Updates!

I just realized that I haven't updated on here since the Persian New Year began a few days ago. I thought I'd take a few minutes to post an update about the past few days. My father and I visited the military museum here in Shiraz a few days ago, on the 21st of March to be exact, and that was a pretty fun experience, just being able to see the area that not only used to house the Persian soldiers, but there is also an exhibit dedicated entirely to all of the guns that have been used, some dating back to the 1600s under the Safavid dynasty. Unfortunately, I was not allowed to take any photos of these guns. I thought it would be cool to take some photos of these, but photography was strictly prohibited. I did manage to take a few pictures outside the exhibit next to an old tank that was used during the last Pahlavi era, I'll post that later on when I get a chance.

The next day, we went to my cousin Maryam's house for a HUGE, and I mean HUGE lunch. To say that I was stuffed and wanted to pass out after eating this lunch would be an understatement. There would be no nap time for me on that day since my cousin is going to be moving to England with her husband and her son in a few months, and she wants to be able to speak with me in English as much as possible so as to hone her skills a bit. That night, we went out to a place that has indoor video games and a small bowling alley. I never thought in a million years I'd end up going bowling here in Shiraz, but what do you know? We went bowling, and not to brag or anything, I won! All in all, I had a great time.

The following day, we went to one of my aunt's houses, which is located right near my grandmother's old house. We took a walk from my aunt's house a few blocks over to Khayam Street where my grandmother used to live. We went to the site of the old house, which is now a business. I took pictures of this as well and will post later. On the way to the house, we passed the hospital that was bombed during the Iran-Iraq war back in the 1980s. I kid you not, this hospital is about 200 yards from the location of my grandmother's old house. I never realized it was that close! After we visited the old house, we walked back up the street to the local bazaar, and it was there that I was able to buy a really nice Turkish-made suit. It was almost a perfect fit, we just had to walk across the street to the tailor to have the pants hemmed a little bit since they were a little bit too big in the waist and too long in length.

Yesterday, we went to one of my uncle's properties in a small village called Pasquat, about a half hour outside of Shiraz. I actually spent half of the day sleeping there while my uncle and aunt prepared lunch, since my genetic condition, Marfan syndrome, was agitating me from the time I woke up that day. Every bone and ligament in my body ached, and I felt as if I was an 80 year old man. This happens usually for a few consecutive days each month, and there's really nothing I can do about it. Anyways, I woke up to lots of company and another wonderful lunch. Afterwards, we went on a two mile hike up to the site of the natural springs that provide water to the houses in the village. It was absolutely beautiful up there. The only sound you could hear was the sound of us talking and walking! I came to the conclusion that I would love to buy a piece of property up in these mountains, away from the village because it is so peaceful up there, there is natural water from the spring (and underground as well) , and the air is incredibly crisp, clean, and fresh. The air here in Shiraz is terrible. The S02 emissions here are out of control! I tell you what, everyone that thinks LA is bad needs to come to Shiraz and realize how far we as Americans have come in terms of attempting to clean up our air pollution. We still have a ways to go, but we are so far ahead of the people here it's not even funny. Anyways, I would love to buy some property in Pasquat since it is secluded in a quiet area, about a half hour away from Shiraz, and the property would be dirt cheap! That's not to say that I don't have the intention of buying property in Shiraz itself, let alone in California. I will post pictures of these areas later one when I get a chance.

Today, we are about to head out to the site of my grandfather's and aunt's grave with my grandmother. She still doesn't know we went the other day, but we will tell her after we go today. At least I am prepared for this today, and will be able to contain myself. I was an emotional wreck after the last visit because of the circumstances under which it took place. After we go to the grave sites, we will head to the gold bazaar and see if I can even afford to buy anything there since the price of gold is so incredibly high. If not, I'll settle for handmade silver! We then will go to two different people's houses tonight for a visit, distant relatives of mine or something. Basically, people I don't know yet!

Anyways, I will update with some photos in the near future, likely before we leave for Kish on Wednesday (Tuesday in the 'States). I'm looking forward to scuba diving, jet ski racing, and much more! Take care of yourselves and I'll post again soon!