Jeremy Kroeker

This is just a further example of the warm, friendly welcome the government in Iran provides to other nationalities. See? They even paint the flags of Israel and America on the sidewalk outside of a building with Islamic Revolution’s Guard insignia to show that, even though their opionions on foreign policies tend to differ, there are no hard feelings between nations… or, wait a minute. Is it considered good or bad when you have to walk on the flag of another country to enter a building? 

I spent three days in Shiraz and dislilked nearly every moment. Sure, some of it had to do with the lingering bitterness that I feel over not being able to ride my motorcycle through the beautiful desert and mountains surrounding the “City of Poets,” but mostly it had to do with a feeling of loneliness at Christmas. Try as I might to see it as just another day on the road, the holiday season is just not the same without loved ones. Also, the weather, dismal hotel, and dirty city did little to comfort me.

I did, however, have a good time visiting Persepolis… one of the “wonders of Iran.” Behind me in the photo is the grave of King Xerxes (near Persepolis). Those of you who know me well understand the significance. King Xerxes was my stage name in college while drumming for the wildly popular, ”chance-metal” band, The Zygorthian Chronicles. (When I say “wildly popular,” I’m referring exclusively to its popularity within the band itself. True, we had a bit of a cult following, but that’s only because one guy who happened to overhear us at rehearsal went on to establish an actual cult.) 

Anyway, together with other members, Lung, Bottle, and Owin the Radish (who died tragically once or twice) we produced two or three albums (the number of albums can not be verified consensually even amongst band members). Our greatest hits were “Herbicide,” and “Put the ‘C’ Back in Rap.”

As our genre was chance metal, no practice was allowed (which directly contradicts a statement I made in this very post). This includes time to write or prepare lyrics. Still, our vocalist, Lung, came up with beautiful free-form verse such as the following: (from “Put the ‘C’ back in Rap.”)

I really don’t like it.
It sounds like a big… clam dish.
Go away. Tackle a vat of bibs.
Don’t change the channel. I’ll kick you in the ribs.

But, I digress. No matter. I have a strong suspicion that no one is reading my website over Christmas, anyway. All this to say, visiting the tomb of King Xerxes was a highlight for me… the real King Xerxes. 

Following Shiraz, I had planned to visit Irans nuclear capital, Bushehr. But every bus and plane was booked and I needed to leave Shiraz for my own sanity. I jumped the first bus back to Yazd to enjoy the warmth and familiarity of the Silk Road Hotel. Above is our Christmas Eve party platter.