Spring is Sprung!

We were invited to dinner at our Iranian next-door neighbours' last night, to celebrate Nowrooz, the Iranian New Year. This always takes place at the Spring Equinox, and the actual time of the transition from winter to spring is precisely calculated. Last night it was 10.20 pm, UAE time.

We had a great time, although eating dinner at something approaching midnight was a bit of a challenge. And once again, I was struck by this: every Iranian I have ever met has been clever, cultured and charming. So how come they let their country be run by Ayatollahs and Ahmedinejad?