Well, Iran was interesting, to say the least. It was so far the most challenging country for me. Unfortunately I had to rush through due to corrupt border workers on both the Turkish and Iranian side. Because of those feckers I had just enough money to stay in the country for 9 days (international bank cards do not work there).
I was lucky and very happy to meet Hossein the biker whom I stayed with in Urumie for a day and who was kind enough to show me around the area. Alas I had to push on south but could not resist and stayed in Esfahan for 2 days, which I felt was not enough. Thanks to Amir I had a fantastic time there. He took me on his great little bike around the city and fed me information about Iran's history whilst taking me to many interesting squares, Mosques, museums and teahouses.
Iran is a beautiful country, but not without its environmental problems. Vasts areas are covered by deserts, rivers are totally without water and many lakes are slowly but surely diminishing. Cities are also terribly congested and so driving is probably even more hazardous than in Delhi. The rules seem to be - if you have room- go! At any rate, I don't think I'll be complaining about London traffic again. After Esfahan I rode to Shiraz which was also very nice, but my wallet was getting rather light...
After 1 and a half days of getting the bike through what appeared to be a bureaucratic trail at customs in Bandar e Abbas I managed to get a ship to the Sharjah. During the following week I wondered around Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman and arranged flights to Delhi. I did like the Emirates, despite the unbearable heat, but 3 days would've been enough. There are some good museums, spectacular buildings and huge modern Mosques. But very little of old Arabia is left.
In Delhi, it was the same thing all over again- took one and half days of trying to get various documents stamped before I got the bike. I never thought I'd be so happy to be reunited with Rosinante, which is what I have named her now.
First impressions of India - I love it. So far the country appears to be very free. There are no silly rules and people are mostly warm and friendly. The rainy season is pretty much coming to an end and so the state of Haryana is very green and lush and the climate pleasant in comparison to the south of Iran and the Emirates.
I am going north first. before the winter kicks in up there.
Connection is very slow so I'l try add some photos next time.
I was lucky and very happy to meet Hossein the biker whom I stayed with in Urumie for a day and who was kind enough to show me around the area. Alas I had to push on south but could not resist and stayed in Esfahan for 2 days, which I felt was not enough. Thanks to Amir I had a fantastic time there. He took me on his great little bike around the city and fed me information about Iran's history whilst taking me to many interesting squares, Mosques, museums and teahouses.
Iran is a beautiful country, but not without its environmental problems. Vasts areas are covered by deserts, rivers are totally without water and many lakes are slowly but surely diminishing. Cities are also terribly congested and so driving is probably even more hazardous than in Delhi. The rules seem to be - if you have room- go! At any rate, I don't think I'll be complaining about London traffic again. After Esfahan I rode to Shiraz which was also very nice, but my wallet was getting rather light...
After 1 and a half days of getting the bike through what appeared to be a bureaucratic trail at customs in Bandar e Abbas I managed to get a ship to the Sharjah. During the following week I wondered around Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman and arranged flights to Delhi. I did like the Emirates, despite the unbearable heat, but 3 days would've been enough. There are some good museums, spectacular buildings and huge modern Mosques. But very little of old Arabia is left.
In Delhi, it was the same thing all over again- took one and half days of trying to get various documents stamped before I got the bike. I never thought I'd be so happy to be reunited with Rosinante, which is what I have named her now.
First impressions of India - I love it. So far the country appears to be very free. There are no silly rules and people are mostly warm and friendly. The rainy season is pretty much coming to an end and so the state of Haryana is very green and lush and the climate pleasant in comparison to the south of Iran and the Emirates.
I am going north first. before the winter kicks in up there.
Connection is very slow so I'l try add some photos next time.
