My trail Southampton UK to Delhi May -Nov 1978
I was particularly interested in Rick's description of crossing the border into Iran. The glass cases of examples of hidden drugs etc...
I was hitchhiking with a couple from Germany, Joachim and Anja in a VW camper. He mentions back in July that there was a lot of student unrest in Tabriz, which obviously I was unaware of, being on the road. I crossed at Macu (North West of Tabriz) on October 25th 1978. We were moved on from camping in Macu by these soldiers who told us it was dangerous. ?? At the time we had no idea why. A couple of young guys offered us Vodka and we chatted. We went to a amazing tea house with bubble pipes and were welcomed with genuine smiles.
It is only now having started my own memoir in Jan. 2025, that I realised that the Shah's birthday was on October 26th 1978. A day after we had arrived! in Iran.
On Friday October 27th on our way east from Tabriz to Tehran we encountered a riot in Zanjan and retreated to the hills with about 30 other vehicles, busses, cars, vans etc... After monitoring some shortwave radios I realized that all the major cities were rioting and the army was responding with live ammunition.
Though it was scary, I felt a kinship and sympathy with the people. Many people, especially Americans were oblivious to the British, American and German involvement of aiding the Shah in his brutal government.
I was very fortunate to be able to be on the trail at that time. One of the last few travellers to pass through Iran and Afghanistan. All the way, amazing people, 99% of the world being just like you and I. Raising kids, putting food on the table and "Living life.".
Yes LIVING life,something that is sorely lacking here in the States. ben. Bellingham WA. (born in UK)
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