We rented a bus and a driver and headed out from Mashhad to tour.

Outside of Mashhad in the city of Tas is the epic poet Ferdosi's Tomb.
It is made with a beautiful pale stone.

In the gardens around the Tomb is a marble statue of Ferdosi.

Down inside the Tomb, there were amazing carved stone reliefs depicting
scenes from the "Shahnamah" which is the book Ferdosi is famous for writing.
The detail in the carvings were fascinating. A guide spoke in English telling
us some of the stories.

As we drove outside of Mashhad, we found a fun amusement park. It is part of
Kuhsangi park. It looked fun but we didn't go because we have too many
of those back in the U.S.A.

Mashhad has two beautiful canyons that are a short drive from the city.
They looked very cool, green, and quaint with small teahouses and restaurants.
We stopped at one of the teahouses for some tea and another Persian
brand of Coke (still not as good as the real thing).

Mashhad is famous as being the place of the Holy Shrine of
Emam Reza. Many people of the Islamic faith make a pilgrimage
to visit the "Haram". They have many tourists in this city from
many different countries. I felt a little intimidated in this city with so many
women wearing black chadors.

The outside parts of the Holy Shrine were very beautiful! Women must wear a Chador
to enter the Holy Shrine area. Were were pretty nervous that we were wearing
it correctly but after some help and some practice, we felt okay with it on.

Cameras were not allowed inside the Holy Shrine. This postcard
gives just a glimpse of the beauty inside. No one in our family
had EVER seen anything so dazzling and beautiful in our lives!
The walls and ceilings just sparkled and glowed.

The bazaar in Meshhad was very busy and crowded.
I thought it was interesting to see store after store selling black material.
There were so many beautiful patterns and textures all in black!
Many other stores were selling the most bright, sparkling colorful material
I've ever seen! It was such a contrast!
We also enjoyed a banana smoothee that Mashhad is famous for!

The food in Iran is wonderful! Mashhad is also famous for Shishlick.
It is grilled lamb and was one of the best tasting meat we had.

Our last night in Mashhad was highlighted with dinner in an ancient
restaurant with music. It was very nice!