May 27 Twenty hours on the train from Mashhad to Isfahan.

Such an interesting trip! Our wonderful guide in Mashhad had made sure we got on the train on time and spoke to the steward about our sole use of the cabin (we had paid for 4 berths). There was a group of 9 other Aussies on a similar trip to us so we all compared notes - once we had sorted out who belonged in which cabin (a couple had tried to set up in ours - and ate and drank the treats the steward have put out for us!). The seats were a bit hard to sleep on but apart from that the train was quite adequate - and we could charge our devices. 

Our 4 berth cabin complete with charging station!

The countryside was an ever changing vista. Through wheat fields, grazing goats and sheep, barren stretches, and ‘jump ups’ in the flat plains much like central Australia. Much of this was seen through a soft orange filter caused by rain clouds and dust. The effect was extraordinary! 

A fascinating village with lush gardens and curious looking mounds behind

We flew past lots of cultivated land standing in stark contrast to the dryness of the surrounding land and mountains. At one point we passed a fascinating village with lush gardens and curious looking mounds behind. We never did discover what they were but they could have been unground dwellings with mullock hill or mining tailings behind.

Beautiful colous as the light began to fade

As the light faded the sky became the colour of the underside of young mushrooms with smudges of fading blue clouds. As the sky darkened to purple, the gibbous moon became a soft butter pink.

We slept poorly and were woken by an early dawn as we crept ever closer to the ancient town of Isfahan the capital of Persia from late C16 to C18. 

A massive sports complex on the edge of the city

We were met at the station by our driver who was to take us to our hotel - he got comprehensively lost on the way but we finally made it.  An interesting introduction to Isfahan. Quite the modern metropolis. On the highway into the city we passed the first of the 'Little Blue Trucks' which zip around Iran carrying all manner of cargo lashed to their backs.

Entering Isfahan

Seen from our hotel Sheikh Bahaei - a room with a view!