I exchanged a few emails with Jurgen VG earlier this week when he mentioned a trip to Iran. I thought that posting those pictures would be a good way to offer you a slightly different flavor, involve one of our regular listeners and give a shout out to our friend Ali. Enjoy this short walk in Tehran and the surrounding mountains.

In front of base camp on Mount Tochal (4000m), a deserted building (holiday season was over), some mountain folks that live over there, only cold water, old bunks and even older blankets. Very cold during the evening/night.

On our way back, rainy day, technical downhill site, heavy backpacks, slippery.

On our way up to Mount Damavand (5600 m if I remember correctly), deep snow, icy wind, altitude issues (headaches), barely any food, no time to stop because of the cold (outside the wind minus 6, in the wind minus 12 and the higher we went the colder it got)

A small town called Reyne, extremely friendly and hospitable people.

On our way to Tehran city.

A building at Khomeini square.

The American institute for Industry and Technology located next to the oldest mosque in Tehran. Except for the walls everything was destroyed to set an example.

Street scene in Tehran city.