To begin with there are few people about. It is after all only 8:30 am and its Friday- a holiday in Iran and the fourth of four consecutive holidays this week. Celebrating Ayatollah Kohemnie's exile, then his death, then a “normal” Thursday and then Friday.
The few people about are either stirring from a night spent sleeping in the park or preparing a spot for themselves for the coming day. Picnic, boating, walking across the 33 arch bridge are all possibilities
And of course practising English with foreign tourists.
So just as I was settling in to take another photo Mehdi Solemimani approached me. After the usual “where are you from”, Australia, “good” sort of conversation we got into more meaningful stuff.
Mehdi has been in Estafan for seven months an works in a cinema. He'll give me and my friends free tickets but is vague about what film is showing and when.
He prefers Estafan to Tehran because of the climate and lack of smoke [smog]. And certainly today the sky in Estafan is blue and clear. It really is a lovely morning.
Mehdi often runs along the river because he is a little obese and is giving up smoking. Two weeks now.
Do you know the meaning of “narcotic” he asks and in response states that he is in NA. NA? Narcotics Anonymous. He was a heroin addict.
In Iran there are 128 “A” groups he says. Narcotics Anonymous – NA; Alcoholics Anonymous – AA,. OA for Obesity Anonymous and then there are groups like GA [Gays Anonymous and LA for the lesbians]. We didn't list them all.
I have to write down my – what do you say – thoughts/feelings says Mehdi. Yes I said. I understand that would be good therapy.
I have a lot of anger he said. Well it is now about 9:30 am and a lot more people about so I feel OK about this. Yes he said I was a “thiv”. Thiv? But he spelt it out “Thief”. Oh I see.
yes I used knife when I was a thiv.
So though I exchanged names I decided that perhaps I would not share other contact details with Mehdi and perhaps I'd forgo the cinema today
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