Portfolio Spotlight
With Hojat — the best guide at Grand Persia Tours and the heart behind my unforgettable Iran journey.
My favourite childhood book was The Folk of the Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. The children climb a magical tree and discover new lands that appear above the clouds—The Land of Topsy-Turvy, The Land of Dreams, The Land of Birthdays. I loved each one. That book came to mind while travelling through Iran.
In most countries, historic landmarks are easy to spot—towers, castles, cathedrals visible from a distance. But in Iran, whether it was a mosque, tomb, palace, garden, or fire temple, you first pass through an entrance: a gate, an archway, maybe just a plain mud-brick wall. And then… you’re somewhere else entirely.
From the rose-hued light of the Pink Mosque in Shiraz, to the grandeur of Persepolis, to the tiled domes of Isfahan, to quiet pools, lush gardens, and the hush of history. Each time, I was surprised. Each time, it felt like stepping into another land.
Iran is layered. Deeply historic, visually stunning, and quietly enchanting.
