Prologue

“This place used to control the world you know.” Majid told me after an hour of getting through customs, three different security check points, and, of course, getting all my film equipment from the plane ride. “I remember when this place was a shining star, heh, excuse my pun, but a shining star in the world. It was progressive and was trend setting and everyone wanted to come here.”

“I remember that time too,” I replied. “That’s why I’m here today to see what the hell happened to it all.”

“Ha ha!” Majid laughed, “I could have saved you the time and trouble of such a flight and told you over the phone, the answer. Guns. Guns and people who think they are right about God; or at the least their own personnel God. Do you believe in God Sarah?”

“Not really.” It was becoming hard to focus as we traveled out of the city and into the more rural parts. The road was becoming rougher and yet, as we passed dilapidated buildings I became more inspired and terrified about the story that I was about to learn.

“I believe in Allah and His prophet. I also remember that, though I believe in Him and He speaks to me sometimes, this is no place for Allah. There never has nor will there ever be a place for Him.”

“Have you ever thought that Allah was a woman, Majid?” The car went silent except for the winding blowing past the window. “Ha ha ha!” Majid’s smile and laugh was a welcome relief. “If Allah was a woman, then most Iranians, would be pissed. Ha ha ha!” We both laughed about it all and then he asked the question I’ve been asking myself since I took off from London. “Why did you decided to come here anyway? This place isn’t safe or nearly as exciting as it once was.”

“I’m looking for answers.” That was the easy answer. “Like you said this place was the center of the world both in trade and commerce, and culturally. I want to find out what really happened to this land and tell the stories that go along with it.”

“Well, thank God that I’m stupid enough to look out for you. Also, just so you know, it’s going to be a least a two day drive to get to where you want to be.”

“I know. As long as we get to Austin, Texas in one piece,” as I said that we hit a huge pot hole that shakes the SUV, “I’ll be alright with the travel time.”