Friday 14th March

After a lie in I spent much of the day chilling in the sun as it's nice and hot but I still couldn't sunbathe as my legs and shoulders have to be covered. Escorted by our guards to a restaurant for a group meal, they were hitting the beggers that got in our way which was a little harsh but we were getting a lot of stares and the women were receiving few comments from men. Had a lift back in a police pick up truck. Had a few drinks back at the hotel sat outside in the courtyard as there was no bar but luckily they had offered to go out to buy drinks for us as although it is legal it's not easy to find.

Thursday 13th March

Drove to the Pakistan border which took about 2 hrs to get through and then we were joined by more armed guards for a 20 hour drive to Quetta through the desert and fairly close to the Afghanistan border. Joined by a new Pakistani guide called Bilal and a guide in training Amjan are both very friendly and knowledgeable about their country. Stopped for food at sunset in the desert which was quite beautiful. Passed many highly decorated trucks with bright colours and flashing lights. At times the road disappeared and we were left driving on a dirt track. Eventually arrived at the basic hotel at about 4am.

Wednesday 12th March

Joined by armed guards today as we are driving across the desert to Zahedan which is a town known for it's drug smuggling, we were told it was too dangerous for us to go out of the hotel so we had to stay inside. We got the staff to get ice cream for us as they hadn't any in. Watched a couple of films in the evening.

Tuesday 11th March

Visited some random gardens which were nice. Went to Bam where there was an earthquake about 4 years ago killing tens of thousands of people, there is still piles of rubble everywhere leaving the town looking like a construction site. Found a random log to have a picnic. Went to the citadel which was mainly destroyed in the earthquake. Stayed in hotel where we played a few games including charades, black magic and poker before heading to bed.

Monday 10th March

Visited a Zorastrian Fire Temple which houses a fire that has apparently been burning for 1500 years. Drove to Kerman where we were welcomed with some date biscuits which I bought a load more of as they're fantastic. Went to the bazaar where I bought a watch so I no longer have to rely on other people to know the time. Stocked up on food for the long drive day.

Sunday 9th March

Drove to Yazd where we stayed in a great little hotel with a courtyard and fountain surrounded by beds to chill on. Went for a wander in the bazaar before having a buffet dinner.

Saturday 8th March

Went to the bazaar and did a bit of shopping and chatted to a few locals who were all very friendly. Went to a cafe under the Siose-Pol Bridge, visited the Mary Church and then visited another cafe where I purchased some Iranian music that had been banned up until a year ago. A large group of us went on some pedal boats on the river which was good fun before heading to a restaurant for a group meal.