Stephen finds himself in the passenger seat of a 4×4, cruising through the Iranian landscape toward the Maranjab Desert. Jafar, a friendly and skilled local driver, takes the wheel, while Camilla, a fellow traveler from Russia, shares the backseat. The trio is headed to explore the vast desert plains on a tour that promises adventure and unforgettable sights.
After some time on the road, they arrive at the sprawling Maranjab Desert, a landscape of golden dunes and shimmering salt lakes. Feeling adventurous, Stephen takes a ride on the bonnet of the vehicle as Jafar navigates the terrain. Later, Stephen and Camilla venture out on foot to the dunes, where the setting sun casts a warm glow over the sand. The quiet serenity of the desert is a stark contrast to the excitement of off-roading, which Jafar demonstrates with skill, much to the delight of his passengers. As night falls, Camilla is dropped off at the desert campsite for her overnight stay, while Stephen is driven back to his hotel in Isfahan.
The next day, Stephen is back on his bike, heading to a mechanic for a pre-booked service. While his bike is being serviced, he takes the opportunity to visit a nearby mosque. He is awed by the intricate geometry, vibrant tile designs, and remarkable acoustics of the structure, which leave a lasting impression. With his bike in top shape, Stephen continues his journey, making a stop at the tomb of Cyrus the Great. Known as the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, Cyrus the Great is celebrated for uniting much of the ancient Near East and establishing principles of governance that included tolerance and respect for the cultures within his empire.
From there, Stephen heads to Yazd and the next day visits Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Built by Darius the Great around 515 BCE, Persepolis stands as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Persia, with its monumental staircases, imposing columns, and detailed carvings depicting scenes of tribute and diplomacy. Once the heart of an empire, it remains one of Iran’s most iconic archaeological sites.
Stephen also explores a traditional Iranian market, enjoying the colorful stalls and the relaxed pace of browsing. He notes the charm of walking through the vibrant yet unhurried bazaar, a pleasant way to round out an eventful day. With his plans for the next leg of his journey in place, Stephen retires to his accommodation, preparing for his departure to Pakistan, where new adventures await.
Join Stephen’s journey again next week to see what experiences lay ahead in this epic journey! New episodes of Dinja Mutur will be airing on ONE every Friday at 10:00pm, and if you missed an episode, you can watch the episode on demand on one.com.mt, or on repeat:
– Saturday at 11:40am
– Sunday at 11:00pm
– Tuesday at 11:00am