On Tuesday it was time for my next border crossing. The first one which required applying for a visa on the way. Past gthe border a whole different world was waiting for me: Ashgabat, the Turkmen capital.
Tag Archives: Travels
Mashhad: The City of the Imam
The last real stop in Iran was the city of Mashhad. The second largest city of the country is home of the shirne of Imam Reza, the eighth Imam of the Shia. The shrine is the destination of the pilgrims, but the city grew during the war with Irak.
Yazd: Sleeping Beauty
The dessert city of Yazd was during the time of the silk road one important stop for the traders and the carawans. Today, the city has a rather sleepy character even though the city has more than half a million inhabitants. The efforts for more tourism are clearly visible.
Shiraz: Unusual Conditions
The city of Shiraz is primarily famous through the ancient city of Persepolis, the capital of the first Persian Empire. The city itself however also sports quite many attractions, especially gardens and parks, as well as curious students.
Esfahan: Wonderful City
One of the destinations I had chosen before leaving on my trip was Esfahan. The city in central Iran is full of interesting sights. I did not see many of them, since there were a few more surprises.
Kashan: The Little Jewel
Following Ali’s recommendation, I visited the town of Kashan, 3 hours by bus South of Teheran. Besides the typical tourist sights, Kashan has to offer a few extras.
Van: Kurdish Hospitality
My last stop in Turkey was going to be the recently earthquake-hit city of Van. The uncertainty, whether a trip through this area was actually possible, was big. However, I still tried and the trip was definitely worth it.
Malatya: The Other Side of Turkey
The trains from Turkey to Iran run 3 times a week. I neither wanted to rush through Turkey, nor did I want to spend too much time in Cappadoccia, which is why I decided to stop in Malatya.
Cappadocia: Let’s Rock
One thing was clear from the onset of my trip: I would definitively visit Cappadoccia. I was so impressed by the images of the rock formations, that I absolutely wanted to visit the place. From all angles!
Ankara: Turkish City Life
On Sunday, I took the train from Istanbul to the Turkish capital, to Ankara. Not a dream destination for tourists, the city is a good stop to cut bus and train journeys short to experience Turkish city life. Besides, I had other reasons to visit the second largest city in Turkey.