First we visit Kakh-e Hasht Behesht (Hasht Behesht Palace). This, the only surviving palace on the royal precinet was built as a pleasure pavelion and reception hall in the 17th century. What a beautiful building. Next stop is Pol-e Si-o-Seh (Bridge of 33 Arches). Here we wander around and people start to talk to us. A little girl, with her friend and mother, wants to practice her English with us. Again we are surprised how open and friendly the Iranians are! Then we continue the to the Martyr’s Cemetery where we realize how useless war is. Before we visit one of the Pigeon Towers (Esfahan relied on pigeons to supply guano as fertilizer for centuries), we are offered some food by a family having a picnic in front of the tower. The tower itself is very interesting and there are even some pigeons living there.
At the Zurkhanh Ali Gholi Agha (sports club) we see some traditional Iranian kind of martial art. Our guide is just great and we are the only tourists there. A short stop at the near Hammam-e Ali Gholi Agha, an old spa that is an interesting museum now. Lunch we have at the Restaurant Shahrzad, said to be Esfahan’s best restaurant. It looks like the „Kronenhalle“ in Zurich and the food is outstanding. When we get out of the place there is quite a line of people queuing up to get in - a real popular place!. We stop at Manar Jonban (Shaking minarets), The minarets are built in such a way that they withstand earthquakes and therefore they „shake“. Right next to it, on top of a hill, is Ateshkadeh-ye (Fire Temple), dating back from Sassanian times.

On the way back on side roads we see one of the Iranians favorite pastime: Picnic. They are all over, barbecuing and eating while sitting on carpets. We walk through them, taking pictures and again we get invited and offered food. But we eat at a local restaurant near the Iman Square. This time we can enter Iman Mosque, watch while men are praying before we stroll over the big square. Again friendly people talk to us and we have some funny conversations.

The son of our guide plays traditional Iranian music and we get invited to his home. With two friends he plays really well and we are again impressed by the friendliness. Back home late; too late to update the webpage. Sorry folks!