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”.
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”.