So we were off again this morning at around 9:00am to see more of the treasures that Esfahan has to offer. Our first stop this morning was to be the Jameh Mosque but after our taxi driver dropped us a little way from the Mosque we proceeded to get a little lost and wandered through alleys crowded with small businesses of many sorts. Eventually after asking a number of people for directions we found the correct entrance at the back of a crowded part of the central bazar. Within minutes of entering the Mosque we were approached by a man named Mahmoud who took on the role of guide. He took us around this amazing building. Initially constructed in the 11 century by the Seljuks there have been a number of reconstructions and additions over the years. But the spectacular northern and southern domes are original.

From the Jameh Mosque we walked all of the 1.7 km through Bazar-E Bozorg back to Imam Square. The Bazar is like an arcade, with a series of domed roofs linked together to form a cover over a narrow alley. Each side of the alleyway there are merchants selling their good and the occassional bank or small mosque. At regular intervals small lanes broke out from the main alley to more shops.

As we approached the end of this walk we concluded that a rest stop and some tea would be a good idea, so Mahmoud took us to a simply crazy little tea house that we later determined was called Azadegan Tea House. This place was "decorated" with the most amazing collection of junk hanging from the ceiling and any other possible surface. Quaintly there were signs warning guests against taking photographs; not photos it said in clear but bad English.

Following the tea house all the attractions were closed for the extended Persian lunch so we parted company with Mahmoud and spent a little time shopping and eating a (really nice) hamburger before heading off to the Chehel Sotun Palace. Built in 1647 as a pleasure palace and reception hall this building is in a wonderfull garden setting and is noteable for its spectacular terrace and the amazing frescos in the main hall.

I was now pooped from over-sightseeing and offered to wait on the grass in Imam Square while Nina did some more souvenir shopping and squeezed in one more sight, the Shiekh Lotfollah Mosque. This is supposed to be the most fabulous of all Esfahans Mosques.