The ride to Shiraz, 580km, was one of the best so far (i've probably said that before), the scenery was unreal sort of semi desert / arid with mountain ranges, valleys and huge salt lake beds. For weeks now I have ridden long straight roads which stretch out to the horizon but this time I had mountain passes to cross and lots of twisties (bends, for non bikers. We love twisties.) It took a bit of getting used to as the bike felt quite light in the front end with the weight on the back and I had to be a bit cautious to start, but once i got the feel I was chucking it into those corners. I may have to play around with tire pressures to get the bike set up better.
I haven't mentioned it before but it is surreal listening to the I Pod whilst riding here, especially Pink Floyd when you are in the desert and so isolated from everything.
I put the music on random for the ride to Shiraz and had everything from chill out jazz to Led Zep (who put them on the pod?) anyway it was great. I feel like I've done the hard countries first and are much more relaxed.
Shiraz (shame none of the namesake Red stuff)is a mid size city (say Auckland) and laid back. I arrived on Thursday afternoon & sadly yesterday being Friday everything was closed so decided to stay another day.
Click "MORE" Shiraz is quite liberal as opposed to some city's here so I thought I could give you the low down on fashions.
For you more mature ladies, black is still in vogue, loose fit is popular... tent shape most common.
For the younger ladies, jeans or light trousers with a light 3/4 coat over top is good of course you have the head scarf but I had noticed the teenagers wear it set back on the head showing about 4in of forehead.... young rebels
As for the young men, Jeans t shirt or shirt but everything has to be tight, I mean skin tight. If you wear a shirt have at least the top 2 or even 3 buttons undone to show off that hairy chest and chain. Think 70's and while you are at it get some gel in your hair. Lovely.
Just before I go here's an example of how the Iranians respond to me and I'm sure all other travellers.
I stopped for a rest on my way to Shiraz and was getting some shade under a tree, the normal amount of people stopped and took photo's of my bike (everyone has mobile phone) any way I was sitting under a tree and there was a family opposite have a break, the man came over and we exchanged pleasantries and then his son came over with a big plate of sliced water mellon and other fruit for me to eat. This is normal here I've had numerous other instances similar to this, its great they really want you to enjoy their country. In fact I'd go as far as saying that they are insecure about how the west perceives them. They feel their rep abroad is unjust and they are right! Oh bloody politics........