On The Road Again.... Our Travel Blog: January 2019

May-June 2018-National Geographic Private Jet Trip-Great Empires

Dear Nancy,

The Route

Well I jumped off the deep end and booked a Private Jet Trip. Why in the world would I do such a thing? Primary reason is to go to Iran. Iran is so deep in ancient and contemporary history that I just really want to go. So two days before we leave we get notice that we will not being going to Iran. Instead we are going to Oman. No real explanation on why.
The trip started in Madrid where we check into a beautiful hotel (one of many although there were a few klinkers) and met our fellow travels. Total of 54 folks all of which had done private jets before.
There we learned that our plane was delayed and we would start on a different plane. Ours would catch up with us at the next stop.
Tours of Madrid. My first time in this stunning city. Beautiful architecture and wow the food. Spent an afternoon at the Palace which has 3000 rooms. Its the ceremonial home of the Spanish monarchy. Glorious frescos and furnishings. I did not include photos as we were not allowed to take pictures inside. I trust you were riding on my shoulder Ms Nancy so those who were not will just have to go see for themselves. It was in Madrid we met our experts on the trip. Chris Rainer was the Nat Geo Photographer. You will remember Chris from our trip to Ethiopia where he helped us take those stunning photos. David Harrison a linguist and antropologist. Let me add right off that he is a great story teller and one heck of a nice guy. Kristin Romney, archeologist and award winning journalist for National Geographic. All contributed to our knowledge and entertainment with regular lectures.

Olives Olives Olives

Madrid

Our Jet

Onto the plane and off to Oman. Met my seat mate for the first half of the trip. Linda from San Diego.

The Mountains, Oman

I really enjoyed Linda on and off the plane. Fun fun fun and delightful to boot. Happy to have her as a friend. We stayed overnight for a few nights before heading to Oman. A substitute for Iran but thats another story for another time. A gorgeous resort with some hiking and a visit to a local market.

Onward to Ashgabat. To say this is an unusual place is quite an understatement. Kind of Las Vegas-ish
at night with neon lights and during the day this white marble city (most white marble on earth) has no people to be seen. A white marble airport shaped like a falcon.with no planes but ours. We were met by the press but not interviewed.

Isfahan Airport in Shape of Hawk

Spotless it has vast parks and memorial spaces. No people. Our high rise white marble hotel-no people.
Museums or monuments, no people. A totalitarian government exerts tight control on everything. We are escorted where ever we go. At a memorial the press showed up. I was pulled aside and interviewed for tv. How did I like I was also asked to button the top button of my modest shirt. Any interactions with locals are arranged and carefully monitored.
Yet you are told that everyone is free to discuss anything with you.
Anyway, Nancy, this is not one of my favorite Stan's but one that was quite interesting.
One of my favorites was a giant ferris wheel that is covered and all lit up at night. We asked to go ride it but were told it was too late. Fact is the ferris wheel does not work.
We had a wonderful evening of local dance and music at the wedding palace. Again, white marble. it is star shaped on top and inside the stars is a giant disco ball.
We visited the National Museum which was quite interesting. And a mosque built for the President.
Ornate and quite large which is no surprise.

mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar at Merv

Next stop, Merv. Once the largest city on the Silk Road it was almost totally destroyed by the son of Genghis Khan and 800,000 killed. It is a fascinating place with great history.

Then to Minsk, Belarus followed by Belgrade, Serbia. Castles , and a sad history where millions lost their lives over the years. We did get to ride the Blue Train, Tito’s private train. It was quite amazing including bath tubs, bedrooms and offices, bars and living rooms. A short visit to  Novi Sad, a delightful city. That evening we had a dinner at the Royal Palace and met with the current Crown Prince and his wife.

Isle of Tears, Minsk, Belarus

Minsk,

Near Mir Castle

Tito's Office on Blue Train

Her Royal Majesties

Next stop Ljubljana, Slovenia. Nancy and I had visited before and loved it. By this time on the trip a number of us had bonded and created a “POD”. It was fun to show them a bit of the town and go on new adventures with them. Next stops Mostar and Sarajevo. Both repeats for me but fun with the pod. On to Bonifacio, Corsica. Probably my favorite spot. The hilltop Citadel and town are beautiful. We topped the visit off with a concert in a church and a boat ride to view the town from the sea. Next day we left to return to Madrid. To get to the plane a helicopter picked us up 3 at a time to take us to the jet. Best part of the trip was meeting and spending time with “the POD” with Linda C being the highlight. Last night in Madrid, a great dinner and Flamingo Dancing. Onward to home.
Thanks for listening Nanc. Will write soon.
Love, Sue

Enjoy some photos.