Iranian Daydreams

So, I should really be concentrating on the many papers or "assessed reports" that are due in 7 days. And I am working on them...

It's just that I spoke with my Grandma in Tehran earlier today and she reminded me again that she would love for me to fly over for a visit sometime this summer. Not that she needs to twist my arm or anything... quite the opposite. A visit to Iran has been in the cards for a while. In fact, it's long overdue, as my last visit was in 1999.

The thing is, when I start with the Iranian daydreams, it's hard to shut them off! Suddenly, plans swirl around in my head and the world is full of possibility. It's strange to say that, since some in the West might think the complete opposite and conjure up images of the great Axis of Evil (thanks George!). But for me, travel to Iran always means that everything and anything is possible. If I visit, I know I will see countless family members and always be in great company, be fed like an absolute queen (my grandmother's cooking is off-the-charts), and be blessed with non-stop adventures from the time I arrive to the moment I depart.

Perhaps that's why I don't visit more often: It's too hard on my soul to leave. Last time, when I was still living in NYC, I came back and had dreams in Farsi for 3 weeks and listened to Haydeh at work incessantly!

Today, 7 years later and facing another grey London sky, my daydreams have led me to Sattar on my iPod (what a dreamboat!) and also steered me towards some fun mountaineering websites. The most impressive, you ask? Here's something to train for: Imagine fitting this particular ascent into the summer's travel schedule.

Any takers out there? You know who you are.

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