Beautiful! The images, the places, and the people...This is one of my dream to-do trips, and it was lovely seeing your pictures.

Beautifully done, Julia! It's so great to see people pictures holding the place of honor in works like these.

I worked briefly in Iran the year before the Shah fell, and I've had an abiding desire to return. Beautiful country, beautiful people, and a great story. Thanks so much.

What wonderful photos! Thanks. I'm so jealous that you got to visit Iran - I was waiting until after the election to apply for a visa, and it's clear I can't get one right now.

Thank you, all, for your comments.

Amy, I encourage you to visit Iran someday - as Gardyloo writes, 'Beautiful country, beautiful people, and a great story.'

Gardyloo, I too have an abiding desire to return. Such an amazing people, who seem to get on with their lives in a most satisfying fashion despite whatever their government does to thwart them, whether it be the government of a shah or the government of the clerics. I have dozens and dozens more people pictures - perhaps some day I will do something with them. Until then, I dream of returning to Iran for my 65th birthday in a few years, when I intend retire from my day job and enroll in Persian language classes in Isfahan for a month or two.

thursdaysd, it may take a while, but the visa situation in Iran will surely open up again. In the meantime, I see you are going to Syria - I look forward to reading about your experiences. Syria is on my list for next year.

Julia, I've posted some old photos from my time in Iran on my website. The comparisons might be interesting to you. http://gardyloo.us/Iran.htm