At first we wonder why there are large, flat concrete blocks all over the country. Naturally, we think that a bungalow or a small sales hut is to be built on them. Until we realise that these are picnic areas. Nothing will be built on them, that's the right thing to do.
Because we observe: A white (usually white) car stops, lots of people get out, the boot is opened, the music plays loudly. And immediately a carpet is rolled out on the concrete blocks, sometimes with cushions for cosiness. The food is now quietly spread out on the carpet: filled bowls, full bowls, cups, mugs, teapots, cutlery (only forks and spoons, we never see knives here). Nuts, dates, snacks, drinks, flatbread and sweets. A fire is quickly lit next to the concrete blocks or the gas cooker is hissing and people are barbecuing or frying. The shisha, which is called Huka (قلیان) here, is at the start and every family is laughing, singing and chatting.
As soon as we pass one of these picnic spots, we are invited in. Here, at the gates of Persepolis, there are no concrete blocks, but the carpets fill the open space just the same. All we really want to do is look, listen and sniff. Instead, we find ourselves sitting with the taxi driver's family in no time at all. And a little later with the family of a tour guide and hotel owner. As we climb over the rocks to get a better view, we are invited by young people, this time we decline with thanks, we can't take any more. Our bellies are full, our thoughts are still revolving around the last conversations. And to be honest, we realise that the volume of the boys is just too loud for us.
We see people picnicking everywhere in Iran: on the roadside, on motorways, in all cities on any open space that presents itself (meadow would be too much to say in Iran, where it is quite dry, desert-like and dusty). We even see families sitting comfortably in the middle of roundabouts. Of course, the corresponding cars are parked on the roundabout, aren't they?
A wish is slowly creeping into my mind: I think I'd like to have a picnic rug like that. I think they're really nice. They're sturdy, impermeable to sand and a really good idea for us. But that's just me. Gerd reminds me of all the things I've already travelled around with us without us ever needing them and I'll leave it at that for today. Because I really don't have a good explanation for the SUP, the snow chains, the evening dress and the suit, the many cosy blankets and the far too many woollen items that have been driven around the world almost unused.
Although, a carpet like that wouldn't make the roast fat, would it?
Merci for "travelling with us
We are thinking about taking another break from travelling in the summer and visiting our families in Germany and Switzerland. One of the ideas is to organise a Lecture about our long journey to the Persian Gulf to prepare. If you would like to, what would interest you the most? We will also tell stories here that don't find a place here on the blog. We're thinking of the Bern and Berlin area - simply because we have family there. But other places are also conceivable. Feel free to write to us.
Do you think our travel experiences might be of interest to others? Then you can share the Share post quietly. By e-mail or however you want to do it.
In addition, if you haven't already done so, you can use our Newsletter subscribe. Here you will receive all our experiences in your mailbox whenever we publish something new or once a week on Fridays: live-pur.ch/newsletter
We are also very happy to hear your views, your tips or your questions. Just comment on the post!
