Iranian Starbucks!

Ok, not real Starbucks (but as usual Iranians don't mind pilfering the logo!).  Coffee shops are becoming popular meeting places for the young and hip.  The Christian area of Julfa has many coffee shops since the Armenian population is partial to coffee (unlike most Iranians, who prefer tea).  We stopped in to a coffee shop in this area and had delightful cappuccinos.  The cost was equivalent to an American Starbucks--about $5 per cup.  That would be like an American paying $15 a cup!

Even though I'm not a big coffee drinker, after many days of Iranian-style tea, I was craving a little variety.  Iranian coffee didn't disappoint!  My sister-in-law enjoying her cappuccino:

The giant coffee pot in the middle of the store (which otherwise looked like a hip, modern Western cafe):

Catholics in Isfahan (or Lack Thereof)

At one point there was a decent-sized Catholic community in Isfahan, but I could not find any functioning Catholic churches while I was there (though any information about Christians in general was very hard to come by).  In the Armenian Christian neighbourhood of Julfa there is a Catholic Street:

Lo and behold, there was a Catholic church at the end of the street.  Above you can make out the dome.

The entrance (note the male and female door knockers).

Apparently, the church was renovated in 1927.  My husband found the caretaker and was able to get us inside:

The caretaker told us that they are waiting on the Vatican to send an expert to approve and begin a new renovation.

My Christmas in Isfahan

It was difficult being away from my family at Christmas (my first ever away from them!).  However, we took along some Christmas cheer in our suitcases.

We made sure our stockings were hung...

and lo and behold, Santa seemed to make it all the way to Isfahan!

Too bad Christmas is a work day for some...

Luckily there's time to party later on.

Though there's no place like home for the holidays, my new Iranian family made pretty good Christmas companions, especially for first-timers!