Day 163 – Mahan, Kerman,Iran
I checked out of the Hotel, fixed my Tire beside the Entry, bought some Bananas and left Kerman towards South… The Plan was to visit the Shahzadeh Garden close to Mahan 40 km out of Kerman and then Camp somewhere in the Desert but like always it didn’t worked out like planed. I managed to leave the City around 1pm (Sunset is at 4pm) So focused myself to another night sleeping in a Room in Mahan. The road provided me with a Cyclingline separated beside the Freeway for the 40k towards Mahan. Blocked from Traffic I cycled along trees with their colourful canopy shining in the autumn sun. Its mid November on 1900 Meter above Sea level and the crystal fresh air with the warming sun reminded me to the endless trainings rides in Germany through the colourful autumn forests. Found a nice Room in a family owned Guesthouse outside of Mahan. I was welcomed warmly by my Host Zahra, she organized me a taxi to bring me up to the Shahzadeh Garden.
It is around sunset and I entered a magical world after I passed the walls around the garden. Big trees standing there since a century and showing all nuances of earthy colours from deep red to bright yellow while the mountains in the distance glowing red from the sinking sun. The garden had several Pavilions on the Bottom and over several terraces where a River dropped down from the Top. I was wondering around through the upcoming dark and walked up the Terraces to the main House overlooking the garden and mountains down the valley. Being satisfied and frozen I approached one of the few Men who offered a ride to somewhere. Spontaneous told my driver to bring me in the Centre instead heading straight back to the Guesthouse. I was hungry, needed food for the Night and could visit the Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine there as well. Slowly I felt like a real Tourist exploring what is along the Road. After a Chicken Kebab and Rice for Diner I walked into the Yards around the Shrine. Some Doors, some Yards with pons later I stood in front the entry. Asked the Man was coming out between Big Carpets hanging down the Door, if it is OK to enter?! He looked at me with a confused Impression on his face. I couldn’t figure out what the source of that Impression was, maybe the Question in Farsi or Just the Fact that he didn’t saw many foreigners in the past. Anyway he told me “sure, go inside”. Left my shoes on the shelf outside and sneaked in between two heavy Carpets hanging down. So beautiful warm, silent inside with impressive tall walls. The soft carpets under my feed and the dome 20 Meters above my head showed fine mosaics.
At that Moment I was very glad about the fact I had to stay in this town for the Night and don’t rushed for a camping spot in the desert. Called myself a Taxi for a ride back to my Guesthouse. Zahra welcomed me while I gave her some sweet biscuit from the Bakery as a “Thank you” for arranging Taxi and stuff. That’s something I definitely learned in Turkey and Iran to care more about the People around me and arranging this little gifts to be thankfully for their work.
