventually came to the conclusion that they were mostly closed and I should just lie down and take a nap.

Did go to the Museum of Contemporary Art where they showed some paintings with a money theme. It was ok. The museums are very cheap here, about $1 or $2 so even if it is not so great you are not getting ripped off. They have a Natural History Museum with large dinosaur statues around it. I find that rather peculiar to see dinosaurs in a Muslim city. Probably no weirder than dinosaurs in the bible belt of the US I guess.

I have noticed that they like to say: Hello Mister! Where are you from? Then that leads into some chit chat followed up with a "Do you have some time to come to my shop?" It is all good, you just have to know what you like I guess and not get persuaded into buying something you don't want.

There are very few white tourists here. Walking around I saw a Scotsman and Irish lady that I saw yesterday that I chatted with. Other than that I see a few others. This really is not on the high list for most tourists. A shame as the people are quite friendly.

Tomorrow I am flying to Shiraz and I have to see Persepolis which is some ancient ruins along with some other sites there.