The snow capped peak of Mt. Damavand in the distance.
A village in Mazandaran Province where the humidity from the Caspian Sea keeps everything green.
Mom and I met Ali Bolboli, Mokarrameh's son, at the bus terminal at 8 AM. He was with a friend and his wife who were coming with us. Ali also had a female friend with him. Mom and I drove with Mortezah and his wife, Somayeh, while Ali and Aida, his friend, hired a car. The drive was almost four hours long. We went through the Alborz Mountains, headding East. At one point, just out of Tehran, we could see the snow capped peak of Mt. Damavand. I took a picture as this is a sight to behold.
Stopping on the road for breakfast. Left to Right: Ali, Aida, Morteza, Somayeh, my Mother.
Driving towards the Caspian Sea in Mazandaran. We have crossed over the mountains and the land is now lush.
We arrived at the town of Ghae'emshahr around noon and Ali's sister, Monireh, had a nice lunch ready for us. After lunch, we had a nap and then Ali, Morteza, and I went to purchase the remaining art supplies. We were able to purchase acrylic paint in the following colors: red, blue, and yellow. We also bought white and black paint. Next, we purchased plastic containers to put the paint in, containers for water, and sponges. The last thing we needed was an extra ream of paper, which we picked up at the office supply store. We then drove to the village of Darikandeh, about five miles north of Ghae'emshahr, to meet the rest of the group and prepare Mokarrameh's house for the workshop tomorrow.
Shopping for supplies in Amol
The paintings and murals on the walls at Mokarrameh's house are lovely. Much better in real life than pictures. After touring the place, Ali and I sat down with a group of his nieces and nephews and started planning the activities for tomorrow. We designated tasks to each person and then made signs for people so that they would know where to go for supplies. The rented tables and chairs were delivered and were set aside. It was very late when we went back to Monireh's house. Mom and I slept on a thin mattress on the floor in one of the bedrooms. Ali, Morteza slept on the floor of the living room, while Ida and Mortezah's wife slept in the dinning room (agian, using thin mattresses, or rather, thick quilts to sleep on). Monireh and her daughter slept in the second room, and her two sons slept in the third. It was a tight situation, but in Iran this is common and no one minded.
Inside Mokarrameh's house is full of lovely murals
Planning the next day
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