Notes from thoughts, memories, and events

Tag: Travelogues

Peykan-57

We bought our first car when I was 7 years old—a Peykan 57. Although we had a car for a short time before that, I don’t know why we bought it or why we sold it. I just remember one hot, probably summer day when my father came home with it. I played with the air vent, one of those circular ones divided by a diagonal line. But in my mind, our first car is the one we bought when I was 7.

After that event, our leisure activities shifted from going to parks to going outside the city. Our first trip was a one-day excursion on the Tabriz–Shabestar road, near a river and a lot of buckthorn trees. I still feel the cold of that river water between my toes.

That trip was accompanied by the album Seni Sevmeyen Olsun by Ceylan. One of our acquaintances brought the cassette from Turkey. It was hard to find things like that back then. Those were good days.

While listening to a song from 90s Turkey.

Mazandaran Travelogue

A few days ago, we went to Astara because of an accident my dad had there, to follow up on it. My first experience traveling to the north and the breathtaking mountain was fantastic and I couldn’t express enough of its excitement. The never-ending road with its beautiful skies and lush green valleys, not to mention the dangerous curves, was a sight to behold.

On the way to Astara, we came across small villages and towns that were surrounded by nature. It was a stark contrast to the bustling cities we were used to. The peacefulness of the place was palpable and it was a welcome break from the chaos of city life. The fresh air and serene atmosphere had a calming effect on us.

As we drove further into the mountains, the landscape changed dramatically. The mountains rose higher and the valleys became deeper. We encountered streams and waterfalls that flowed with such force and grace, it was as if they were dancing to the music of nature. We stopped at several scenic points along the way to take in the breathtaking views and to capture the moments in our memories.

The beauty of Astara was not limited to just its natural surroundings. The local people were warm and friendly, making us feel welcome in their land. Their hospitality was heartwarming, and we felt grateful for the chance to experience it. The local cuisine was another highlight of the trip. The dishes were simple, yet full of flavor and made with locally grown produce.

Overall, the trip to Astara was a journey that I will never forget. It was a reminder that sometimes, taking a step back from the fast pace of life and immersing oneself in nature can bring a sense of peace and perspective. I would recommend a trip to Astara to anyone looking for a break from the busy city life, and to anyone who wants to experience the beauty and wonder of the mountains.

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