Story of a Trailing Spouse: August 2010

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

D' Anggrek @ Isfahan...

the famed Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Square

Salaam,

Saturday, 10 July 2010....A day trip and tour of Isfahan...a city of immense beauty and unforgettable experiences. A city dubbed as "Half of the World" so the saying goes as a visit to Iran will never be complete without Isfahan.

Wassalam.

the magnificient Imam mosque (Royal mosque)...glory of Isfahan

entrance to the Bastani restaurant, Naqsh-e Jahan

beautiful underground setting...

with assortment of local cuisines...

shopping for jewellery at the Great Bazaar of Isfahan

friendly and affable Isfahanis...

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque...undoubtedly the most splendid of all Iranian religious structure

souvenir shops around the Naqsh-e Jahan Sq.

the Royal palace of Ali Qapu, founded during Shah Abbas's reign

antique collection...

shopping for Qalamkar (print cotton clothes)...one of Isfahan's popular souvenirs

posing in the heat of the day's temperature...(48'c)

varieties of bronzeware, copperware and silverware...

thirst quenching in the hot summer days...

the grand and luxury Abbasi hotel...

young persimmon fruits...in the hotel courtyard

beautiful garden...

and models...

in the hotel's magnificient courtyard...

once a large caravanserai...

now a fine example of a classical Iranian garden...

sumptuous lobby and stairway...

coincidently named after this couple's first grandson

Si-0-Se Pol (Allahverdi Khan bridge) along the Zayandeh-Rud (river)...

the longest (360m) in Isfahan and one of the most praised Safavid structures...

today a popular spot for tea, rest and relaxation...

an evening silhoutette...on the way back to Tehran...

Monday, August 30, 2010

Bosnian Iftar...

Salaam,

Monday evening, August 30th/20th Ramadan 1431...

Attending an Iftar invitation graciously hosted by the new Ambassador of Bosnia Herzegovina to Iran and his charming spouse, Madam Nermana Hadzikadunic, at their chancery at Iran Zamin Avenue, Shahrak-e-Qods. A great variety of home-cooked Bosnian specialities prepared by the hostess was served. For some of us, including myself, it was our very first time to experience such a delectable and exotic Balkan cuisine. Couldn't help admiring and savouring each and every tempting dishes on the table, to the extent that it completely distracted my mind from remembering my little camera in my handbag.

Thank you so much Mdm Nermana for the great evening, and may Allah the Almighty shower His choicest and divine blessings always into your family and livelihood. Wishing you Ramadan Kareem and a very best wishes for the forthcoming Eid-ul-Fitr Mubarak...

Wassalam.

Malaysian, Bruneian, Turkish, Iranian...among the evening guests...

with our gracious hostess Nermana...

making new friends and acquaintances...

Sunday, August 29, 2010

D' Anggrek in Tehran...Niavaran Palace

Salaam,

Snapshots of D' Anggrek's visit to another enchanting masterpiece of Persian architecture and antiquities, the grand complex of the Niavaran palace and museum in northern Tehran, just a few distance away from the residence, on Friday, 9th July 2010 (correction: the visit to Saad-abad palace was actually on 7th July 2010).

Wassalam.