Its 2019 and I decided it was time to make the move I have been planning for a while …… Kashan . I have made many trips there but actually moving there sounded crazy to so many people that I decided to make an effort to go every week for a while … get to know it a bit more and test out the Summer heat !

My family were hoping the whole idea would wear off… And to be truthful , I thought it might but every time I went I loved it more. A friend and fellow textile artist Simin Ghodztinat was just on the verge of moving into her renovated house so I decided to visit . When I walked in , I knew this was for me .

My kids have flown the nest and I am looking forward to my Third Act . The Corona Virus threw me a little but I am back on track and Iran is where I want to be .I feel like my relationship with this country is taking on another perspective and I can now really spend time exploring . Until now , even though as a family we have traveled and seen most of Iran , being Mum and Wife have been my priorities . Keeping the fine cultural balance and understanding the nuances can be all consuming and the complexity of the culture and traditions are hard to pin down ! But I have enjoyed and relished all the years …even the difficult ones ! …and there have been a few !

I have been privileged to have been a part of this culture and to have had a chance to glimpse the ‘ inside ‘… My heart and soul live here …. they always have , I think !

Kashan is a city in Esphahan Province in Central Iran . It has a population of approximately 400.000 . It is still very traditional and religious.

It is hot ! Summer temperatures can reach 48 Degrees Celsius but can drop well below -10 Degrees in the Wintertime. Half of the city is situated at the foot of the Karkas Mountain range and the other opens up to the Marangab Desert .

So …… Why would I choose Kashan?

There is something about the place that pulls you in and unlike other cities it has not become over populated as yet. Most probably because of the reasons mentioned ! It has kept its provincial atmosphere with the old houses and bazaars but has become so accustomed to travelers and tourists there is a certain tolerance for westerners even though they adhere to strict religious values . But after living in Iran for over 35 years now ,I think I am well versed and prepared to deal with the traditional ideology …. and the older I get …I love the desert heat even more .

So my search is on for the house!

Update on Kashan : CORONA HIT / POSTPONED FOR NOW