Just a few words on arriving in Tehran. The flights were long. The last leg was easier though, because, Rochester time was day and I felt rather perky. But, I was tired and discombobulted. We were check through the line by an attractive young woman in black abbaya and chador, her face framed in black and a black veil over her head that fell to the floor. She held our passports which were checked by a government official, then returned after our guide, Sayyed, arrived. Sayyed is friendly, he takes care of our bags, then loads them on a small bus for our trip to the hotel, in central Tehran, 30 miles from the airport.
Sayyed is concerned about the visa issues that caused 1/3 of our party to drop out. He tells us that the government has stated reasons for their decision, but we should observe the answers for ourselves. He says that after a few days, we will understand. He apologized for a loose schedule, and explains that the schedule has been changed 5 times, and what he will give us a one that he has written himself, and we can decide together what to do with the flexible areas. He also says that, though Tehran is generally a safe city, we should be careful of theives and pickpockets late at night and during the morning, and keep our valuables locked up at the hotel. He warns us never to show our passport or money to anyone on the stree, even if the look like, or claim to be a policeman. Harassing tourists for their passports is illegal even for the police. We should also refrain from taking pictures of military equipment or soldiers, unless they ask us to.
As we drive through city, I think that it will be interesting to take photos of some of the architecture and billboards. I am thinking shops and shopkeepers might also be interesting subjects. When we arrive at the hotel, we are exhausted, and I am very warm since I am wearing a winter coat, much too warm for the weather outside, much less inside. Tomorrow I will buy a manteau to wear instead. They hotel provides complimentary glasses of delicious juice, and a gentleman carries our bags to our rooms. I forget to put my scarf on when I answer the door, and he seems embarrassed. It will take some doing to get the dress thing right. Sayyed has said when we were in the bus that we shouldn’t worry as we all look fine. Women in the airport wore diverse wardrobes, everything from western clothes with a loose fitting scarf or hajib to to abbaya, and chador a long black dress with a black veil from the top of the head to the floor.
There is a room with art and interesting carpets in the front hall of the hotel. I make a note to get a picture tomorrow. The room is small, with single beds, a closet and desk. Looks like we will be living out of the suitcases. The bathroom is small with an open shower that floods the floor somewhat even with the curtain closed, but the water is warm and has good pressure. There are no shelves or hooks anywhere. There is bottled water and fruit in a refrigerator. The room is very warm so we turn the thermostat all the way down, but, though there are several blankets and a comforter on the bed, I sleep under a single sheet.
It is 5:30 am here, and we will meet at noon today for lunch.