Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Xmas!!
Xmas went relatively unnoticed here in Qum. I saw an xmas tree on Boulvar Amin a few weeks ago - decorated with lights and tinsel and the works! But that's about it.
In class today, our teacher wanted to go over 2 lessons, which means double homework. I managed to convince her that it was xmas and she should be nice to us, seeing as we were missing out on all the festivities back home. Not sure how, but she actually bought it!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Iran creates world's largest sand carpet
Some 25 visual artists used 70 types of colorful sand to create the 'Persian Gulf' sand carpet, which will be displayed on the island from Dec. 9 to 17, 2008.
The 12000-square-meter carpet is unique in magnitude, pattern and color and its title which shares the name of the forever Persian Gulf.
The previous sand carpet record belonged to 900-square-meter one created on the Canary Islands in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Known for its beautiful red soil, Hormuz Island has witnessed numerous artistic events, including Iran's 15th Environmental Art Festival.
http://www.presstv.com/Detail.aspx?id=77858§ionid=351020105
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Eggs from Amul!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
English classes
Wedding anniversary
This day is also known as husband/wife day. Although I’m still waiting for my flowers, I was treated to lunch when I got home from school.
The Chador
The other day I was waiting for the car to pick me up and take me to my English class. I saw an Indian lady wearing a shalwar kameez (Baggy trousers and long top) and no chador! I was a bit shocked that she was brave enough to hit the streets of Qum chador-less! Its funny how back in England, seeing a woman wearing regular clothes is ok, but here, if you haven’t got 5 layers on, you feel naked!
Anyways later that day, on the return journey, as I was walking home, my chador got caught on a nail. I didn’t realise and carried on walking. Before I knew it, my chador was yanked off my head and there I was standing ‘naked’ on the streets of Qum!!
The chador is a 5 metre piece of black fabric, full length and semi circular. It sits on the head and is open at the front. No hand openings or closures and is held by hands! There are different styles of chador. The Melli chador (or Arab chador) which is closed down the front and has sleeves and also the Lebanese chador , which is similar to the Melli chador.
Although wearing modest clothing is required by law in Iran, wearing the chador is not. Having said that, 99% of the women in Qum wear it as a sign of piety and respectability. I find the chador annoying. It constantly falls off my head or gets trapped in things! The worst thing is trying to do the weekly shopping. Picture this, a school bag, groceries bag, fruit and veg bag – the chador doesn’t stand a chance! Love it or loathe it, wearing the chador makes one stand out less here in Qum.