View of the Imam Square rooftops from the elevated 3rd floor terrace of the Ali Qapu Palace

Esfahan is known for it's miniature paintings, so our local guide takes us in for some shopping. The artist sketches out the lined face of a turbaned Imam, and holds it out to the group and asks, "Who would like it?" Lucky for me, I was standi

A famous Iranian dish, "Fesenjun," made from grated pomegranate, walnuts, eggplant, and cardamom over roast chicken and rice. Also note the "0.0%" alcohol content of the beer!

Inside the Restaurant Shahrzad, reported to be the best in Esfahan.

Men singing beneath the arches of the Khaju Bridge, built in 1650. Grooves in stone panels at bottom of pic are slots for gates that served as locks to regulate the flow of the Zayandeh River.

Sadly, the eleven "fairy tale" bridges of Esfahan lost some of their charm since the Zayandeh River has run dry. Note paddle boats stranded on the right.

The Khaju Bridge, built in 1650, complete with viewing platforms in the pavilion built for the shah's pleasure. Zayandeh River, Esfahan.

Shahrestan Bridge, the oldest of Esfahan's bridges dating back to the 12th Century.

Iran has many types of bread specialties -- this type, rolled flat and baked on the side of a clay oven.

I asked this baker if I could take his photo, and afterward, he pulled out this piece of bread and handed it to me. It was SO delicious hot from the oven!

We stop for lunch near Pasargadae, and when I return to the bus, they all yell "SURPRISE!" and have completely transformed it into my "Birthday Bus!" What fun! (Photo compliments of Michele)

Balloons, noise makers, birthday hats, and PRESENTS! A birthday card written in Farsi, "Gaz" or pistachio nougat candy, and a Persian music CD! Definitely a birthday to remember!