Hi, I'm @arazgholami, Programmer, Blogger and Explorer.I create things and make them better. I'm a repairer, not replacer.I love to transform complex things to simple things.

April 19, 2019, Beloved Tabriz
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Finally, after four months of waiting and a terrifying experience of losing everything (except my persistence) in Ankara, I managed to make another trip to Iran. To cover two days of leave, I had to work through all holidays of the previous two weeks, arriving in Tabriz completely exhausted, both physically and mentally. This time, the anticipation at the airport and the hospitality I received made the trip unforgettable and much sweeter than the last one.

By chance, after April 6, all international flights from Turkey were moved from Ataturk Airport to the new airport, 60 km from my work and home. Besides taxis costing 200 lira, the only option was buses that took two full hours to reach the airport. Effectively, one day of my leave was spent just getting to the airport and completing flight formalities.

At Istanbul airport, once again, we were delayed due to quarrels among fellow citizens. The transit hall staff mistakenly sent our Iran Air flight to the wrong gate, cursing all around, but eventually sorted it out. Some frustration ensued, but thankfully it ended without further issue.

The moment the plane descended into the dark clouds, I realized the four days in Tabriz wouldn’t see much sunlight. I certainly did not expect continuous snow for the entire stay. But it is Tabriz, and “6 i Qish, 6 i Qamish”—nothing can be done about it.

Normally, flights from Turkey approach eastern Tabriz first and then make a gentle circle before landing. Our flight, however, suddenly turned over western Tabriz, which made me dash to the restroom immediately upon arrival, fueled by fear of heights and lack of trust in airplane technology.

Planning a surprise for my family along with my sister’s delayed flight became impossible, so I returned home alone. Still, the stunned expressions on my parents’ faces at 1 a.m. were priceless.


  
  Shahgoli, Tabriz, Saturday, April 13, 2019


Friday 03:51 AM, 19 April 2019
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