Although the very shops of the Cornmarket street were gesticulating for attention with those red banners of “1/2 price”, Mr. Behi could never become distracted from the amazing architecture of the elderly Oxford University buildings. Some go back to 14th century, they remind you of the fairy tales of the middle ages and when you look at the bell towers, you can refresh your childhood imagination of the princesses jailed by dragons. Mr. Behi had a nice experience of hearing the echo of a church bell ring on the occasion of an apparent wedding ceremony and meeting gentlemen dresses like classic British movies. But his enjoyment were just beginning when he passed the bridge of sighs and entered the Broad street ...
where he could find one of the best collection of books he ever managed to visit. The Blackwell bookstore is by far the biggest attraction for an Iranian who rarely can find such an exhibit back home (hopefully once a year during Tehran International book fair). Mr. Behi indulged himself with shelf after shelf of Blackwell’s rich stock but his jaw dropped when he found himself in the perfectly organized science section. You feel the professionalism not only from the variety of books but also from the expertise of the staff. Mr. Behi had the advantage of talking to Keith Clack for assistance in finding a book. This nice looking gentleman with long hair and beard and that pair of spectacles, resembles a classic man of science from distance. It was in one of the advertising banners of the bookstore inferring that there is no science book that you need and Keith cannot guide you to find it!
It is sales season and everybody is shopping. It was one of the few times Mr. Behi could shop in a real sale (In Tehran, when shops want to do a sale, they first increase the prices a week before and they cut that increase the other week on their Sale!!). With Iranian tooman nearly 1700 times weaker than British currency, Mr. Behi could still find things worth buying!
“Donate your pennies, every penny helps, they need your help”. A man was appealing for help his foundation was collecting for Asian Tsunami victims. At the same time, he had brochures advertising Islam to the pedestrians (Information about Islam for Free! The banner was saying). Somewhere else in front of the MacDonals, socialists were distributing papers calling for the end of labor governments in the next election. A group of very strange looking teenagers with all those rings on their noses, lips and ears, were shouting to each while eating their sandwiches (Mr. Behi did not like to even research to see why they dress like that?)
Mr. Behi continued his visit with the huge load of purchases (Heavy encyclopedia, some books and other heavy stuff). He realized that if he likes to find a place to leave the stuff for a while, he should whistle for it…so decided to get beck to Abingdon.
I suppose for the next adventure, Mr. Behi may go to London so come back again…
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