Ports Of Call 35-09-30 04 Persia

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Ports Of Call 35-09-30 04 Persia"

Introduction

In the May 5, 2025 release of "Ports Of Call 35-09-30 04 Persia", Harold's Old Time Radio transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Persia. This episode masterfully blends historical narration with dramatized dialogues, offering a captivating exploration of Persia's rich past, cultural legends, and pivotal moments that shaped its destiny. Steering clear of commercial interruptions, the episode immerses listeners in the vibrant tapestry of Persian history, mythology, and its enduring legacy.

I. Early Persia and the Rise of Cyrus the Great

The episode opens with a vivid portrayal of ancient Persia, focusing on its strategic port of Cormusa in the Persian Gulf. The narrator sets the stage, describing the bustling harbor where east meets west, highlighting the coexistence of Anglo-Persian oil tankers and traditional Arabian merchant vessels.

As the story unfolds, we encounter Cyrus, a shepherd-king whose astute leadership unifies the warring Persian clans. The dramatization captures Cyrus's strategic campaigns against the Medes, culminating in his decisive victory:

• Narrator (02:14): "Here the fakirs, the vendors of sweet meats and Persian melons..."
• Cyrus (06:22): "Welcome to our camp. Free Astyages."
• Astyages (06:16): "The giver of light, Astyages, king of the Medes, King of Persia and Armenia."

Cyrus's proclamation signifies the end of Median dominance and the rise of Persia as a formidable empire. His ambition and divine backing are emphasized through his declaration:

• Cyrus (06:54): "By grace of Ahura Mazda, whose light I will carry to the ends of the world."

II. The Expansion of the Persian Empire

Cyrus's conquests are meticulously detailed, showcasing his expansionist prowess:

• Narrator (07:11): "On the winged feet of fleet runners, the fame of Cyrus spreads across Asia Minor..."
• Cyrus (07:50): "539 BC, Cyrus at the head of the conquering Persians, defeats Belshazzar and enters Babylon."

Within two decades, Cyrus transforms from a regional leader to an emperor, stretching Persia's influence eastward into India. His son, Cambyses, further extends the empire by conquering Egypt in 525 BC.

III. Cultural Narratives and Legends: Sultan Shahryar and Scheherazade

A significant portion of the episode delves into the legendary tale of Sultan Shahryar and Scheherazade, intertwining myth with history. The Sultan's cruelty and Scheherazade's wisdom are brought to life through their poignant dialogue:

• Cyrus (09:45): "Scheherazade, thou hast reveled in thy nuptial pleasure. Prepare to die, O wise and powerful."
• Sultan Shahryar (09:52): "Art thou pleading for mercy?"
• Scheherazade (11:13): "And when gray dawn slipped between the richly woven curtains of the harem..."

Scheherazade's storytelling prowess captivates the Sultan, leading to a thousand and one nights where stories like that of Sinbad the Porter are narrated, symbolizing the triumph of wisdom and art over tyranny.

IV. Life in Persia: Cultural Diversity and the Bazaar of Tabriz

The episode richly depicts everyday life in Persia, especially the bustling bazaar of Tabriz. The narrator paints a picture of a cosmopolitan marketplace teeming with diverse ethnicities and goods:

• Narrator (15:15): "At the great Bazaar of Tabriz collects the Orient, changeless, eternal living life today as it has been lived for thousands of years..."

From Sandalwood from Samarkand to rare gems from Kashan, the bazaar serves as a microcosm of Persia's cultural and economic vibrancy, reflecting centuries-old traditions alongside modern trade practices.

V. Personal Stories: Omar Khayyam and Shireen

Amidst the grand historical narratives, personal stories add depth and emotion. Omar Khayyam, a renowned Persian poet and scholar, navigates his love for Shireen, the Imam's daughter:

• Omar Khayyam (19:20): "It honor me that one whose learning is so complete should grant such opportunities to an unworthy scholar..."
• Omar Khayyam (21:12): "There lies not joy."

Their poignant dialogues encapsulate the tension between duty and personal desire, underscored by the poetic essence of Khayyam's verses:

• Omar Khayyam (20:38): "Book of verses underneath the bough, A jug of wine, a loaf of bread, and thou beside me singing in the wilderness..."

Tragically, societal obligations force them apart, highlighting the perennial struggle between love and destiny.

VI. Modern Persia: Riza Shah Pahlevi and Oil Politics

Transitioning to the 20th century, the episode examines Persia's pivotal role in global politics, particularly regarding oil. The discovery of vast oil reserves by William Knox D'Arcy in the early 1900s catalyzes British and Russian interest, leading to geopolitical tensions:

• Narrator (24:59): "National bank to replace the British owned Imperial bank of Persia."
• Cyrus (25:12): "Begun the construction of a railroad from the Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea."

Riza Shah Pahlevi, portrayed as a visionary leader, undertakes extensive modernization efforts. His assertive policies culminate in the cancellation of British oil leases in 1932, provoking international backlash:

• Astyages (26:16): "This is not the Persia of Shah Ali with which you are dealing. This is the Persia of today."
• Astyages (26:37): "I remind you, Sir John, that Persia is a member in good standing of the League of Nations."

The negotiations between Pahlevi and the British representative Sir John Cadman underscore Persia's determination to reclaim control over its natural resources, setting the stage for future independence and sovereignty.

Conclusion

"Ports Of Call 35-09-30 04 Persia" offers a compelling journey through Persia's illustrious history, enriched by engaging dramatizations and profound insights. From the unification under Cyrus the Great to the cultural sagas of Sultan Shahryar and Scheherazade, and culminating in the modern political maneuvers of Riza Shah Pahlevi, the episode encapsulates the essence of Persia's enduring legacy. Harold's adept storytelling ensures that both history enthusiasts and casual listeners gain a deep appreciation for Persia's pivotal role in shaping the ancient and modern world.

Notable Quotes:

• Cyrus (06:54): "By grace of Ahura Mazda, whose light I will carry to the ends of the world."
• Omar Khayyam (20:38): "Book of verses underneath the bough, A jug of wine, a loaf of bread, and thou beside me singing in the wilderness..."
• Astyages (26:16): "This is not the Persia of Shah Ali with which you are dealing. This is the Persia of today."

Transcript

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[Narrator]

No purchase necessary. VGW Group Void where prohibited by law 21 + terms and conditions apply. Parts of CALL beyond blue horizons Far at the world's end, strange fascinating lands beckon us, bid us revel in their exotic splendors. Come with us tonight as we make Persia, our port of call. Skirting the desert shores of Arabia, our steamer enters the Persian Gulf and drops anchor in the harbor of Cormusa, Persia's principal deep water port. Here, east meets west.

[Shireen]

Oh my dear, this heat doesn't.

[Narrator]

Dirty grimy tankers of the Anglo Persian Oil Company lie at anchor beside Latin rigged Arabian merchant vessels, their triangular striped sails shrieking brilliant colors against the drab black and gray of the vessels of Europe. On the quay, barrels of crude oil, but recently pumped by pipeline from Abadan, stand close to bales of priceless Kurdistani rugs just arrived by camelback across hundreds of miles of shimmering desert. Here are the fakirs, the vendors of sweet meats and Persian melons, the cellars of pottery. Here too, the shipping point for Persia's opium. And here the southern terminus of the railroad, which one day will carry the traveler north hundreds of miles to Tehran, the capital. But today we must journey by automobile or if adventurous enough, by camelback, Persia's surest method of transportation. In Tehran millennium Old market city, Risa Shah Pahlevi, King of kings, by grace of his astute political ability is building a modern capital, stretching wide tree lined boulevards through the ancient bazaars, demolishing blocks of mosques and mud houses to make way for beautiful government buildings, forcing progress on the ageless east. Above Tehran, Mount Demavend thrusts its eternally snow capped peak 18,000ft into the clear blue Persian sky. It was upon this legend crowned mountain some say that 3,000 years ago dwelt the first great sage of antiquity, Zarathustra. While he meditated upon good and evil.

[Omar Khayyam]

All life resolves itself into a struggle. The good against the evil, the evil against the good. Ahura Mazda, lord of wisdom and light, strives against Hariman, ruler of evil and darkness. The choice is yours. Fill your soul with the good and the light or dwell in evil and darkness? You must choose. And as you have chosen, so you will be judged in the life to come.

[Cyrus]

Thus the first conception of the life hereafter. Thus the first clear conception of good and evil. Thus the heritage of Christianity. Thus spake Zarathustra.

[Narrator]

Into this country of desert and snow capped mountains. A thousand years before, Zarathustra had drifted nomadic Aryan tribes. Those who settled to the north near the Caspian Sea became known as the Medes. And those who settled in the south near the Gulf were known as the tribes of Pers, or Persians. For centuries, the warlike Medes held the Persians in subjection. And then, 600 years before Christ, there rose among the people of Pers, Cyrus, a shepherd king, who unified his clansmen and led them north against the Medes. After four years of campaigning across burning deserts and in freezing mountain passes, Cyrus finally tasted the sweet fruits of victory. In his camp on the plains beneath Holy Mount Demaven, his occupants and perfection.

[Astyages]

The giver of light, Astyages, king of the Medes, King of Persia and Armenia.

[Cyrus]

Welcome to our camp. Free Vastiages.

[Narrator]

In turn, I am unable to welcome you to my country. I believe I address Cyrus, leader of the rebel Persians.

[Cyrus]

You address Cyrus, king of the Persians. And of the Medes, Cyrus, king of kings.

[Narrator]

I have come to discuss terms of.

Peace, not to listen to the bragging of a boastful shepherd.

[Cyrus]

There are no terms to discuss, Astyages. When you heard that slave announce you as you entered my tent, you heard your proud titles for the last time. You are vanquished, Astyages. And I am ruler.

[Narrator]

By what authority?

[Cyrus]

By authority of my Persian bowmen, my Persian horsemen and by grace of Ahura Mazda, whose light I will carry to the ends of the world. You are but the first of a noble company, Astyages. Belshazzar Babylon will bow to my arms. Croesus of Lydia will surrender to me. The Phoenician and the Jew will learn of Cyrus and his Persian warriors and.

[Astyages]

My might will be felt in far.

[Cyrus]

Less Greece ere my work is finished.

[Narrator]

On the winged feet of fleet runners, the fame of Cyrus spreads across Asia Minor, down through Phoenician Palestine, into the valley of the Nile, across the Helispa. King Croesus of Lydia, richest man of the ancient world, fears for the safety of his bursting coffers. Quickly he organizes a defensive coalition against the barbarian thundercloud gathering on his eastern horizon. Sparta joins him and the Pharaoh of Egypt and Belshazzar of Babylon Promise Help. But the handwriting is already on the wall.

[Cyrus]

546 BC, Cyrus captures Sardis, capital of.

[Narrator]

Lydia and takes King Greece as prisoner.

[Cyrus]

539 BC, Cyrus at the head of the conquering Persians, defeats Belshazzar and enters Babylon. And in the next 10 years, Parthia, Hyrcania, Cadrosia, Bactriana and Archaeosa are added.

[Narrator]

To Cyrus domains, thrusting the Persian empire east into India.

[Cyrus]

Then in 525 BC, Cambyses, son of Cyrus, conquers Egypt.

[Narrator]

Thus, in 25 years had Cyrus, the obscure shepherd king, vaulted to world prominence, become emperor of the world. For a hundred years Persia ruled supreme. Then history spotlight swung westward and Greece held the stage. Then Rome. In Bethlehem, a savior was born. But the land of the lion and the sun heard little of him. Six centuries later, another prophet appeared in the Arabian city of Mecca. Of him, Persia was to know much, for he was Mohammed and his fatalistic philosophy his promise of paradise to the faithful who died for Allah was destined to spread across half the world, subjecting it to the rule of the caliphs. In Persia's holy city of Meshed is the tomb of the most famous of these, the Caliph Harun al Rashid, the mention of whose name conjures up pictures of the thousand and one nights and the deathless story of the cruel Sultan Shahriar and his lovely sultana Shahrazadeh.

[Cyrus]

Scheherazade, thou hast reveled in thy nuptial pleasure. Prepare to die, O wise and powerful.

[Sultan Shahryar]

Sultan, My lord, of but a single knight. Well do I know that thou considerest all women faithless, that thou beheadest each of thy wives at the end of the bridal night.

[Cyrus]

Art thou pleading for mercy?

[Sultan Shahryar]

No, my lord, but the sun's fair shaft of light has not yet gilded the top of yonder moss.

[Cyrus]

But I am weary.

[Sultan Shahryar]

Then lie back among thy cushions and let me tell thee as a story.

[Cyrus]

Very well. Before thou diest, thou mayest tell me a story.

[Sultan Shahryar]

Know then, O King, that there was in the time of the Caliph, the Prince of the faithful, Arun al Rashid, in the city of Baghdad, a man called Sindbad the porter. He was a man in poor circumstances who bore burdens that he might slake his thirst with wine and fill his belly with a pilaf of rice at night. Now it came to pass one day.

[Scheherazade]

And when gray dawn slipped between the richly woven curtains of the harem, filling the pointed arch with promise of a new day, Scheherazade had only just begun her fascinating tale of the adventures of Sinbad the porter and his host, Sinbad the sailor. Fascinated with the story, the sultan postponed his bride's death until the next night so that he might hear the conclusion of the Adventures of Sinbad. But at the end of each night, Scheherazade was in the midst of another amazing story. And each night the Sultan put off her death until the morrow. But at the end of the thousand and one nights, Scheherazade had told all her stories. Seated at the feet of the cruel Sultan Shahryar, Scheherazade gazed out the window, Saw at last the sun's first rosy beam snare the top of the distant minaret.

[Sultan Shahryar]

O powerful sultan, my master and my daughter, for a thousand and one nights I have related to thee the history of the preceding generations and the admonitions of the people of former times. Now, great and wise king, I am ready to die, as is your avowed wish.

[Cyrus]

Know ye, Scheherazade, it is no longer my wish that thou shouldst die. During these thousand and one nights I have seen thee to be chased, pure, ingenuous and pious. I have found thee unlike other women whose faithlessness drives reason from the souls of men. Scheherazade, I pardon thee and exempt thee from all injury. And henceforth thou shalt truly be my queen, ruling equally with me in my vast domain, receiving the fullness of the love I have learned to hold for thee until, together we shall wander in.

[Omar Khayyam]

As the sun's bronze disc slides beneath Persia's western horizon from the minarets of countless mosques, the moisin calls the faithful to prayer. A sacred hush falls over the busy bazaar and the chattering marketplace. Only the tinkle of a camel's bell or the nervous whinny of a horse breaks the stillness as man, woman and child face towards Mecca, drop devoutly to their knees, touch their foreheads upon the earth. There is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet.

[Cyrus]

But though the vast majority of Persia's estimated population of 10 million professed the Shia confession of the Mohammedan faith, religious freedom is granted to all. And many Persians still worship the Ahura Mazda of the ancient Zarathustra, the Jehovah. Step into the world of power, loyalty and luck.

[Narrator]

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[Cyrus]

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[Narrator]

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[Cyrus]

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[Cyrus]

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[Narrator]

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[Cyrus]

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[Narrator]

To help you choose the coverage you need. State Farm, Bloomington, Illinois of Israel, the God of Christianity. At the great Bazaar of Tabriz collects the Orient, changeless, eternal living life today as it has been lived for thousands of years by slow plodding camel caravan. They have come from all over Persia, across the steppes of southern Russia, from the Caucasus, from Belucastan, from Inner Mongolia, even from farthest China. Here, amidst the babel of outlandish tongues, white clad men from Bokhara rub shoulders with Tekas from Merv with a pigtail down each side of the head. Smooth shaven Persians wearing pillbox hats trade with bearded Kazakhs from the Kyrgyz Wastes. Hindus, quiet with the calm of centuries, wheedling Armenians, bloodthirsty Afghans, untamed Bakhtiari from Persia's southern mountains, slant eyed Chinese, shrewd Greeks. All are here to buy, sell, exchange or barter the wealth of the Orient. Sandalwood from Samarkand, melons from Ispahan, rare gems from Kashan, needlework from Georgia, wonderfully carved ivory from China, ripe purple figs from Kermanshah. And rugs, soft silky rugs in the intricate designs of which are caught the essence of the mysticism of the Orient. Rugs made by unlettered Kurdish nomads, in which are woven the ancient symbol of Assyria's sacred tree. Flanked by two guardian beasts. Prayer rugs are the most delicate mold on which may be found every flower known to Persia. Rugs from Shirath, wrought in rose, ivory and blue deca. Rugs of geometrical design and smoldering red, modern in their essential simplicity, although following designs tradition has dictated for 10 centuries. In the ancient Persian city of Nishapur, nearly a thousand years ago, flourished one of the Orient's most famed universities. And here, under the tutelage of the Imam, Moafak studied the son of a tent maker of Nishapur. Brilliant, talented, this youth soon brought himself to the attention of the Imam, who one day called the young man to him.

[Imam]

I have summoned you, O Makayam, to offer you the use of my library. Library? My books and my charts and the benefits of my private instruction most devoutly.

[Omar Khayyam]

Mum. Emotion chokes my throat and my soul Prays for eloquence with which to thank you.

[Imam]

You will work hard. You will study, you must learn. For in you I see one to succeed me as professor. You shall mold the thoughts of the next generation.

[Omar Khayyam]

You honor me that one whose learning is so complete should grant such opportunities to an unworthy scholar whose father is a maker of tin.

[Imam]

Henceforth, you shall be as my son. You shall live with me here in my house. You shall.

[Omar Khayyam]

What sound is that? Surely Allah, may his name be venerated, has not sent one of his heavenly virgins to earth.

[Imam]

Even so, Omar. Even so. That is my daughter, Shireen, who approaches.

[Omar Khayyam]

It cannot be that one so lovely possesses the brief mortality of life.

[Imam]

Shireen, come here. You should know Omar Khayyam. He is to live with us. He shall be as a brother to you.

[Shireen]

O Mark, I am. You are welcome here.

[Omar Khayyam]

Paradise could never hold more beauty than I see in your eyes.

[Imam]

Shireen is to become a wife of the Sultan. So has she been promised.

[Omar Khayyam]

But she is still little more than a child.

[Imam]

So has it been destined. Since her birth, the rose of cashmere.

[Omar Khayyam]

Could in all its beauty never dim. What today mine eyes have seen.

[Cyrus]

A.

[Omar Khayyam]

Book of verses underneath the bough, A jug of wine, a loaf of bread, and thou beside me singing in the wilderness Our wilderness were paradise. And now.

[Shireen]

It is lovely, Omar. Lovely.

[Omar Khayyam]

I wrote it for you. For us.

[Shireen]

But, Omar, this is not the wilderness. This is Nishapura. And we are in my father's garden.

[Omar Khayyam]

Anywhere with you there would be Paradise.

[Shireen]

But such is not my fate. I am to be the bride of the Sultan.

[Omar Khayyam]

There lies not joy.

[Shireen]

It is death.

[Omar Khayyam]

Hear me, Shireen. Some sigh for the glories of this world. And some sigh for the Prophet's paradise to come. Ah. Take the cash and let the credit go. Nor heed the rumble of the distal drum.

[Narrator]

But both Omar and Shaaren, lovers in that lovely Persian garden, knew that they must heed the rumble of the distant drum. For the day came when the Sultan arrived to claim his wife.

[Imam]

And this, O wise and munificent ruler, is Omar Khayyam. My favorite pupil, Omar Khayyam.

[Cyrus]

May Allah, whose name is holy, grant you fortune.

[Omar Khayyam]

Words would be useless to express my gratitude with a kindness of your omnipotence.

[Imam]

Omar and Shireen, for these past two cycles of the zodiac have been as brother and sister.

[Cyrus]

Then indeed, this must be a sorrowful body, Shireen, my child and my bride. You may bid your companion farewell.

[Shireen]

Omar. Omare. It is kism it our fate.

[Omar Khayyam]

Gizmit I. If only we know My beloved, fill a cup that clears today of past regrets and future fears.

[Cyrus]

Come, come, my priceless pearl. Come, my Shar.

[Shireen]

Yes, my lord. Goodbye, O Ma.

[Cyrus]

Goodbye.

[Omar Khayyam]

The moving finger writes and having rip moves on, not all your piety nor wit shall lure it back to cancel half a line nor all your tears wash out a word.

[Narrator]

Persia lies midway between British India and Russia and thus became an extremely important buffer state during the imperial struggle for power which preceded the World War. The British lion and the Russian bear finally agreed to permit Persia her autonomous while splitting her into two zones of influence. Russian to the north, British to the south. But this balance of power swung sharply toward Great Britain when in 1901 William Knox D'Arcy, an English mining man, discovered oil in southwestern Persia and promptly obtained a lease on 500,000 square miles of potential oil fields. 5Sixths of Persia's territory. As the Anglo Persian Oil Company develops a city of 40,000 at Abadan near the gulf as well. After well is sunk in the Persian field proves to be the richest in the world. As the British government takes over the company and as Risa Khan Pahlevi, Persian Minister of War astutely forces his election to the Peacock throne and becomes Risa Shah Pahlevi, King of Kings, British officials discover that Persia has awakened to European ways has begun to appreciate European value. A new voice is heard in the East. A vibrant voice ringing with the tradition of Cyrus and Darius. The voice of Riza Shah Pahalevi, King of Kings as he utters his favorite dictum Persia must learn to do without foreigners. Since his accession to the throne in 1925, Risa Sharpa Levi has founded a.

[Astyages]

National bank to replace the British owned Imperial bank of Persia.

[Narrator]

Recodified the nation's laws in accordance with Western conceptions of jurisprudence.

Begun the construction of a railroad from the Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea.

[Cyrus]

Disarmed the tribes of mountain bandits.

[Narrator]

Introduced compulsory military training.

[Astyages]

Begun a westernizing to rival that of his neighbor Mustafa Kimmel of Turkey.

[Narrator]

Inspired Persia to a nationalistic policy which.

[Cyrus]

In 1932 resulted in the cancellation of the British oil leases.

[Narrator]

The reverberations of this act are worldwide. From Baku to Kettleman Hills. Oil men prick up their ears, wait breathlessly for the next move which may upset the basic equilibrium of the petroleum industry in distant London. The admiralty nervously considers the situation for from the Anglo Persian oil fields comes the fuel for Britain's far flung navy. The traditional imperialistic gesture is made British warships up anchor for the Persian Gulf. As Sir John Cadman, President of the Anglo Persian Oil Company steps into a plane in London, roars across Europe, across the Levant, across mountains and desert to Tehran. Rushes to the audience room of the King of kings.

Your majesty, we hold a 60 year lease granted by your predecessor, the Shah Ali Mohammed in 19 ought one.

[Astyages]

Sir John, let us not mince words. This is not the Persia of Shah Ali with which you are dealing. This is the Persia of today. The Persia of Reza Shah Pahlevi.

[Narrator]

May I remind you that you are not cancelling merely the lease with the Anglo Persian Company, but also with the British government.

[Astyages]

I am aware of that. And I am also aware that your warships are but a day away from my ports in the Gulf.

[Narrator]

It is not my desire to resort to force.

[Astyages]

Nor mine. But it is not my pleasure that you should by this lease control 5/6 of my territory.

[Narrator]

But this lease is valid. We have paid our royalties.

[Astyages]

I am not interested in that. Your royalties in any case have been insufficient. This oil is Persia's and I intend that Persia shall have it.

[Narrator]

This is outrageous.

You won't dare to.

[Astyages]

I remind you, Sir John, that Persia is a member in good standing of the League of nations. Your threats, your warships and your outraged anger do not concern me. Would you care to risk this subject before the League?

[Narrator]

But your majesty, our investments. Think of it. We have sunk a hundred and fifty wells. We have builded more than a hundred miles of pipelines.

[Astyages]

I understand these facts and appreciate them. You will find me a just man with whom to deal. You may retain your pipelines and your wells, but you will sign a new lease. It reduces the land you control from 500,000 square miles to 250,000 square miles. And in 1938 to 100,000 square miles. It requires a royalty payment of 4 shillings a ton and participation in the profits of your company to the extent of 20%. But furthermore, it deprives you of exclusive operation privileges. Hereafter, Persia will produce oil and Persia will be your competitor as well as your partner.

[Narrator]

But your majesty, don't you think these terms are a bit stiff?

[Astyages]

There is one alternative you can get out of Persia.

[Narrator]

But look here, man.

[Astyages]

I, priest Sasha Pahlevi, king of kings, has spoken.

[Narrator]

Thus. The political descendant of Cyrus, master of Persian bowmen, fights his battles across the council table, exercising a balance of power in the near east, building upon the glorious foundations of antiquity. A new world state. Thus Persia continues to add glory to her glorious history already 3000 years old. May Allah shine upon you, Persia, and cause your fortunes to prosper. Next week, the sponsors of this program invite you to join them again on a journey to another fascinating country where you will meet interesting people, visit strange places in a half hour of romantic travel to ports of call.

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