Norooz coming up

Sun, snow and rain have been taking turns during the last weeks in Tehran. I liked this change of weather. The Iranians, as i was told by our maid, are not happy right now with these changes every other day. Thoroug washing of carpets and curtains and hanging them out to dry. The period of Norooz is coming up, everything has to be spic and span.

Tehran is a very crowded city. People everywhere, traffic is horrific and pollution often blocks the amazing view you could have had from the mountains overlooking the city (no.3 in the world, right Melissa?). In the weeks before Norooz it is even worse, probably the most busy time in Tehran. Serious shopping for food, presents and fancy clothes are done in this period. Big business, bigger traffic, biggest pollution. Hang your carpets out to dry, if it's not rain messing things up, it will be smog.

Norooz is the feast of Iranian New Year, starting this year on March 17. It is celebrated for two weeks, where all Iranians have a long holiday. This is Iran's top touristic season, Iranian tourist only. Esfahan, Mashad, Shiraz, Yazd, the ski resorts, Kish and the towns on the Caspian coast are all packed. The only place that is deserted, is Tehran.

Unfortunately, Norooz doesn't come with any specific festivities, other than families gathering. Tehran will be boring, the office almost empty and it's not a fun period to travel through Iran. So, we are fleeing the country. Back to the Netherlands, Norway, maybe a city trip, Europe it is. But before we leave, we want to see more of Iran. In a few hours we're going on a road trip to Yazd, way ahead of the Norooz rush. Will report after the weekend...