By the time I get my legal matters squared away it is well past 3pm and I have to hurry to make it to Zanjan. There are dark clouds everywhere and I ride through quick showers on the way to Qazvin. I get gas in Qazvin and take the old road to the North. At the first chance I switch to the forbidden Autobahn. I drive past the toll booth and I’m greeted with “Welcome to Iran”. Nobody is trying to stop me. So far so good. There is very little traffic and I make good time. I ride through heavy rain showers on and off. I used to have waterproof boots. At least it is warm and when the rain stops I dry quickly. I see a few police stations but don’t get pulled over. I try to hide behind a trucks whenever I see a police station.
I get off the Autobahn in Soltaniyeh, the old 14th century capital of Mongolian Persia. Oljeitu Mausoleum, the tallest brick dome in the world, is one of few buildings remaining from that period.
Restoration is ongoing and the inside is full of scaffolding.
The walls are covered with beautiful mosaics
and ornate bricks.
The terraces have faulted ceilings
and balustrades.
I arrive in Zanjan right and sunset
and discover John Wane tailor.
