47km High up a goat track

Sunset as seen from our goat trackMaybe we should have listened. So many times we’ve been told a road is too tough, too dangerous, too long or too busy for our bicycles and every time we’ve managed to find a way through so when crowds of locals started telling us the same old story we didn’t give it much thought. And, to be perfectly honest, we were so tired of people gathering around us to stare and ask questions we had little patience for any conversations, even ones meant to help us.

“This road is impossible for you,” the local English teacher said. When asked why, we were told it was deserted. Fantastic! With so much of our daily movements watched by curious locals the idea of an empty landscape couldn’t have been more appealing.

“You might have to walk,” he said. No problem, we thought, remembering walking our bikes over rough paths in Spain and Greece.

“It’s dangerous. You should take the main road instead where more people can help if you’re sick or hurt,” our friend added in a last ditch attempt to change our minds. We assured him we were in more danger on the major routes with traffic flying by.

We said goodbye and set off for this alluring road, which was supposed to take us through a string of villages and towards Shiraz. The start was promising. Smooth asphalt took us past date palms and tiny communities. We waved to the lady out milking the cows and smiled at the children by the side of the road. We silently wished the man following us on his motorbike would go away.

Soon we reached the end of the asphalt but instead of a dirt road all we saw was a mountain. A crowd of locals gathered. Even in the smallest villages we can gather a group of twenty people in seconds. We asked for our road and only got fingers pointing to where a herd of goats were walking across the hill. Really? Well, we’d come this far a little further wouldn’t hurt surely. Now the locals were excited. Two crazy people trying to move with huge bikes over a goat track. We were seeking solitude but instead we dragged our bikes along to the inevitable cries of “Hello Mister” and other joys. To imagine the scene, perhaps you could think of the Sound of Music except instead of going over the Alps with a singing Maria and the lovable Von Trapp family we were accompanied up our mountain trail by pop music played over mobile phones and a group of Iranians, ranging in age from kids young enough they had to be carried by their parents right up to the octegenarian shepherd. We didn’t feel very endeared to anyone except the shepherd who seemed to know where we wanted to go.

The going was difficult pushing our bikes through rocky terrain but we plugged on, half out of curiosity to see if a dirt road would magically appear over the next ridge and half hoping that if we just walked far enough everyone would go home and at least we’d have a quiet place to camp. We ran out of luck on both accounts: no road appeared after a kilometer of hard work and our fellow trekkers stuck to us like glue, peppering us with the questions that will slowly drive you mad in Iran.

Hello Mister. How are you? Do you speak English? Do you speak Farsi? Each Iranian trailing behind you will repeat these at least three times, all of them wanting to have their own conversation with you even if it repeats what you’ve just told ten other people. Then someone will add in an “I love you” said at random and from the other side someone else will tap on your arms and point when they want to say something but don’t have the vocabulary. The tapping of course can be done even if you’re tired or trying to ignore them and don’t try walking away a few feet for peace. They’ll just come with you to see what you’re doing. In the midst of all this, at least half the people will be snapping photos constantly on their mobile phone.

Looking back on it is humourous but at the time we could feel the stress mounting dramatically.

Soon it became clear that we would not be able to follow this track any further. Now our focus was to find a place for the night. We turned around and set up our tent on the first flat patch of ground we could find, praying that now everyone would go home and give us some peace. It wasn’t to be. Five die-hard young men continued to watch our every move, cooking supper, laying out our sleeping bags, fixing Andrew’s shoe. Only when we closed the door to our tent, physically shutting them out, did they finally go away. As we relaxed we realised we’d been under the watch of local eyes from the time we rolled into the major town of the area around 11am to when we physically shut out our eager companions at 5pm. Watching the sunset in silence, just the two of us, was never so sweet.

Comments

  1. impexia
    5th September 2022 at 8:12 pm #

    where to buy cialis cheap The alprostadil in Trimix can weaken over time, so Trimix should be stored in the refrigerator and away from light

  2. indices investment
    3rd December 2022 at 1:00 pm #

    These cleansers will irritate your skin and cause it to dry out, making it worse than it was to begin with.

  3. Printable Free Pulse Oximeter template
    19th December 2022 at 12:37 pm #

    thesis writing services – dissertation writers online top essay writers

  4. Iris Carpenter
    3rd April 2023 at 2:38 am #

    Your extremely possess motivation to obtaining the message during came being instead effective and possess persistently enabled staff the same as me to arrive at their wanted aims.

  5. crypto casinos playing
    5th April 2023 at 12:41 am #

    Enjoyed every bit of your blog post. Fantastic.

  6. Tu Quan Ao Go Cong Nghiep
    5th April 2023 at 6:36 am #

    en garantili satıcı gerçek beğeni instagram uygulaması grupsosyaldir

  7. Bizzy Bouncin
    6th April 2023 at 12:29 am #

    Bonjour Là. J’ai trouvé votre blog en utilisant msn. C’est un très article bien écrit. Je vais assurez-vous de le mettre en signet et revenez pour lire plus de vos informations utiles. Merci pour le post. Je vais certainement revenir.

  8. Formula 1
    7th April 2023 at 4:42 pm #

    It’s nearly impossible to find experienced people in this particular topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

  9. Bu long neo
    8th April 2023 at 2:42 pm #

    the same topics discussed here? I’d really love to be a part of community where

  10. casino beginner
    14th April 2023 at 3:36 am #

    5 phong cách trang Ēiểm cô dâu hot nhất năm 2020

  11. Names For Your Baby
    15th April 2023 at 2:34 pm #

    Great info and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is truly the best place to ask but do you people have any thoughts on where to employ some professional writers? Thank you 🙂

  12. Improving technology
    20th April 2023 at 10:13 pm #

    careprost paypal careprost bimatoprost for sale careprost usa reviews

  13. https://apkchplay.com
    23rd April 2023 at 5:51 am #

    laurel valley apartments fort washington apartments apartments in germantown tn

  14. Daman Games Login
    25th April 2023 at 2:23 am #

    Im thankful for the article. Awesome.

  15. Relationship
    27th April 2023 at 10:19 pm #

    ¿Qué es un marco de fibra óptica? conjunto, construcción y variación.

  16. ptliga
    28th April 2023 at 10:53 pm #

    I want to start a review blog. My friend and I would be reviewing books, games, toys etc..

  17. dpf cleaner machine
    6th May 2023 at 6:17 pm #

    Great article. Keep writing.

  18. Janeth Kolic
    6th May 2023 at 8:42 pm #

    Singapore is really captivating for its multilayered cultural tapestry! From Chinatown to Little India and also everything in between, there’s so much to experience as well as discover right here – its vibrant shades as well as rich background makes every corner an amazing journey – foodies need to certainly visit! If that is something that speaks with you as well after that Singapore ought to not be missed as your next traveling destination! Hawker Centres in Singapore provide an incredible selection of neighborhood meals. Do not miss trying Hainanese Hen Rice or Chili Crab! Gardens by the Bay were breathtaking – I especially appreciated Supertree Grove and also Cloud Forest – they really took my breath away! The light show during the night was truly enchanting and an absolute must-see! Singapore supplied such an extraordinary mix of futuristic architecture and also rich vegetation – from Marina Bay Sands to Henderson Waves this city is truly amazing to find! Singapore’s mass transit is outstanding! From its reliable metro train system as well as very easy travel with an EZ-Link card to Sentosa Island for relaxation – which boasts Universal Studios, S.E.A Aquariums, as well as more attractions! – their public transportation has established new criteria. Aquarium, gorgeous beaches, and other amusement for the whole household make Singapore an superb means to spend a day. Don’t miss Singapore’s ArtScience Gallery which combines art, science, as well as innovation in an amazing combination! Experiences at The Gardens By the Bay were absolutely enchanting; with interactive exhibits and captivating displays creating an extraordinary trip – definitely worth a see! I was really surprised at Singapore’s incredible buying scene! From luxury malls such as ION Orchard to Bugis Road’s lively markets there genuinely is something right here for any type of shopaholic to experience! Make sure to leave some area in your travel suitcase! I discovered Singapore Zoo among the finest zoos I’ve checked out; it’s open-concept rooms and immersive environments developed a real wildlife experience, not failing to remember Night Safari for added excitement! Singapore’s multiculturalism is another drawcard; Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western impacts can be seen almost everywhere from style to cuisine; making for a interesting fusion!

  19. RPM 5 Pro Kit
    16th May 2023 at 6:26 pm #

    I really enjoy the blog. Much obliged.

  20. about his
    3rd June 2023 at 8:36 am #

    Thanks a lot for the blog. Will read on…

  21. plastic bottle machine
    11th June 2023 at 2:15 pm #

    Thanks again for the post. Will read on…

  22. abs plastic sheet 4x8
    12th June 2023 at 10:37 pm #

    Major thanks for the article. Fantastic.

  23. night kalyan chart
    26th September 2023 at 3:42 am #

    Hey, thanks for the blog. Really Cool.

  24. apsc coaching online
    27th September 2023 at 5:32 pm #

    I cannot thank you enough for the article.

  25. Huazhijun fume cupboard
    8th October 2023 at 1:44 am #

    Thanks so much for the article. Much obliged.

  26. QQ号购买
    18th November 2023 at 5:52 am #

    Thanks for the blog.Much thanks again. Fantastic.

  27. Kalyan result
    27th November 2023 at 1:52 pm #

    Thanks-a-mundo for the blog. Will read on…

  28. I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Really Great.

  29. 偏门广告
    24th December 2023 at 6:13 pm #

    Really appreciate you sharing this blog. Awesome.

  30. crash guard motorcycle
    19th February 2024 at 10:44 am #

    Major thankies for the blog post. Fantastic.

  31. XjjeReove
    27th February 2024 at 1:20 pm #

    para que sirve el cephalexin

  32. Filling capping sealing labeling packaging line
    27th February 2024 at 9:10 pm #

    Thanks so much for the blog. Keep writing.

  33. XjjeReove
    28th February 2024 at 10:24 am #

    cephalexin for tooth infection

  34. XmtfReove
    1st March 2024 at 10:24 am #

    cephalexin birth control

  35. KmehDrind
    4th March 2024 at 2:29 am #

    bactrim for impetigo

  36. creatio design
    4th March 2024 at 6:54 pm #

    Major thanks for the article. Will read on…

  37. KmevDrind
    11th March 2024 at 8:26 am #

    citalopram and coffee

  38. Srthvswemo
    12th March 2024 at 12:15 pm #

    cozaar recall

  39. XnrReove
    12th March 2024 at 12:37 pm #

    depakote alternatives

  40. Srthvswemo
    12th March 2024 at 9:06 pm #

    cozaar interactions

  41. XnrReove
    13th March 2024 at 5:22 am #

    depakote drug class

  42. KmevDrind
    15th March 2024 at 11:10 pm #

    citalopram 20 mg used for

  43. clearvu fence
    16th March 2024 at 12:28 pm #

    Im obliged for the blog. Much obliged.

  44. Srthvswemo
    16th March 2024 at 3:13 pm #

    cozaar drugs

  45. XnrReove
    16th March 2024 at 3:27 pm #

    depakene vs depakote

  46. Temporary Fencing
    18th March 2024 at 2:21 am #

    I really enjoy the blog.

  47. LUCKY COLA
    18th March 2024 at 9:40 am #

    Embark on epic quests and uncover ancient mysteries. Lucky Cola

  48. KxebDrind
    19th March 2024 at 5:16 am #

    ezetimibe canada

  49. KxebDrind
    19th March 2024 at 11:55 am #

    efectos adversos del ezetimibe

  50. CjefCring
    19th March 2024 at 9:53 pm #

    diltiazem side effects elderly

  51. Sedcswemo
    21st March 2024 at 3:40 pm #

    flomax cramps

  52. XtmfReove
    21st March 2024 at 3:57 pm #

    flexeril review

  53. CjmoCring
    21st March 2024 at 10:08 pm #

    90 day supply contrave

  54. KmtfDrind
    23rd March 2024 at 1:00 am #

    allopurinol depression

  55. KmtfDrind
    23rd March 2024 at 8:08 am #

    allopurinol package insert

  56. CtmvCring
    23rd March 2024 at 7:12 pm #

    reye’s syndrome aspirin

  57. XtenReove
    23rd March 2024 at 7:37 pm #

    aripiprazole high dose

  58. CtmvCring
    25th March 2024 at 9:42 am #

    aspirin dosage 81 mg

  59. XtenReove
    25th March 2024 at 1:20 pm #

    dehydro aripiprazole

Leave a Reply to Improving technology Click here to cancel reply.