A Chance To Love

A traditional coffee shop, ghahveh khooneh, in Karaj. Photo by Faranak Ravon, Iranian.com. A salute to my memories!

I took off my shoes and climbed on top of the wooden bed covered with rugs. I sat in the corner, where a huge carpet pillow, Mokhaddeh, was invitingly waiting for me. I couldn't fold my feet under, something I never learned to do. So I sat with my legs pointing forward. We asked for the village breakfast of fresh eggs, bread, cheese, and hot tea served in transparent short cups, estekan. The clean plastic spread, Sofreh, held the most delicious feast on the earth for me. The two of us sat there, under those shady trees in the summer's early morning breeze, listenning to the river beneath go by, having our breakfast and talking, laughing, and talking some more. Today, if anyone asks me where I think is the most romantic place in the world, I would say a small coffeeshop just outside of Tehran on Chaloos Road, where they served a delicious breakfast and a chance to love.

A Cat In My Lap

Fresh barberries, zereshk, in Karaj, Iran. Photo by Faranak Ravon, Iranian.com, October 22, 2008.

Ray the cat, and I are getting along well. I think he has come to like me! I am looking for a chance to photograph him during the day and show you his picture. He is a sweet cat, a lap cat, which means he loves hanging out on my lap! This could be a challenge as I work on the computer a lot, and his sitting on my lap means that my access to the keyboard gets somewhat restricted! Sometimes he touches the keyboard, too, typing something! All things considered, we are doing well together. Today I completed my second week living with him. With just one more week to go, I was thinking how I might miss having a cat around when I'm back at my house again! I miss my cat, Asghar. He lives in Karaj now, where the above photograph was taken by Farah.

I could use your good vibes for a professional project I am undertaking. I really need this project to go well. Please send good thoughts my way you guys! I'll give you a good shirini if it goes well! Have a good Friday you all!