Day 6. TEHRAN

Our first full day in Iran was really very busy.  Immediately after our breakfast, we set out to visit the Golestan Palace.  It was built during the time of the Safavid  Dynasty, in the 15th Century and it became the official residence of the royal family.  During the time of the Pahlavi Dynasty, which was the last of the royal families, it was used for royal receptions.  The interior comprises a number of large and very ornate party rooms.  The walls are covered with minuscule triangle cut in mirrors, all arranged to form different patterns. The largest of these rooms was absolutely beautiful.  It was about 10,000 sq.ft.,
The whole decor was white and blue and the mirror art adorning the upper walls and ceiling was exquisite. 

Our next trek was among the crowds of people milling around near the Grand Bazaar.  We needed to find a money changer and were looking forward to visiting the packed with people and merchant market but we were not granted permission.  We all followed our guide and tour operator to get to the Glass and Ceramic Museum, located in a most beautiful building that once housed the Egyptian Embassy's.  The carved wooden symmetrical staircase was truly spectacular.  The glass object were also beautiful but for me, the staircase stole the show.

After a brief coffee break, we made our way to the Archeological Museum. There were many interesting objects on display some dating back to the 6th  century BC. Of particular note was a replica of the Cyrus Cylinder. By this time we were museumed out, and sat around and waited to return to the hotel for a much needed break, and then dinner.

We drove to the restaurant for dinner which we had been told was going to be the most tender lamb chop in Tehran. The tables had been arranged to accommodate our entire group, and the lamb chops arrived on long skewers to be divided by the server. We were also served a green salad and various beverages including nonalcoholic beer. All in all it was just OK.