Sue, Faranak is right. Do you really think that after all these years of this beautiful friendship between you and all of us, you will be left all alone and need to take a taxi and a translator and a dictionary and all the other things that an ordinary traveler needs when traveling in Iran? Then you haven't heard anything about the Iranian hospitality. Guests to us are the God. Even if we hadn't known you through this site so well it wouldn't have made any difference. Iranians are the most hospitable people in the whole world. We are legendary hosts. We may be poor we may be simple, but we sacrifice our souls for our guests and as a cmpliment ask our guests to step on the balls of our eyes. Yes, asking guests to step on the balls of our eyes is a compliment that has deep roots in reality . After ten years when I called an an old friend and asked him when I could see him again, the first thing he said was that I could step on the balls of his eyes whenever I wanted so myself.
We never wait at the door of our poor houses for the guests to arrive. Traditionally we go forward to some distance and in many cases to the station to welcome our guests. And when they are leaving we never say goodbye at the door. We always accompany him or her to some distance. An Iranian may sleep on the floor, but he or she always keeps some clean, beautiful matresses ready for potential guests even if it is for ages without any guests arriving. At the table we are taught to eat as long as our guests seem hungry and willing to eat out of fear that the they may feel shy of eating more when the host moves away from the Sofreh. Religion and nationality, race, color and abosolutely nothing else is important for us. When somebody is a guest he is only a guest which is of course the highest status given to anyone: As a favorite saying goes he is "a friend of God."
What a dream, Sue! What a dream! Yazd will leave an unforgettable impression on you. It is a Venice on sands -- as I always call it because this city has retained its ancient structure in a way that UNESCO has annouced it a world treasure.
Did I brag too much? Hope not. Considering yourself alone here trying to use an English to Persian dictionary, looking for a taxi was a direct insult to all Iranians who know English including I and each and every other member on this site.
Ali
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Sabber's letter to Sue
Hello Sue
How are you these days?
You asked many questions and now I want to answer them.
You asked:
What airline should I fly with?
Actually there is only one way for American to come to Iran; You must come with Iranian Travel agencies and there is not another way.
You asked:
Would there be taxis at the airport if I needed transportation?
Yes, there are many taxis at the airport but really I promise you that when you come, I and T will come to bring you from the airport to our houses.
You asked:
Would drivers speak English or should I bring an English/Farsi dictionary?
Dear Sue, I think a dictionary is necessary for every one who comes to Iran from another country because most people in Iran can not speak English.
You asked:
How are off days in Iran?
When it comes to the number of off days I think Iran is the first in the world because of many reasons, for example we have many celebrations like 'Fetr 'or 'Mabbas'
Now I am very happy that I answered all of your questions.
Take care.
SABBER
How are you these days?
You asked many questions and now I want to answer them.
You asked:
What airline should I fly with?
Actually there is only one way for American to come to Iran; You must come with Iranian Travel agencies and there is not another way.
You asked:
Would there be taxis at the airport if I needed transportation?
Yes, there are many taxis at the airport but really I promise you that when you come, I and T will come to bring you from the airport to our houses.
You asked:
Would drivers speak English or should I bring an English/Farsi dictionary?
Dear Sue, I think a dictionary is necessary for every one who comes to Iran from another country because most people in Iran can not speak English.
You asked:
How are off days in Iran?
When it comes to the number of off days I think Iran is the first in the world because of many reasons, for example we have many celebrations like 'Fetr 'or 'Mabbas'
Now I am very happy that I answered all of your questions.
Take care.
SABBER
Faranak's Writing
Hi Sue,
I haven't written for a while because we repaired and painted our house but every day I checked the site for several times and read your answers.
I became very happy when I saw you asked about traveling to Iran. I hope I can see you in Iran one day.
Dear Sue, if you come to Tehran, you will not need any taxis. We will come to airport to say welcome to you and we will bring you every where you want with our cars.
Dear friend, I do a new thing and don't know how much it can be useful to me.
Yesterday, in the English class, we listened to a song of Chris De Burg, its name was Missing you.
Understanding it was very difficult and I understood just a few words. After the class, I came to home and downloaded some Chris De Burg's songs with its text.
I listened to these songs concurrent with seeing their texts. after this, when I listen to them I almost understand.
Although I understand them with a little cheating but it is very enjoyable to understand a foreign songs(I have listened to them more than 10 times from last night).
Have a nice time.
Your friend, Faranak.
I haven't written for a while because we repaired and painted our house but every day I checked the site for several times and read your answers.
I became very happy when I saw you asked about traveling to Iran. I hope I can see you in Iran one day.
Dear Sue, if you come to Tehran, you will not need any taxis. We will come to airport to say welcome to you and we will bring you every where you want with our cars.
Dear friend, I do a new thing and don't know how much it can be useful to me.
Yesterday, in the English class, we listened to a song of Chris De Burg, its name was Missing you.
Understanding it was very difficult and I understood just a few words. After the class, I came to home and downloaded some Chris De Burg's songs with its text.
I listened to these songs concurrent with seeing their texts. after this, when I listen to them I almost understand.
Although I understand them with a little cheating but it is very enjoyable to understand a foreign songs(I have listened to them more than 10 times from last night).
Have a nice time.
Your friend, Faranak.
Niloofar's letter
Dear sou
Hello
I'm very happy about partake to the class of Mr taghdarre.
I and my sister(her name is nastsran) went to the english class about 3month ago.
In last day we were in vacation and me and nastaran went to the english class.
When we went to the class we could saw franak,sabber,bahman,sahere in the class.
We watched a document film &we speak english together.
Last day was a good day.
I like to learn english, I hope you help me.
your friend Niloofar
Hello
I'm very happy about partake to the class of Mr taghdarre.
I and my sister(her name is nastsran) went to the english class about 3month ago.
In last day we were in vacation and me and nastaran went to the english class.
When we went to the class we could saw franak,sabber,bahman,sahere in the class.
We watched a document film &we speak english together.
Last day was a good day.
I like to learn english, I hope you help me.
your friend Niloofar
Monday, October 04, 2010
Bahman's Writings
Dear Sue,
An Iranian market, it is very interesting. Do they sell Iranian things? For example Iranian foods, drinks and spices.
Thank you for writing about Canada. I enjoy it.
Words, they are my big problem because I don’t know many words. Reading and memorizing words is very difficult for me, but words are necessary.
That piece that I sent to your mail called Khazan (autumn). A piece from an Iranian maestro that his name is Parvize Meshkatian (the man who plays Santour on that clip).
That instrument is Daf.
It is a mystical musical instrument.
The Riq (or Daf)The riq (or Daf) is a very ancient musical instrument that existed in the Mesopotamia region more than 3000 years B.C. It is a small tambourine traditionally covered with a goat or fish skin head, stretched over a wooden frame inlaid with mother of pearl. The riq has five sets of two pairs of brass cymbals spaced evenly around the frame. The cymbals are what produce the beautiful jingle sound.
I saw a zither, but I cannot download that file. It is played with fingers, I think. It is like Ghanon. GHanon is very beautiful musical instrument and it is an Iranian instrument. It is very expensive.
No, they are not hammers. It is like a pick that make from wood. We called them Mezrab. In payvarism, players paste some felt on the Mezrabs. Sometimes Mezrabs are without felt.
Take care,
Bahman
An Iranian market, it is very interesting. Do they sell Iranian things? For example Iranian foods, drinks and spices.
Thank you for writing about Canada. I enjoy it.
Words, they are my big problem because I don’t know many words. Reading and memorizing words is very difficult for me, but words are necessary.
That piece that I sent to your mail called Khazan (autumn). A piece from an Iranian maestro that his name is Parvize Meshkatian (the man who plays Santour on that clip).
That instrument is Daf.
It is a mystical musical instrument.
The Riq (or Daf)The riq (or Daf) is a very ancient musical instrument that existed in the Mesopotamia region more than 3000 years B.C. It is a small tambourine traditionally covered with a goat or fish skin head, stretched over a wooden frame inlaid with mother of pearl. The riq has five sets of two pairs of brass cymbals spaced evenly around the frame. The cymbals are what produce the beautiful jingle sound.
I saw a zither, but I cannot download that file. It is played with fingers, I think. It is like Ghanon. GHanon is very beautiful musical instrument and it is an Iranian instrument. It is very expensive.
No, they are not hammers. It is like a pick that make from wood. We called them Mezrab. In payvarism, players paste some felt on the Mezrabs. Sometimes Mezrabs are without felt.
Take care,
Bahman
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Would you like to watching a film on Monday?
If you would like to watch a film, please left a comment on this post.
Thank you,
Bahman
Thank you,
Bahman
Saturday, October 02, 2010
From the book Walden
Let me share a brief moment from Walden with all the friends who want to know why I love this book so much and read it so many times.
“If we respected only what is inevitable and has a right to be, music and poetry would resound along the streets.”
And this is how Thoreau himself actually experienced such moments when he was in Walden:
“At a sufficient distance over the woods this sound acquires a certain vibratory hum, as if the pine needles in the horizon were the strings of a harp which it swept.”
Just imagine living in a world where every pine needle is the string of the world’s symphonic orchestra. What a world. What a wonderful man Thoreau was!
In a similar analogy Rumi considers the trees clapping their leaves and dancing with their branches to the music that the winds sing.
I live for beauty and I find the beauty that I live for in these sentences. Really what else do we need for a good life except helping more people to appreciate "what is inevitable and has a right to be?"
Ali
“If we respected only what is inevitable and has a right to be, music and poetry would resound along the streets.”
And this is how Thoreau himself actually experienced such moments when he was in Walden:
“At a sufficient distance over the woods this sound acquires a certain vibratory hum, as if the pine needles in the horizon were the strings of a harp which it swept.”
Just imagine living in a world where every pine needle is the string of the world’s symphonic orchestra. What a world. What a wonderful man Thoreau was!
In a similar analogy Rumi considers the trees clapping their leaves and dancing with their branches to the music that the winds sing.
I live for beauty and I find the beauty that I live for in these sentences. Really what else do we need for a good life except helping more people to appreciate "what is inevitable and has a right to be?"
Ali
Friday, October 01, 2010
Fattemeh's Writing
Hi Sue
Dear friend, I had missed you because during this time I didn't have communicated with you. But I was always reading your answers to other friends because I'm interested in your writings and I learn many things from them.
I read in your post that you want to come to Iran. Is it right? It is the biggest my wish. I love to see you and speak with you face to face.
Dear Sue, my university has been started since 3 weeks ago. Civil engineering has 3 projects in the graduate. Some friends and I decided to take one of them this semester. In this project, we must design an educational building. The building has 7 floors and it occupy 1370 sq m of space. It is difficult but attractive. We must deliver this project after one year and during this time 3 professors help us. We must give our work report to one of them every week.
In Iran, schools have been started for a week. I go to a high school for teaching on Thursday. I can go there only on Thursday because other days I must go to the university. I have taught geometry since 4 years ago. I love math specially geometry very much. After a week heavy studies of university, it is variety for me. I like to continue both teaching and engineering in the future and I love both of them.
Sometimes, I accept private teaching. I can't accept many private teachings because I don't have time.
I had one question from you "what traits must a good teacher have? Do you have memory from favorite your teacher that send it to me?"
During this time when I wasn't writing for you, I want to do other my work and then with open mind I write for you.
Thank you very much for reading my letter.
I wish the best.
Your friend, Fattemeh
Dear friend, I had missed you because during this time I didn't have communicated with you. But I was always reading your answers to other friends because I'm interested in your writings and I learn many things from them.
I read in your post that you want to come to Iran. Is it right? It is the biggest my wish. I love to see you and speak with you face to face.
Dear Sue, my university has been started since 3 weeks ago. Civil engineering has 3 projects in the graduate. Some friends and I decided to take one of them this semester. In this project, we must design an educational building. The building has 7 floors and it occupy 1370 sq m of space. It is difficult but attractive. We must deliver this project after one year and during this time 3 professors help us. We must give our work report to one of them every week.
In Iran, schools have been started for a week. I go to a high school for teaching on Thursday. I can go there only on Thursday because other days I must go to the university. I have taught geometry since 4 years ago. I love math specially geometry very much. After a week heavy studies of university, it is variety for me. I like to continue both teaching and engineering in the future and I love both of them.
Sometimes, I accept private teaching. I can't accept many private teachings because I don't have time.
I had one question from you "what traits must a good teacher have? Do you have memory from favorite your teacher that send it to me?"
During this time when I wasn't writing for you, I want to do other my work and then with open mind I write for you.
Thank you very much for reading my letter.
I wish the best.
Your friend, Fattemeh
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Four Helpful Hints
Here are 4 little hints that I think will help your English. Check with T if you don't understand what I am saying:
1. S is an important letter in English. Many plurals are formed with s: apple, apples, girl, girls, car, cars etc. Some words are made into plurals in a different way: woman - women| man - men| church - chuches| child - children | person - people | foot - feet | mouse - mice | tooth - teeth. Check all nouns in your dictionary to see how the plural is formed.
2. Only use an apostrophe (') in possessives: i.e. words that indicate that something belongs to the person or thing: Example, The cat's claws were sharp. This is ONE cat. If it were two cats you would say The cats' claws were sharp. Do you see the difference?
3. Compound sentences: When you have two complete thoughts joined by and, but, or, nor, for or other words that are conjunctions, separate them with a comma beforethe conjunction. Example: Jack and Jill ran up the hill, and Jack fell down. I like to write, but it makes me tired.
4. Always check spelling in your dictionary.
Take care, Sue
1. S is an important letter in English. Many plurals are formed with s: apple, apples, girl, girls, car, cars etc. Some words are made into plurals in a different way: woman - women| man - men| church - chuches| child - children | person - people | foot - feet | mouse - mice | tooth - teeth. Check all nouns in your dictionary to see how the plural is formed.
2. Only use an apostrophe (') in possessives: i.e. words that indicate that something belongs to the person or thing: Example, The cat's claws were sharp. This is ONE cat. If it were two cats you would say The cats' claws were sharp. Do you see the difference?
3. Compound sentences: When you have two complete thoughts joined by and, but, or, nor, for or other words that are conjunctions, separate them with a comma beforethe conjunction. Example: Jack and Jill ran up the hill, and Jack fell down. I like to write, but it makes me tired.
4. Always check spelling in your dictionary.
Take care, Sue
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