Welcome to Iran

Welcome to Iran

Welcome to a very special country with diverse geography, different people and ethnicities and complex society. Why complex, you might ask. Well, because you see and hear something, but what is actually happening is very different. Here many things and applications are prohibited but everyone uses Twitter, for example, even government minsters. You will find people very curious about strangers, very kind and hospitable but sometimes pushy and so overwhelming that it is hard to find some privacy and time for yourself.

It is such a unique experience to stay with local people and witness daily life, taste homemade food and discover the real Iranian life behind the closed doors. Iran is a relatively cheap destination to travel but sometimes you will find services expensive because there is no alternative or competitor. Iran is a country that you arrive in with a very specific idea and expectations, largely due to the media, but your experience will turns out to be surprising and touching.
Iran is a land of paradoxes: it is an Islamic country but you do not see Arabic culture here (which you probably associate with Islam), and with all respect to the religion, Iranians keep their Persian traditions alive. In Iran ladies must cover the hair and the upper torso due to the religious laws and the country’s dress code but here again you do not see anyone in a burka and the hijab is rather loose.
Iranian people are respectful in public and you do not hear people raise their voice or talk loud in the streets, but the same people in private joke, party and laugh, so it is as if they have two characters: one for the public and one for the private.
In Iranian culture there is a habit called ‘taarof’ and it is when you somehow lie just to be more polite, friendly or if you are basically shy to do something. Let me give you an example: you are going to buy an ice cream and offer me one. Even though I would definitely like one, I would refuse and say “Ah, thanks, that is a kind offer!” But if you insist few times, I will eventually accept it and say “Yes I would love to have an ice cream”.
But why didn’t I say it from the beginning? Maybe I was shy, maybe I did not feel OK that you would be paying for me, maybe I wanted to be polite and keep it official? Who knows, heh! Or you may get a taxi and the cab driver might offer you a free ride or say be my guest when you want to pay, but in fact of course he expects his money from you. If you accept his kind offer and walk away, maybe he would call you and ask you politely for the money. So, you should not accept his offer to be his guest, but instead insist on paying so he feels OK to accept it. It is very easy to be friends with local people and get invited to their homes. People here like foreigners and try to show their best to the new guests. When shopping in the old bazaars most of the time they would treat you like a local and although some prices quoted might still be 10-20% more, feel comfortable to go alone to the bazaar and walk around or shop. If you have more questions you can always write to me and last but not least; book your thickets to Iran now before it’s too late!