Thank you for reading, Helen. I'm glad you liked it - and thank you for the beautiful space you hold for our life writing group on Saturdays: it works wonders! XX
I really enjoyed reading that Sofia. I stayed in Tehran in 1974 with friends from the British Council but then later was the recipient of much hospitality as I travelled round the country. I wrote up my notes recently but they are much more impressionistic than yours and lack the detail, warmth and perspective that you as a woman with family in the country are able to convey so well. More please!
Thank you for reading and for your comment, Anthony. I always love hearing about first impressions of Iran and comparing them to mine. I have finished reading your Stopping Places and am now reading your second collection. I found the whole concept soooo inspiring - gave me a lot to think about my own writing. I also loved your impressionistic painting with words from your travels to Afghanistan and Syria - I wonder whether there are any pieces on Iran but I try not to run ahead to keep anticipating the surprise of a new gem on every new page. Keep well!
What a beautiful insight into Iranian culture. I thought of you the other night when we watched an Iranian film at our local film club called 'My Favorite Cake'. It was about a 70 year old Iranian widow Mahin, who refuses to accept a lonely future (she is refused a visa to visit her daughter in Europe as she is considered too old) so she has an unforgettable and unpredictable evening with a taxi driver called Faramarz. The film showed the reality of living under an oppressive regime. The film makers were banned from leaving Iran, but had managed to get the film out before authorities came down on them. It really has me thinking...
This is so beautifully written and conveys that first experience so well. I love the detail and takes us right into the heart of a loving Iranian family with all their customs. I never realised about the sugar and desire to taste the tea. I have only once sat on a truly Persian carpet and given too some delicious food. We were guests and strangers treated with such a welcome within a family home when en route overland to Tehran. Hope all going well. Am on substack now but do not use it that much and usually to repost my Wordpress.
Thank you, Georgina. I loved hearing your glimpses into Iranian culture - the first contact with a culture so different is so exciting. Do share your Wordpress link!
Thank you so much for sharing this moment of time Sofia—your writing had my mind believe it was there with you, in real-time. A gorgeous piece x
Thank you for reading, Helen. I'm glad you liked it - and thank you for the beautiful space you hold for our life writing group on Saturdays: it works wonders! XX
I really enjoyed reading that Sofia. I stayed in Tehran in 1974 with friends from the British Council but then later was the recipient of much hospitality as I travelled round the country. I wrote up my notes recently but they are much more impressionistic than yours and lack the detail, warmth and perspective that you as a woman with family in the country are able to convey so well. More please!
Thank you for reading and for your comment, Anthony. I always love hearing about first impressions of Iran and comparing them to mine. I have finished reading your Stopping Places and am now reading your second collection. I found the whole concept soooo inspiring - gave me a lot to think about my own writing. I also loved your impressionistic painting with words from your travels to Afghanistan and Syria - I wonder whether there are any pieces on Iran but I try not to run ahead to keep anticipating the surprise of a new gem on every new page. Keep well!
love this post so much!
Thank you for reading this, Layli. So pleased you liked it! It takes me back to a world that has all but disappeared.
What a beautiful insight into Iranian culture. I thought of you the other night when we watched an Iranian film at our local film club called 'My Favorite Cake'. It was about a 70 year old Iranian widow Mahin, who refuses to accept a lonely future (she is refused a visa to visit her daughter in Europe as she is considered too old) so she has an unforgettable and unpredictable evening with a taxi driver called Faramarz. The film showed the reality of living under an oppressive regime. The film makers were banned from leaving Iran, but had managed to get the film out before authorities came down on them. It really has me thinking...
Oh, I don't know this film, but I will ask my son who's into Iranian film. Thank you for reading and for thinking of me.
This is so beautifully written and conveys that first experience so well. I love the detail and takes us right into the heart of a loving Iranian family with all their customs. I never realised about the sugar and desire to taste the tea. I have only once sat on a truly Persian carpet and given too some delicious food. We were guests and strangers treated with such a welcome within a family home when en route overland to Tehran. Hope all going well. Am on substack now but do not use it that much and usually to repost my Wordpress.
Thank you, Georgina. I loved hearing your glimpses into Iranian culture - the first contact with a culture so different is so exciting. Do share your Wordpress link!
https://navasolanature.wordpress.com/2025/03/13/march-moodiness-with-the-rain-in-spain/?_gl=1*hmcmg7*_gcl_au*MTcwMjQ3NTA2OS4xNzQxODk2ODk0