Couldn't wake up...

I had to wake up at 6AM to do some obliged work, but I couldn't! It was already 7:30 when I finally rose from bed and I rushed to my office to work!
After meeting some people, I had to make a decision to take it or not... I made the decision... we're gonna go for it!
After I made my decision it was already time to film! Only a day after returning from my trip to Bam, I'm already putting my full effort into another story to be able to make it on time! If this is not going to work, nothing will!


oh hello! you look relieved! I want to be relaxed too!

Start of a new private life!

My wife arrived in Tehran in the morning. I feel relieved to see her safe and sound though she had come here last November and knows her way here.
It was not a good day for me at work as I had to follow up on Khatami's withdrawal from the Presidential race and I had to write about it before leaving the office to pick her up at the airport. I was up until 4AM and was quite groggy receiving painful phone calls from Tokyo even at the airport and it became worse when I was asked to give a live coverage about Khatami's story in the evening. It was a good opportunity for me to show how things happen unexpectedly and of course I'm not troubled at all to be able to participate in our news programs as it is always tough to get some coverage time for news about this country.
I was able to finish my job at around 8PM and finally have some time with my wife. Well, it's the start of a new private life for me and I think it's starting fine!


I checked the board over and over to see she has arrived!

Our first night in Tehran... it was loud outside as residents around the area were lighting fire crackers, which is far from what the original Chaharshambe Suri should be like... On the last Tuesday night before Nowruz, people are supposed to jump over fires, but people, especially the young ones are using fire crackers to have fun...

Buzy like crazy!

It was the last day before "Ramazan" in Iran. Most of the Muslim countries have started their Ramadan today, but it's always a day later than the others, my staffs say.

So my staff made me an omelette with tomatoes...

the last day I could have lunch with my staff for a while!

It was a hot day... it seemed peaceful...

at least Behruz was enjoying the calmness in the shades...

But the satellite seemed to be out of service...

we found out that the angle of the dish outside was moved by someone... Behruz!

In the evening, breaking news about our leader in Japan announcing his resignation jumped in... I had nothing to do with this, but I was in the middle of turmoil working and negotiating about a different issue. I also had a young visitor from Japan and suddenly I was taking care of three different things at once! I had to pay my staff and I had to watch over the accounting... oh how busy could this get!?

I needed help... hey Behrooz...

oh... you won't be of any help...

I got the okay signal about a special mission I was working on right after returning from Dubai... There's still no telling whether I will succeed, but I must try my best to get the best result!

Arrival!

It's all "welcome" at this country where I should really believe I am being greeted rather than being suspicious of everything. Luckily it was a day off in Iran and I didn't have much trouble getting out of the airport. The lines at the passport control area was not too long and I went throught the baggage check twice, but I didn't have to open them up. The traffic to Tehran was not heavy at all and it didn't take an hour to get to my new office.

Running towards the city, it reminded somewhat of Amman of Jordan where people were doing some picnics at the roadside, and of Islamabad of Pakistan with the mountains standing tall behind the capital city. The south side of Tehran even reminded me of downtown areas of American cities like LA and NY.

It was a long day and many things I heard did not excite me... Many tough assignments seem to be waiting for me and all I could do was pray that everything will not go the wrong way. I just have to believe it will not...

Well my new job for the next three years has just started! I hope I would be able to enjoy it!

First time to land in Iran... and to Tehran...

first board with their supreme leader

first mosque to see

first look of the city

first look at the tower

first tea... you eat the sugar cube first and drink the tea!

first beer... yes something's not included!

first Iranian meal... the kebabs!

PS
I arrived in Dubai a bit before 4AM and left at 8:15AM, about an hour later than schedule.
I will be here for many times as this is one of the most important spots I will constantly visit the next several years!

the familiar airport!

having one Cappuccino for nearly two hours to be able to work with my notebook at a comfortable space... there were a bunch of people wandering around the airport and even securing a seat in the cafe was tough!

A new beginning

I got the answer. It was already at night and now I think I can hit the road towards a new beginning. There's still so many difficulties lying ahead but I'll do my best!
It was raining all day. Strong rain did not wash things away but made me stay stong inside. With the strength given to me, I did what I had to do and I got it. I was bewildered when I heard the initial answer, but I had some kind of confidence that I can prevail in the end. I just couldn't let things crumble down to pieces!
I'm happy tonight. Yes I am. Let's see what awaits me from tomorrow, but I think I can get over many things from now.

Restarting... down the same road!

It was virtually my first day @ the international news section!

With only five hours of sleep after a long tour of duty at Niigata, I was so tired, but luckily it was a slow start for me with no big news to cover.

My thoughts...
I will just go on my road as I've done at my former position... Covering news that I care for and is necessary to help people in need, like I did covering the various disasters hitting our nation, and people trying to appeal to the public at the courthouse.
Yes, nothing will change in that point of view. It's just that the stage is wider... a world wide stage to cover!

Well... let's begin walking through my road full of trials and tribulations, with light and happiness once in a while!