Well here I am feeling like I've just about finished Iran - it's funny how things are so relative. Shiraz to Bandar Abbas is 600km but that seems like nothing now.
I left Shiraz yesterday on my way south to Bandar Abbas and are currently in a really slow Net Cafe in Fasa.
I obtained a visa extension in Esfahan before I left there on the 26th of October but the Swiss rider I met the day before Esfahan wasn't so lucky. His took many more days because the border people had stamped his passport incorrectly when he entered the country. As a result I headed to Shiraz and left him there waiting for his passport to be returned (with extension).
The ride from Esfahan to Shiraz was much flatter than any of the previous Iran I'd covered, generally riding down a big dry valley with high mountains on either side. Very dry country with the only water being pumped from below - and in this area there wasn't even very much of that - longer distances between villages here.
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Well, I just got thrown out of the cafe because they wanted to close (for lunch - during Ramadan!?). So now I'm continuing from an equally slow net cafe another day down the road in Darab. As I arrived into Darab I had a 6 motorcycle escort cruising up the main street - as is often the case.
Back on the road between Esfahan and Shiraz there is a succession of real tourist attractions - and it showed. After being in towns where I was told they had never ever seen a tourist I was seeing busloads. The area around Shiraz has a
history dating back thousands of years and they have World Heritage listing on some of the places, an international airport and tourists. So then I became the subject of not only the local Irani photographers but now the international tourists too. (most of the time the attention is good - but sometimes it really does get too much - once again - roll on India - it'll be much worse there)
The day I was leaving Shiraz I found the main street blocked off to traffic and police everywhere. I hung around to find it was an anti Israel (and USA) march. Very well organised - but then if you have a large government organised march you can expect that.
The road from Shiraz out towards Bandar Abbas is very similar to that north of Shiraz, the road mainly flattish but with steep rugged mountains on both sides. The people are still as friendly as ever with offers to take you back to their place common - but usually when you really want to push on. In fact this update is taking way too long and I am now having to be rude to get rid of people.
Here's a sample of a few pics from Esfahan down to Shiraz and beyond.
Mosque at Shahreza (Qomshe)
A 1500 yr old village in ruins that isn't a tourist attraction.
A road scene Esfahan to Shiraz
World Heritage Listed Pasargard
Not pleasant riding this afternoon - I was desperately seeking shelter from the wind (head on naturally)
I saw shelter in the form of an orchard but they made me set up next to the house and eat with them.
Everyone here has mobiles with cameras.
Persepolis ancient capital of the empire
Persepolis ancient capital of the empire
Alfred impersonating a horse - His very last photo (see caption)
camped under the gums, but the colours of the fence give it away
Entering Shiraz
Street scene Shiraz
The Citadel Shiraz.
Down with Israel march - Shiraz - Friday 5-Oct-2007
--- And en-route to Bandar Abbas ---
Salt on Lake Maharlu
could be Aus except it's a bit big.
Weddings everywhere
2004 
The same street 2007
2004 
The same building 2007
Durbar Square
Holy men
