Today I choose a route on smaller roads because it is less than 250 km to Isfahan. Most of the route goes through the desert. Don't immediately think of high sand dunes and blinding sun. It is more of a dry empty plain with coarse red earth, stones, withered shrubs and a lovely 25 degrees. In some areas, due to the presence of water and good irrigation, there is even arable farming.
There is a village every 15-20 km. There you always have to watch out for the speed limiting speed bumps. They are virtually invisible from a distance, but always indicated by road signs. But because I often look around me, I sometimes miss a sign and I have had to use the ABS of the motorcycle several times to prevent a hard blow.
When I arrive in Isfahan it is still 9 km to my hostel, which already shows how big the city is. I ride to the rhythm of the traffic and soon youth on light motorcycles gather around me and ride with me. They make wheelies, yell at me and keep asking for attention. It's quite intimidating and I keep my focus on the busy traffic as much as possible and don't exchange more than a few friendly gestures with them as they don't speak English.
The hostel is located right in the center and has a large walled garden. When I ring the bell, the gate opens automatically and I can safely park my motorcycle in the courtyard.
In the evening I walk to the Naqsh-e Jahan square, which is completely surrounded by a bazaar with small shops. Did I say earlier that I encountered little creativity in the cities? Well that's different here. An enormous amount of handmade art in copper, silver, tiles, carpets etc. It is nice and busy and when I walk through the bazaar I actually come across a film set of a famous Iranian daily series.
The sound engineer immediately sees that I am a tourist and, while they are waiting for the recording for the next scene, starts a chat with me. Long story short; a little later I am sitting in his chair with his headphones on listening to the sound of the previous scene, the creative director comes to bring me tea and 2 actors introduce themselves. Seriously, I'm laughing again as I write this. Only in Iran.
The next day I visit Naqsh-e Jahan Square again but this time with the Abbasi Great Mosque and Amam Ali Square. Then a long walk to the somewhat disappointing Choobi Bridge and when I am back in the hostel at the end of the afternoon and have covered 16 km, it has been good. While enjoying my homemade spaghetti I listen to the experiences of a German family that celebrates autumn holidays here but still has a bit of trouble with the impressions of the traffic, the noise and the crowds and I realize that it has already gone for me anyway get used to.
