Category Archives: Blog

Imam Square in Isfahan — a UNESCO World Heritage site — is one of my favorite places in Iran (and the world!)…

I really love the elegant designs decorating the stunning dome of the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in peaceful Isfahan…

It’s always a serene experience to marvel at the magnificent mosaics of Imam Mosque while exploring Isfahan…

It was a sweet delight to sip traditional Omani coffee at Beit Al Safah while exploring the countryside of Oman…

I love the colorful niches decorating the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman — each one, a different pattern…

I enjoyed a morning stretch on the sea while exploring how wooden ships are built in the dhow shipyard of Sur…

After a long day of travel in Iran, I was delighted to find this adorable dervish doll in Shiraz — begging bowl included!

I finally had the opportunity to explore the spectacular Wadi Shab in the Sultanate of Oman. We began our journey into the wadi in a small boat to help us across the first fresh water pool. Then we embarked on a spirited hike for about 45 minutes through the magnificent landscape of mountains, boulders, and palms. The mesmerizing teal hue of the water running beside us ushered us further into the wondrous wadi.

Eventually, we reached the swimming portion of the wadi — and changed into our swimming gear (I wore goggles to see where the water was shallow enough to stand). It was quite an adrenaline high (pure joy!) to swim and wade through the long turquoise pools in between the rocks. It felt like an obstacle course, because we had to hike, then swim, then scramble, then swim. Eventually, we came to the opening of the partially submerged cave — a gateway which is only big enough for one’s head to pass through. It was an eerie and ecstatic experience to swim solo through it (like passing into another world) — but once we did, we were greeted with a waterfall and the sounds of other adventurous souls (of all ages) exploring the rushing water and cave. If you visit Oman, Wadi Shab is a must-do!

I enjoyed seeing the ballet Anna Karenina — based on Tolstoy’s novel with musical excerpts from Tchaikovsky — this week at the Royal Opera House Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman. The performance reminded me of my visit to Tolstoy’s home in Moscow and my pilgrimage to Tchaikovsky’s grave while I was living in Russia to study Advanced Russian and get in touch with my Russian roots.

Today (December 17th) marks the anniversary of the death of the medieval Persian poet Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi. In honor of this mystic master, I have translated a few of his Persian verses to commemorate this special day for Sufis worldwide.

Beyond this tongue, our language is another
Beyond hell and heaven, our destination is another
Free sprits draw life from one another
That pure gem’s source is from another.

— Rumi

I enjoyed a festive Christmas hike tonight at sunset with the Muscat Hash House Harriers & friends in Oman…

I enjoyed a lovely (and windy) lunch this week at Alila Jabal Akhdar in Oman with a view of the majestic canyon below.

Everytime I visit Iran, I’m captivated by the pastel colors of the Nasir al-Molk Mosque (the “Pink Mosque”) in Shiraz…

Illustrious Iran! Walking through the colossal Gate of All Nations at Persepolis in Iran is an experience unlike any other.