Jon & Zoe Do Iran (et al.)

Jon Rides a Camel. A Freaking Camel!!! | April 23, 2009

Today we went to a caravanserai. I was a little unclear on what that was, both on the way there and when we arrived, but heres the story:

One of the (many) rulers of Persia decided that roads were ace. And with roads come travellers, and travellers need a place to sleep. So caravanserai were placed every 60 kms (which apparently is how far you can get on a camel in a day) along the main roads.

The one we went to is one of the few remaining operating caravanserai and it is amazing, It’s a little oasis in the desert with cool rooms and a courtyard. The whole thing is built in a series of concentric circles, starting with the speakers podium in the very centre, then a place to tie up camels, then a small circular river/lake thing (which I suppose was originally intended to be a place for camels to drink), then a walkway, then a bunch of rooms that face the speakers podium etc etc etc. There’s also a really steep stairwell which leads to the roof. From the roof you can see for miles in all directions, and there’s nothing there. Just sand, dirt and mountains.

I think the most important bit of the trip comes next. We were done with lunch, and heading back out to the bus, when someone pointed out there was a camel being led around. Needless to say, everyone heads over to take photos and our tour guide has a chat with the guy leading the camel. And it turns out, that for a meagre NZ$10, you can ride it!!! The offer is extended to all of us, and although I was a little apprehensive at first, with a bit of encouragement from Zoe (she has already ridden a camel in Egypt on a previous occasion), I got amongst it. It was pretty cool, and I didn’t fall off once. Which is lucky cause it’s actually bloody high. Check it out.