Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 4 October 2015

Sunday Selections #244

Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
 
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life.  The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River.  Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
 
Like River I usually run with a theme. This week?  I am cheating a bit.

These aren't my photos.  They are ones from the smaller's portions holiday.  Before he left he purchased a global roaming SIM card.  We tested it.  It worked.  In Iran it doesn't.  He can send and receive texts.  No phone calls.

So far he is enjoying himself immensely.  On his first day in Mashad he was sitting at a 'bench looking at my map to see where I was and met a retired artist and his friend.  Had an interesting chat about Iran, they ended up giving me some nice dates and then showed me where the hotel was.  Typical Iranian hospitality'.

I doubt that a foreigner in Australia could expect such kindness. 

The first two photos are from Mashad,


He then moved on to Isfahan.






 Sorry I can't give you any details.  I am a bit surprised at the statues though - not what I expected at all.

This next one came with the notation:  'The river was dry'.  Very dry.


My final photo for the day is completely off topic.  Andrew had a post yesterday where he discussed gooniebags - the bladder from within wine casks.  I mentioned that we have a statue in town which has been given that name, and he asked to see a photo. 


I have seen people blow up the bladder and use them as pillows too.

134 comments:

  1. Such interesting photos. One of the things I enjoy about blogging is connecting with people all over the world. Being able to see photos like these makes the world a little smaller. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Mason Canyon: Makes the world a LOT smaller. Which is wonderful.

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  2. Not what I expected Iran to look like at all!!

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    1. fishducky: I hope (and assume) that he is taking many, many more photos.

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  3. It's half a lifetime since I was in that part of the world...
    I am very taken with the statues (bronze?), of the man with the pipe.I want to touch it.
    (Waves a thank you to G)

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    1. dinahmow: My fingers itched to stroke that one too. I will pass your thanks on. A few more photos arrived a little while ago...

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  4. Goonie bags! Always been fascinated by them....and thanks for taking me somewhere I'm quite sure I'll never go...


    fond ALOHA
    ComfortSpiral

    (\__/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

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    1. Cloudia: Cask wine and goonie bags were a part of my child hood. I wonder whether the goonie is an abbreviation of flagon - and they were also part of my youth.

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  5. Thank you for this. I will be honest and say that I know very little about Iran (other than the Shah and the Ayatollah and all that bit). But in terms of what richness the country has, I am quite ignorant. This was an eye-opener.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. A Cuban in London: The skinny one first went to Iran a number of years ago - and loved it. The history, the architecture, the hospitality. So far this trip it is matching his memories. Which is lovely.

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  6. The statue of hands seems to be playing cat's cradle.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: You are right - and that is a reminder. I wonder whether it is still played. I hope so.

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  7. Cool photos! Sorry he can't call, but at least he can text.
    That does look like a wine bladder.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: When he first started heading off on these trips I was dependent on post-cards and very occasional phone calls to know where (and how) he was. Texting is a HUGE improvement.

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  8. Wow ~ what a special treat this week to see the photos from Iran. Thank you so much for sharing them. And thank you to the SO.

    The goodie bag sculpture is something else too ~ not sure what, but isn't that the beauty of art ~ open to interpretation.

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    1. Well that would be a gooniebag ~ not a goodie bag :-/

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    2. carol: With luck he will continue to send me photos as teasers of his trip. And yes to art interpretation. We have a lot of public art here, some of it love, some I loathe, some I don't understand - and I am very pleased that it is here. All of it.

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  9. Lovely and different photos.
    Hugs

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    1. orvokki: Such a different place. And a very different culture.

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  10. Hi EC....I disagree with your thoughts about kindness given by Aussies to foreigners. I believe similar happens here...and I know that I for one have given it to visitors to our country...and more than once.

    Great photos...I've been keen to join the Skinny One on his journey....so thanks to our wandering troubadour. :)

    I hope you and the two Js have much to keep you occupied this coming week - (like choosing who has which sofa)...enjoy, relax and have a good one, EC. :)

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    1. Lee: I hope you are right. When he first started sending me photos I asked if he would mind if I shared them, and he was happy to do so.
      We are gardening. Of course. And reading. And chilling out. And Jazz n Jewel help me (in their own way) do all of those things.

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    2. Yeah, I agree with Lee. I think we're a pretty friendly bunch Down Under. Well, I am, as are the people I know. So, I hope in a similar circumstance, foreigners on our shores would be taken under our sun-damaged wings and guided safely to the nearest hotel/cafe - or pub :)) Oh, and perhaps a couple of mango's might even be thrown into the encounter for good measure ... Just saying :)

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    3. Wendy: I hope you are both right, but am thinking about the people who have been heckled on trains, buses, shopping centres and told to 'go back where you came from'.

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    4. Include me; I've helped many a traveller stuck on a corner with an open map and bewildered face.

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    5. River: Ok - I am obviously wrong. And glad of it.

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  11. Wow. thanks for sharing these! BTW, I don't know if you're aware but Hebrew and Yiddish are very different from one another. Re: your reply and the word keshet. Glad to know you're enjoying yourself.

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    1. e: He is enjoying himself, as I am. I did note your reminder about Hebrew and Yiddish - and responded on my last post. Given my jewish heritage it was an appalling slip. Temporary aberration.

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  12. Dear EC
    Fascinating photos - it looks as though he is having a wonderful time. I am particularly drawn to all the different shades of blue - just beautiful!
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: It is incredible isn't it? So intricate, so beautiful. He tells me there is a lot of restoration work going on, which I am glad of.

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  13. Beautiful photos of Iran, EC, it is wonderful to switch to Skinnyone.

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    1. Bob Bushell: I will tell him that people have appreciated the switch. And it does indeed look beautiful.

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  14. The first picture reminds me of colouring a Mandala. Beautiful!

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    1. Birdie: It does indeed have that intricacy. And beauty.

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  15. Ah, wine bags/bladders bring up happy memories from my past. Naturally, full ones bring up the happiest, but empty ones, do indeed make excellent pillows. Talking from experience here . Enough said...

    Glad to hear the Skinny One is having a great time. Oh, and nice to see the pics too.

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    1. Wendy: I have used them as a pillow too. A long time ago, but I have. Like many of us. I rarely drink cask wine these days, but the memories are there.

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  16. I liked the statues very different to what I would expect .
    A wine bladder who would believe it.
    Merle..........

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    1. Merlesworld: I am pretty certain the 'wine bladder' wasn't designed that way. The name has stuck though.
      And yes, I thought the statues were interesting (and different) too.

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  17. glad you can receive texts, wonderful photos of the trip,love the tile mosaics.

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    1. Linda Starr: Wouldn't it be amazing to see those mosaics in person?

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  18. Such lovely photos, thanks for sharing them. It is wonderful to see such interesting places. That last one though, odd and interesting.

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    1. Yolanda Renee: Seeing into other worlds, other lives is one of the things about the blogosphere I value most.

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  19. Looks like he's having a good time for sure. Never heard of a global roaming SIM but I don't really call people or get calls or know much about the phone I use.

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    1. Strayer: Without the global roaming SIM, calling home would be prohibitively expensive. MInd you, at the moment with it it is impossible.

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  20. What beautiful buildings, with the mosiacs in intricate patterns. Our country is so young we have nothing close to that. And the statues surprised me, too. That part looks like it could be anywhere in the world. I'm glad the country and the people are living up to SP's hopes and memories. More to come, I'm hoping!

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    1. jenny_o: Those mosaics blew me away. As a non religious person I will freely admit that churches, whatever their faith, are often very, very beautiful.

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  21. I believe no matter where you go in this world there are always people who are friendly and helpful.
    It's so good to see the photos from Iran.

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    1. Margaret - whiteangel: I so hope you are right.

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  22. So wonderful to hear how your SP is going. And thank you both for sharing his photos here.
    The art works are amazing.
    I have always been drawn to such beautifully detailed mosaics, and these are truly glorious masterpieces!!

    The dates over there are the delicious, plump ones - Medjool. A rich, sweet meal in themselves.

    Love Canberra's gooniebag sculpture too :)

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    1. Vicki: He developed a fondness for dates after an earlier visit. I have no doubt he inhaled them this time too. Wouldn't it be amazing to see those mosaics? Incredibly beautiful things.

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  23. When I saw the first photo in my reader, I thought, ah, EC has been redecorating. Very different countries to ours are complex beasts and never quite match the media stories we hear and usually different in positive ways we had not thought about. The gooniebag sculpture is great.

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    1. Andrew: I distrust the media at the best of times, and am v pleased to find that they are wrong again. Which is not to say that all is sunshine and roses in that part of the world.
      The gooniebag sculpture really looks the part doesn't it?

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  24. Gooniebags! Never knew they were called that. I cut the corner off mine and get the last of the water out, sometimes as much as 3-400ml.
    I LOVE those mosaic decorated walls and the statues are marvellous too. I particularly like the hands. That market hall looks very much like the one at our Brickworks Market where I spent quite a lot of time when I lived close enough to walk to it.
    That's the driest river I've ever seen.

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    1. River: I love the markets and the mosaics too. And was fascinated by the sculptures.
      I wonder whether that river will ever run again. It has obviously been a big one in the past...

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  25. Goodness, now I must find more about these Goonie bags! Even without all the information for each photo, just seeing them, (wonderful statues) is fine enough for me. Thanks for sharing them with us.

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    1. Karen S.: I loved the photos - but would like a tad more information as well. Hopefully he is writing it down as he goes.

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  26. Interesting photos. It looks as if he's having a great time!

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    1. Alexia: Independent travelling off the beaten track makes his heart sing, so I expect he is having a marvellous time. Which is lovely.

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  27. thank you so much for sharing the Skinny One's photos especially as this is part of the world we rarely see

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: Sadly I expect that our gender would mean that our experience there would be considerably less positive.

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  28. Great pictures. I am so glad that he is well enough to travel. How are you enjoying your vacation?

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    1. Teresa Hennes: I hope there are lots more photos to come - and I am thoroughly enjoying my vacation as well.

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  29. Beautiful photos. The world is a pretty amazing place.
    Hope you are having a nice "lonely" vacation.

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: The world is indeed an amazing place, and I am so grateful that so much of it has been 'opened up'. And I am having a lovely time, and not lonely at all.

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  30. I am very interested in the photos here. Like you, I don't believe the media tells us the truth most of the time. They tell what makes a good story. I don't think the regular people in the middle east or in Russia hate us. But the media seems to want turmoil in the world. So we hear the worst and most believe it, I'm afraid. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

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    1. Glenda C. Beall: He has been to Iran before and loved it. He was there the first time during Ramadan, and the locals made sure that he ate and drank, even though they couldn't.
      Russia is his next stop - somewhere new to him.

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  31. Hi EC - I think people are kinder than you think .. but fascinating to see Iranian connection - bet he's learning lots ... an artist is a good meet. Terrible English .. but what a wonderful place to travel. I wonder what the river was called ... I see the bridge is the Khaju bridge, and it's over a huge river when it's full ... the Zayanderud. Isfahan - sounds an incredible place to visit .. full of history, art, architecture et al ... he will have incredible stories to tell you. Wonderful - cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: I am glad to see that quite a lot of people think I am being pessimistic.
      He has been to Isfahan before - and loved it. And the message I got from him this morning said that there is so much to see and do that he will stay for a bit longer.
      He will indeed have some marvellous experiences to share.

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  32. The intricacy of the mosaics, the cooling colours, the surprising sculptures and dates! It seems both dreamlike and visceral, if that's not too big a contradiction.

    And you, EC... are you having a good relax?

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    1. Jacquelineand...: No, I understand the mixture. Contrary, but true.
      And I am busy, but having a most excellent relax.

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  33. Gooniebags...bwahahaha! Love it. I've never heard that name before.
    I adore middle eastern architecture. It's so rich, colorful, and expressive. The mosaics are wonderful works of art. You're right about the hospitality. If we can see past the governments, we can connect with awesome cultures. Thanks for sharing these!

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    1. River Fairchild: Gooniebags were a part of my youth. Sometimes a big part.
      The Governments are different, and goodness knows my own is not stellar, but the people are much the same the world over I think. Similar things make us laugh, similar things make us weep...

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  34. I guess if anyone is tired enough they can rest their heads on a gooniebag. Love the photos and so hope the day does not come when terrorists will destroy the lovely art.

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    1. Grannie Annie: Sadly if that glorious art is destroyed it is more likely to be a bombing raid by our allies.

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  35. I live that first pic. The tile (?) work is amazing and they used my favorite colors. Imagine even a bathroom with tiles like that...wow.

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    1. mshatch: It is incredible isn't it? And to see whole buldings, big buildings, executed in that style...

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  36. Those sculptures are not what I would have expected, either. I'm so glad he is having such a good time, and you are, too, it seems. :-)

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    1. DJan: Yes, we are both having a fine time. Very different, but both enjoyable.

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  37. It's so nice to see pleasant things and a better side of humans.

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    1. Jono: Isn't it? It is too easy for me to forget the better side of people. Much too easy.

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  38. Some beautiful pictures, different from the usual vacations snaps. I am glad he is having a good time but I have no desire to see Iran I don't think. The culture is too different from what I know here..and I know little about the Iran culture at all.

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    1. Bookie: I think it is the very different culture which is part of the attraction. And goodness knows our own culture isn't perfect.

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  39. Seeing that beautiful tiled wall just makes me sadder that ISIS savages are blowing up ancient sites / treasures of humanity in that part of the world

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    1. Molly Bon: A shared religion will probably keep these treasures safe from ISIS damage, but yes, so much has been lost. And it is irreplaceable.

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  40. I am ever so curious ... Iran. I can remember when I was young and, because I grew up in a University town, we had many friends who traveled to Iran and loved it ... I remember it as a beautiful place as it was told to me. But, since our politics have caused great harm to the relationship we have with Iran, it isn't really safe for Americans to travel over there now ... so I was a bit surprised that Iran and Russia would be where the Skinny Person chose to go. It suddenly opened my eyes to the fact that others don't view things as we do ... and that is probably a good thing, because our views have strayed way off track( I mourn the loss of our democracy and the climb on the crazies in our government). I love the pictures and Iran is truly beautiful. I hope your SP has a long and wonderful trip ... and you have a long a peaceful stretch at home ... with the kitties :)

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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    1. Andrea Priebe: Because of the political and particularly the military links between our countries I was concerned as well. And am glad to be wrong.
      We both ARE having a wonderful break. Restorative for both of us..

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  41. I thought the point of wine casks was to both age and flavor the wine, so I had no idea they had bladders.

    Yes, it is my understanding that Iranians are quite nice to tourists, although I would certainly avoid the topic of religion for fear it would get me killed. Maybe part of why Iranians are so nice is they are touched when someone from a country that officially hates them comes to visit.

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    1. Snowbrush: I often avoid the subject of religion. It isn't a topic where anyone's mind will be changed. Even here, when death is not likely to be the result of a disagreement.
      I wonder whether you are right about the reason that people are being nice to him. When he gets home and we can discuss it at length I will ask.

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    2. They take hospitality very seriously in that part of the world and being nice to somebody regardless of where they are from is a big part of hospitality. It's a pity the west isn't the same

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    3. kylie: Certainly on early trips to Iran and similar areas he has met with incredible hospitality.

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  42. Thank you for taking us to the people of that beautiful country.
    I wish the whole world could peer into the eyes of these people and see
    their humanity and worth. I love seeing these bites of their culture.
    Thank you:)
    -Jennifer

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    1. Jennifer Richardson: It is naive of me, but I would really, really like it if we could perceive this world as a community. One which we share...

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  43. I want to travel and travel and travel, oh and then gamble a bit.
    Thank you for sharing dear friend.

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    1. Sonya Ann: I am a bit of a homebody. Travel is fine - but I do like to come home. He would like to travel forever.

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  44. I agree. I didn't expect that statues either.

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    1. Sandra Cox: Statues didn't surprise me, but these did. Mind you I am not sure what I was expecting. I do love the cat's cradle one...

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  45. What an adventure! Hope he returns home healthy and happy.

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    1. Susan Kane: Definitely. So far, so good. He is certainly happy and I hope healthy.

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  46. I've got to get out more. Kids are at the age where they can appreciate and remember new places. We're thinking France and Italy real soon.

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    1. Stephen Tremp: What fun - for them, and for you.

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  47. These pictures are great. The art is breathtaking. I love them.

    Teresa

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    1. T. Powell Coltrin: He is loving it, and I am enjoying seeing snippets of where he has been.

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  48. Wow, Iran, what an adventure! He is sending some terrific photos back home. Why didn't you go with him?
    Love the wine bladder statue, probably because I love wine!

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    1. Karen: We learnt a long time ago that we don't travel well together. We have very different ideas about what constitutes a holiday. He is indeed sending some wonderful photos home, and I expect there are a LOT more to come.
      I am partial to wine o'clock myself.

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  49. I'm glad the smaller portion is enjoying himself. Those photos are gorgeous! A totally reasonable cheat.

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    1. John Wiswell: His health has been so precarious for so long that this holiday has extra significance for him. And I will probably continue this particular cheat (to a greater or lesser extent) until he returns.

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  50. Wonderful pictures. How lucky your special one is to travel in Iran. Interesting, the statue of the wine bladder. I don't know much about wine, I just like it.

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    1. Myrna R.: It is his second trip to Iran, and he seems to be enjoying it at least as much as the first. Russia next...

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  51. Exquisite photos. So if I go to Iran, I can get some nice dates? Hmm.
    Cheers and good thoughts, EC.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: I suspect that his gender had something to do with him getting those nice dates.
      Happy thoughts to you too.

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  52. I love the photos, and thank you, because I am laughing my ass off at the line about the river being very dry! Speaking of which, we went to Silver Falls State Park yesterday, and hiked around for awhile before finding out that one of the "falls" was dried up!

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    1. Riot Kitty: A very dry fall? Which is a sadness. Waterfalls are a rarely experienced joy for me.

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  53. hose photos are gorgeous! Thank you. Fun post too!

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  54. That first photo is beautiful.

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    1. I should have said exceptionally beautiful, since they all are:)

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    2. Sandra Cox: I hope to see rather a lot more beautiful photos from his travells. Including Faberge eggs.

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  55. I love the mosaics and the sculptures. Especially the hands making the cat's cradle :)

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    1. Carol Kilgore: Unexpected isn't it? And beautiful.

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  56. Hi Sue,

    No, you are not imagining this. I actually figured out how to switch on my computer an leave a comment.

    What a fascinating adventure the small portion seems to be having. Such intriguing photos and such artistry.

    Take care, Sue and thanks for your kindness.

    Gary

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    1. klahanie: Dear Gary, it is lovely to see you. I hope (so much) that you are starting to feel better.

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  57. I too had never heard the term goonibags although many years ago when we held lots of BBQs we always had casks of wine. I used to throw the bag away and often used the boxes for storing things like magazines etc.
    I doubt as a woman I would want to venture to places like Iran but a man would be readily accepted and obviously the SP enjoys it very much.
    I have always enjoyed the architecture and mosaic patterns of the middle eastern countries. Perhaps it is because I love geometric designs.
    I enjoyed all the pics and the dry river reminds me of the rivers in our north-west which are often just sand but each season they flow again so perhaps it is the same in Iran.
    That statue in your home town is quite fascinating. What on earth is it supposed to represent?
    Thanks for sharing something that is completely different.

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    1. Mimsie: Sadly you are right, and as women we would almost certainly not receive the welcome he is getting. He is loving it though.
      I don't know what that statue is of. It has been there for as long as I can remember. In my much younger days it reminded me of a cushion. Next time I go into town I will see when there is a sign up describing it.

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  58. Wow - fabulous shots. What a great journey your smaller portion is on.

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  59. A nice story about the hospitality shown in a foreign land. Such interesting photos.

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    1. DeniseinVA: He is having a wonderful time, and continuing to be the recipient of gracious and generous hospitality.

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  60. That's so nice that he is experiencing the kindness of strangers. Beautiful photos - they put me in mind of images my niece sends from Turkey. I love the mosaic walls.

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    1. Lynn: Kindness and generosity from strangers. He loved Turkey too.

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  61. My partner visited Iran and was very taken with the kindness he received. My daughter visited Oman alone and was also treated wonderfully. The Iranian asylum seekers I met are gentle people, stereotypes can be far from the truth, and dangerous. I like the 'cat's cradle' statue.

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    1. Kim: I am so very sad that we are quick to accept negative stereotypes. No-one I have come across who has been to the middle East has met with anything but kindness.

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  62. Those buildings are breathtaking. The statues are surprising to me too. Beautiful.

    I think we should blame the media for all the ugly stereotypes we're getting about each other these days.

    Aussies are kind to visitors too, I know this from personal experience.


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    1. neena maiya (aka guyana gyal): The media, and the politicians. I am glad to hear that your experiences with us were good. Very glad.

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  63. I am loving the pictures from his trip! Interesting to see such different surroundings from the ones I see around me. :)

    Thanks for sharing!
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~ Jess: Very different to the ones that we normally see as well. I am finding his trip fascinating, and often very beautiful.

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