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Italiano (Italian)
Of the many silly things I had already done in life, I missed the one of missing the plane. It was a ‘thrill I gave myself at the end of a trip that had been uneventful and for which I risked trouble getting home.
Shiraz is not just a wine
Shiraz was the last destination and is another beautiful city with much history. From its name comes the famous grape variety that unfortunately no longer exists there because of the prohibition of alcohol (which privately, however, is drunk).
On a tour I also went to see the immense tombs of ancient Persian emperors. These included the ruins of the city of Persepolis, one of the ancient capitals of Persia.
Missing the plane, but being lucky, or in the best country
Using domestic flights to get around Iran is almost indispensable. The distances are considerable.
On my way to the airport where I was supposed to take a domestic flight to Tehran and then from there to Italy, I reflected on the fact that everything had really gone smoothly. At the check-in counter, however, I was told that I could not board what I thought was my flight. I was not listed to them.
I then happened to miss the plane because of my over-planning. If I had not been able to get to the capital on time (I would also have had to change airports) I would have risked not being able to return to Italy, which would have led to problems with visas, another flight, and then vacation and work. I was taken right to the airport manager who, after a few phone calls to the airline, discovered the mystery.
I had changed the schedule months before. I was originally supposed to leave on the previous flight. I hadn’t marked it and hadn’t gotten the update or saved the wrong email.
Fortunately, they got me on the next flight. The problem was that you couldn’t pay with a card, but he, the manager, changed the euros for me having run out of Real.
A Kurd saves me
However, I was clearly late. I arrived in Tehran late at night, soon the metro would close.
In the meantime, I took the first train since I would have to change two and cross the city. On the subway I started talking to a Kurdish guy, who explained his tragic situation as a refugee and that he was nevertheless grateful to that country that with all its faults, helps millions of people in his condition.
He explained that I would not be able to get to the international airport via subway and that I was also in danger of not finding a cab at that hour. On the way out he found me one and recommended to the cab driver (who spoke no English) that he take me quickly. Last example of the extreme kindness of this world we so mistreat. Iran’s is an unfortunate people who deserve more and would have every chance to be a nice place to live and vacation.
Home travel Ignorance in social media, especially about Iran
Previous stop Meetings in Iran, how is Bud Spencer?
Trips taken, travel stories divided by continent
Countries visited in my travel stories
Anecdotes, divided by type in travel narratives
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