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5 Jul 2017
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Contributing Member
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We also used this to tour the city including the 1599 Si-o-seh pol or the bridge of 33 arches, the Vank Armenian Cathedral built in 1606, and Bird garden.
 Esfahan-32 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Esfahan-33 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Esfahan-34 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Esfahan-35 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Esfahan-36 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Esfahan-40 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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5 Jul 2017
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Contributing Member
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After this we visited the bazaar and the nearby 800 year old Jameh main Mosque of Isfahan. Now at 230 it is an inferno and 42 and the parked car was higher.
 Esfahan-38 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-41 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-44 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-45 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-43 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-42 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Esfahan-39 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Esfahan-2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Esfahan by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-46 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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5 Jul 2017
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Contributing Member
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We headed back to the hotel to hide in the air con until 7. Orvar waited until 530 to put the wheel back, but it was still blazing hot.
We walked the few blocks to the main Naqsh-e Jahan square and had a private tour of the Naghsh-e Jahan mosque as it was just closing. We could not visit the palace as it had closed. We also did not have time for the women’s or Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, but the reflection photos we took later are cool.
 Esfahan-3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Esfahan-3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Esfahan-4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-48 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-49 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-50 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-51 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-52 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-53 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-54 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-56 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-55 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-57 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-28 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-47 by Sara
& Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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5 Jul 2017
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Contributing Member
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Now our mission is to visit the money changers and we got a pretty good rate.
 Iran-7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
As the light was fading we hopped in a cab to the “river” to see the Khaju Bridge and get some night shots. Walking back to the square we decided on street food there as the restaurant we were headed for was closed. This is a common theme in Ramadan.
 Iran-8 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Esfahan-7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Esfahan-6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Esfahan-11 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Esfahan-12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Esfahan-13 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Esfahan-15 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Esfahan-4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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5 Jul 2017
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Contributing Member
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Next we sat by the fountain for some photos and met several very nice families.
 Iran-10 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
Dan got up at 520 for some sunrise shots in the square. The rest of us were up at 630 to pack the bikes and bring them around from the parking. We had breakfast and were out the door at 745.
 Esfahan-17 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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5 Jul 2017
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The lunch break was next to a cement factory and they let us park in the shade there!
 Iran-13 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
Riding along at 39 degrees one driver came up to Dan and offered him a 2 l bottle of water. True desert hospitality. I’m not sure how he expected him to take it while riding a motorcycle, but it was nice all the same.
The roads are so straight that when there is any curve there are huge warning signs!
 Shiraz-4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
Our only police check of the day…we rode on and left Reza to deal with them!
 Shiraz-5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
The last stop was for gas 50 km away and the man who works there was an English Translation major pumping the gas. We have met so many educated people not working in their careers. Maria at the hotel desk is an electrical engineer, but she can not get a job here as she is a woman.
 Iran-14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Shiraz-6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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5 Jul 2017
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Contributing Member
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Arriving to the city we again had some crazy drivers, but better than Tehran for sure. The hotel is located on a quiet street with underground parking. We arrived about 4 and retreated to the air con for a few hours.
 Shiraz-7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
The plan for this evening is to visit one of the most important pilgrimage shrines here in Shiras, the Shah Cheragh. We took the car over as we did not want it to close. There was a bit of a wait at the entrance as you must be accompanied by a guide.
Dan had worn shorts and was not able to get in. We had to put our cameras in “the depository”. The notice says that photos with a guide are ok, but with your phone only.
The entry is free, which is unusual in Iran where foreigners are charged 6-8$ for entry. The strange thing is the fee is the same whether for the spectacular UNESCO Persopolis site or a small local mosque.
The guide was a women in full chador. The men entered thru the main door and I went with her thru the side door, where i was dressed in a large sheet, checked for appropriate coverage by the “staff”, and then frisked for dangerous items. I walked in to join the men and I thought Trevor was going to fall over when he saw me. He said “I’m surprised you didn’t balk at the get up and refuse to enter”. I said when in Rome.
 Shiraz-9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
The site is spectacular especially in the sunset light. The call to break the fast was being announced on the speakers. The hall of the tombs is covered with small mirrors. There are several significance of these small pieces One was that the mirrors came from far away and were broken on arrival. This is said to symbolize how man should be broken before God. A large mirror allows you to focus on yourself, but the tiny ones break you up and symbolize how you should not be proud.
 Shiraz-10 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Shiraz-11 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Shiraz-12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Shiraz-13 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Shiraz-14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Shiraz-15 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
After this we ate at a small local restaurant, but we are not very hungry because of the heat. Walking back the streets were packed. This is because of Ramadan since everyone can break the fast at about 9 pm. Usually there are not crowds like this until late. People were very friendly and asking us if we needed help or directions if we stopped to check the route to the hotel on maps.me
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6 Jul 2017
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6 Jul 2017
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Now it is back to Shiraz and a visit to the Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque and it’s bazaar. We unfortunately are not here at the correct time of day for this time of year, because when you are the light thru the stained glass is spectacular.
 Iran by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-38 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Iran-37 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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6 Jul 2017
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It is after 4 and near 40 so time to retreat to the hotel. Daniel went a few blocks away to the “car part” street and found another fuel pump for 16$. The travel agent Lollie lives here and she brought us a small gift of candy.
 Iran-7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We finally went out after 9 when it is safe to eat in public and for our wedding anniversary dinner we chose rotisserie chicken.
 Iran-8 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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Next HU Events
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2025 Confirmed Events:
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Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
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"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
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Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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