DLA Charity Bazaar...

DLA Charity Bazaar

Salaam,

This morning a charity bazaar was held at the Iranian Center for International Communities, IPIS, Niavaran, Tehran. It was organised by the Diplomatic Ladies Association (DLA) of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, under the leadership of Dr Nazeri, Director of DLA and esteemed wife of the Foreign Minister.

As in previous occasions, invitations were also kindly extended to all spouses of Diplomatic representatives and International organisations in Tehran, as well as members of the Diplomatic Ladies Group and local organisations and associations.

The two-day bazaar was officially opened by Dr Nazeri who also expressed her utmost thanks and appreciation for all the kind contributions and participation of all attending.

Donations in cash and in kinds particularly food items were contributed and displayed during the first day of the bazaar. Apart from food, there were also numerous other local products and handicrafts on sale. Proceeds from the event will certainly be donated to help the needy and various charitable organisations in Iran.

Wassalam.

Opening remark from the Guest of Honor...

and the opening ceremony

foreign guests

Iranian nuts and other confectionery

carpets, gelim n rugs

beads

paintings

Iranian embroideries...

and potteries

assorted locally-made pickles

herbal tea

variety of pastry from Pakistan

kofteh from Hamedan

and fried noodles from Brunei

tiramisu from the Philippines

and assorted Romanian cakes

dried roses and rose water

floral table decorations

selection of materials for making the chador

Nowrooz table decor...

Iranian antique clock

selection of brooches

Hamedan Revisited...(2)

a plan model of the recreational complex

Hamedan Winter Festival...2010

Salaam,

Right after lunch on our first day of arrival (Friday 29 Jan), we embarked towards Abbasabad, some 4 kilometers southwest on the outskirt of the city. The place is extremely popular not only for the local populace, but also a major tourist attraction. The famed Ganjnameh rock inscriptions is located on one of the the foothills of these Alvand mountain range. The recreational complex of this beautiful resort includes varieties of winter sports and facilities, including the Ganjnameh telecabins or cable cars, bungee jumping and rock climbing.

When we reached the complex on that late Friday afternoon, the weather was not so favorable for us to take a ride on the cable car. Hence we just spent the rest of the day watching the various artists polishing their skills on ice carving, being entertained by skillfull ice dancers and bungee jumpers, and sightseeing along the winding mountain terrains.

An extremely cold and chilling weather as we descended later in the evening back to the city.

Wassalam.

Hamedan Winter Festival

rock climbing

skillfull ice dancer

delightful performance

ice carving contest...

gloomy weather

beautiful masterpiece

a 40m bungee jumping facility...

a young Iranian male stunt jumper

enjoying the cold spell

another exciting jump...

from a 19 yr old local 'stunt' woman...

incredibly daring...

apparently the first Iranian woman bungee jumper

mabrook khanoum jan...

Alvand mountain ranges

beautiful branches...

frozen n icy streams...

split level houses on terraces...

Alucheh (sour plum) and bagholi

(to be continued...)

Hamedan Revisited...(1)

The city's landmark...Avicenna Mausoleum

Salaam,

Welcome back. Well, I have been away, accompanying hubby on a three-day diplomatic tour of Hamedan province, jointly organised by the Foreign Ministry and the Hamedan Tourism Authority. Just recovering from the exhaustion though, after arriving late Sunday evening. Nevertheless, it was again a worthwhile and enjoyable trip to a city and province which, until now, has indeed becomes my most visited province (my fourth visit to be precise)...I guess by now I should be eligible to be awarded the most frequent traveller to this province...!!

The visit was organised to coincide with the closing ceremony of the province's Winter Tourism Festival and Exhibition. Arriving around midday on a cold and chilly Friday, January 29th, the group of around 30 diplomatic representatives and their spouses and families were kindly accommodated at the familiar Baba Taher hotel, within a walking distance from the famed Baba Taher Mausoleum. I must commend that the three-day program of the visit was so well-arranged by the local organiser.

Although much had been mentioned about this province in my earlier post (see Hamedan ...Iran's Oldest City, dated 15 June 2009), in my post today and in my subsequent posts, InsyaAllah, I would endeavour to share with my dear readers, more images of the historical and natural sites of this enchanting city and province, including the festival and exhibition, as we began our visit from day one...

Wassalam.

Baba Taher Mausoleum seen from the hotel

Hamedan province's topography...

halfway stop for refreshment at hotel Mellat

nice n comfortable coach ride

cosy interior

agricultural industrial site along the way

arriving at the hotel...

unwinding...

prior to checking-in

buffet lunch at the hotel

saying goodbye to the friendly ladies of the Hamedan Tourism...

and senior officials of the board

prior to departure to Tehran on the final day

(to be continued...)