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For some reason, planes leave Iran for the West in the wee hours. My departure was at 3 a.m. My crew caught a flight two hours earlier. My guide went home. I was groggy and all alone. While eager to leave, I was savoring every last impression before flying exactly the opposite route the Ayatollah flew as he returned home to toss out the shah.
Walking down the jetway to my Air France plane at Tehran’s Ayatollah Khomeini Airport, I saw busty French flight attendants — hair flowing freely — at the plane’s door. It was as if they were pulling people symbolically back into the Western world. As though the plane were a lifeboat, people entered with a sigh of relief. Women pulled off their scarves…and suddenly we were all free to be what to us was so “normal.”
For ten days, I was out of my comfort zone in a land where people live under a theocracy — a land that found different truths to be god-given and self-evident. I tasted not a drop of alcohol (Islam is dry). I never encountered a urinal (Islamic men squat). Women were not to show the shape of their body or their hair (they were beautiful nevertheless). And people took photos of me, as if I were the cultural spectacle.
On my first day back in Europe, I noticed hair, necklines, and tight pants like never before. I sipped wine as if it were heaven-sent. And, standing before that first urinal, I was thankful to be a Westerner.
Paris seemed designed to accentuate the cultural differences. When I saw a provocatively dressed woman — tattooed breast barely covered by a black-lingerie top — I kind of missed the thrill of a little extra hair on the forehead of a chador-clad woman. University students sat at outdoor cafés, men and women mingling indiscriminately, discussing whatever hot-button issue interested them. Out of Iran and back in the West, I felt an energy and a volume and an efficiency that is cranked up. People — not on the valium of a revolution of values — are free to be “evil.”
Of course, I would never choose to live according to the Islamic Revolution. But I gained a respect for people who are living what they call a ‘values revolution” — a respect that I could only understand by actually traveling there. And I overcame a fear that plagues many who’ve yet to visit Iran.
What do I conclude from this experience? If I were to make any judgment on their theocracy, it would be to point out the irony of a society that is aggressively theocratic, yet actually seems less spiritual than a neighboring, secular Muslim nation — Turkey, where five times a day it’s hard to walk down the sidewalk because mosques are overflowing with people praying.
All the “death to America” and “death to Israel” posters Westerners fixate on are impossible to defend. But I will say they seemed very incongruous with the people I met. It made me wonder if the penchant for Iranians to declare “death” to so many things is not so different from Westerners who exclaim “damn those French” or “damn those cowboys” or “damn this traffic jam.” Even though this actually means “die and then burn in hell”…of course we don’t mean it literally.
There’s a lot of debate between our two nations about who’s right and who’s wrong. Many who comment on this blog seem to know. Some issues (such as the wrongness of denying the holocaust) seem clear-cut. But, as I leave Iran, I’m not convinced that everything is so straightforward. Politicians come and go…but people are here to stay. I leave thankful that I don’t live in Iran. Yet I believe the vast majority of Iranians — regardless of what they think of their current government — would choose to live nowhere else.
After this experience, I’m reminded of the fundamental value as well as the simple fun of travel. When we travel — whether to a land our president has declared part of an “Axis of Evil,” or just to a place where people yodel when they’re happy or fight bulls to impress the girls or can’t serve breakfast until today’s croissants arrive — we enrich our lives and better understand our place on this planet. It’s my hope that with people-to-people connections, we can overcome our fear and mistrust of each other, and, at a minimum, learn to co-exist peacefully. And that gives me and my partners here at ETBD meaning in our work. Thanks for traveling with me via this blog through Iran. I hope you enjoyed the journey.
Rick – Great job in Iran! You’ve inspired me to want to go there someday. I would just hope that by doing so, I wouldn’t be placed on a “No-Fly” list. That would really ruin all of my future travel plans, LOL.
Again, great job and thanks for all that you do for us!
Rick – Thank you for bringing us along on an inspiring and wonderful journey, my hat off to you! And I too want to say thanks for doing all you do and showing us what joy travel can bring.
What you have shared with us here, Rick, throughout your travels in Iran, is something that I think is so needed in the West right now, but unfortunately, I think that you are “preaching to the choir”, as they say, because those who really need to read it, won’t. Besides the fact that you have a “rep”, just seeing the word Iran and the fact that you are traveling there will keep the willfully ignorant from reading about this trip. But do it anyhow, Rick, there aren’t many like you.
Rick, your work goes so far beyond mere “travel guide.” Thank you for giving us such a wonderful example of what it means to truly live your beliefs.
Hello, Rick! I’ve enjoyed reading about your adventures in Iran. I don’t think cultural differences make anyone right or wrong. It’s all a journey to find a foundation of understanding to begin building a bridge to better relationships with others and their country. Take care.
Yeaaaaahhhhh Rick!!!!!!! GREAT JOB. LOVE IT.
Hola Rick! Reading your blogs were wonderful. I can’t wait to see the recorded footage for the TV program. Congrats to you and your crew for embarking on such a trip to such a controversial place. Just got back from Italy, safe thanks to your travel book. Can’t wait to read your Iran 2008 travel book. God Bless and happy travels! J
Rick, I appreciate this blog. The best paragraph is : “What do I conclude from the experience ? … the irony of a society that is aggressively theocratic, yet actually seems less spiritual than a neighboring secular muslim nation – Turkey”. According to my understanding of the word theocracy, Iran is not a theocracy. A theocracy is a nation whose leader is God. In the Old Testament of the Bible, the people of Israel, during the time of Moses, had a theocracy. In that story, God intervened for the benenfit of the “children of Israel”, and God gave directions to his people through prophets”. Iran has Muslim law. I think the Muslims have not had a prophet for 1500 years. Allah has not done any intervening for the Muslim people, for a very long time, if ever.
Thank You Rick. I’m looking forward to the tv show.
Thank you, Rick. You are an inspiration!
Theocracy (Greek theokratia, “government by a godâ€), constitution, or polity, of a country in which God is regarded as the sole sovereign and the laws of the realm are seen as divine commands. By extension a theocracy is a country in which control is in the hands of the clergy. The typical example of a theocracy is that established by the Hebrew lawgiver Moses. Later attempts to found theocratic societies were made by the French theologian John Calvin and the English soldier-statesman Oliver Cromwell. The caliphate, in Muslim communities, was a theocracy. The rule of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Iran is an example of a theocratic government in modern times.
I can imagine how a Rick Steves blog from 1970’s East Berlin would have read: People on the streets have all the necessities of life, and unlike the U.S. there is free health care and no unemployment! We should not try to change their country! Based on your reporting from Iran, I’m sure the government of North Korea would be happy to show you around Pyongyang and you would be happy to share new “truths” with your readers. I have no problem with you traveling to Iran, I just wish you would apply the same critical eye as you do to your own country. Death to Israel probably doesn’t really mean death when plastered on a wall in Tehran, but calling a nation evil is unpardonable when coming from the U.S. president. If you are interested in learning more about about Iran to complement your travels, I believe an interview Dr. Haleh Esfandiari would be enlightening.
Gee, you mean Iranians love their country too? Wow what a concept. Actually Rick, you were in Iran for only a few days. Had you stayed longer, you would have learned other things, ie: that ordinary Iranians live ordinary lives — the same lives that the French live even though you think they’re so different. The have kids, go to work, fall in love, pay rent or mortgage, etc.
Have followed your blog for the whole trip, and been fascinated. I am so appreciative of you having done this. Way better than a group of bureauocrats following foreign policy guidelines, and rarely getting to see what you saw. I am especially looking forward to your TV show, because sometimes written and spoken words don’t reveal what video or stills show about people. The combination of mediums should give a really wonderful composite view. Great job!
So let me get this straight – your biggest complaint about Iran was that you weren’t able to get drunk and check out women? My Iran trip anecdotes: We sat on a bus seat with a friend, a man sat in front of us, then turned around and apologized for having his back towards us.
I felt an energy and a volume and an efficiency that is cranked up. Wow, France is efficient compared to Iran? A statement like that speaks volumes…
Other Iran trip anecdotes: Sitting in a park, a little girl delivered some grapes as a present from an Iranian family that was having a picnic nearby. I accepted graciously (fruit in Iran tastes a LOT better than in the US) Soon, more people sent food – watermelons, shishkebab, bread…more than I could eat. I had to leave! By accepting the grapes, I had started a hospitality war with Persians, which can never be won!
Third anecdote: group of little boys surrounded me, fascinated by my camera. Soon, I felt little hands going into my (empty) pockets. Back in the hotel, I checked my pockets … to find flowers shoved in there by those little hands.
Final Iran trip anecdote: sat in a coffee shop in North Tehran. Owner quitely came up to my table, poured a shot of whiskey into my coffee, then went back as if nothing had happened. There’s much about Iran you DON’T know, Rick Steves.
Second Iran trip anecdote: sat on a public autobus seat. Man sat in front of me, and turned around to apologize for having his back towards me.
Energy and volume = crass materialism and hype. Persian culture is quiet, subtle, contemplative, transcendant.
This blog is full of anecdotes of Rick’s experience in Iran. This particular entry was about his return to the west. I am uneasy about comparing the trip to visiting East Berlin. I remember traveling to East Berlin in the 1970’s. Here’s what I remember and might have blogged. Everything seemed gray, but it’s February and raining. Was it really that gray or is the rain and dark “coloring” my memories. We saw the Pergamon altar and interesting ceramics from Romania. Our minder kept pointing out piles of rubble. We went to the top of the “space needle” in Alexander Platz with a lot of Russians and were pretty obnoxious. Back in the west one of the guys pointed out the prostitutes on the Ku Dam. The first I’d ever seen. Back in the East we went to a history museum on Marxism that bored us to tears. We had to go back west on the SBahn and the guards took pleasure in testing us. On the same trip we spent the night at a youth hostel near Leipzig and we met some young people who were also there. One of them gave me some earrings which I still have. So, there were interesting things to see, and there were the people who were also friendly. There was a sadness about split families. There were the ever present Russians. Many people then and now think we were quite daring to go the East. It wasn’t but most people weren’t going there. These were my impressions of East Berlin and the DDR. Others would have a different blog. It’s the same with Iran most people aren’t going there and those that do have different perspectives and memories. Rick’s trip is one trip. It will be magnified by his TV show which adds responsibility, but it’s a different show than the ones he does for Europe as he’s traveled there for decades. I think that it’s important to keep the trip and blog in perspective.
Congratulations and thank you on another well crafted show Mr. Steves! I like to watch your series with my dad, and I always enjoy it. I have met several people from Iran here in the U.S. and I feel that what you said is correct. Humanity is the same everywhere, and people are happy to call their homes Home, while the big differences are cultural and everyone has personal views about those cultures. Clearly there are going to be people who agree and disagree with you, even on this blog. I guess that is the nature of the Internet. Nevertheless, thanks for the great interactive blog format and giving us all the great travel experiences that you do!
So, “Death to America” actually means “Damn America”. Forgive me if I’m still not reassured of the innocence of such a statement.
On my first day back in Europe, I noticed hair, necklines, and tight pants like never before. I sipped wine as if it were heaven-sent. And, standing before that first urinal, I was thankful to be a Westerner. So, according to you, culture, life and freedom could be summarized in booze, urinals and necklines. Any country that’s plentiful in these 3 is heaven and anywhere missing in these 3 is hell. Right? When you’re so obsessed about these 3 most holy things, you cannot go beyond the surface. Although, I believe you’ve not even touched the surface. There’s no surprise you’ve not been able to “see” Iran as it is: diverse, full of life, passion and “spirituality”; in “color”, rather than black and white.
Rick! I’m so glad you had the chance to visit Iran and share your experience with people. As an Iranian who was raised in America and respects, but didn’t support the Islamic Revolution, I’m always so disheartened by the narrative of Iran that always gets retold: a bleak, dark place that stifles creativity and freedom. I think most people would be surprised how much Iran (especially once you’re outside of stifling Tehran) has to offer tourists. There is a lot of truth in your comment about the irony of such a theocracy. When religion is imposed on people, many inevitably resent it. That, to me, is the real tragedy of the Islamic Revolution, that it’s aims were so manipulated and destroyed. Either way, I’m absolutely thrilled you took the time to travel to that part of the world and can share the news that it’s not as horrifying and harsh as the media sometimes makes it out to be. Thank you for the service you do for all of us!
Thanks Rick for a great blog series. Blessed are the peacemakers.
Rick, Your experiences from traveling to a ‘radical destination’ like Iran reinforce what I like about travel: if you suspend judgement and comparisons, but rather, just experience the cultural differences, you learn much about there and here. One doesn’t have to decide which location is ‘better,’ because that is often determined by ones perspective. It’s not a contest about who is best or right. The variety of different ways that cultures exist, while all powered by some basic human desires, is fascinating. Thanks for the blog of your trip and for taking the heat from those who don’t agree.
I read about you so late! you left Iran! however if you or any other western friends need an Iranian friend, I will be really happy to help them in Iran. I have born in Tehtran, and know lots of things about the religion and culture of my country. Recently I was with an Italian friend in Iran, we had wonderful times with eachother!! Amir Mohammad amirm_gamini@yahoo.com Tehran Iran
I am an Iraanian American who has been living in US for over 35 Years. I completly agree with Rick. Although Iran is a wonderfull place to visit and has lots of tourist attraction, I would not want to live there. The lack of basic freedoms, including freedom to drink, eat, urinate, dress, etc is a huge impediment to tourist and people visiying there. These restrictions have all been imposed after the 1979 Islamic revolution. People have to folow them in public, but ignore them in their privet life.
Iran is a country we love (or maybe used to love) but are ready to leave in a moment’s notice. I do agree with Rick and Joey both. I am an Iranian student who happens to live in the US. I love to “visit” my country but now that I am here i am counting the remaining 10 days to go back to the US. lack of basic freedoms and also economic pressures has changed people. I personally associate persian cultur with mellow music, beautiful and spiritual architecture, Hafez’s poetry, a friendly version of Islam, hospitality and family values (and sacrificing everything you have for your family.) But nowadays, you should look really hard to find traces of the real iranian culture (as Arabization and westernization) are wiping out what the Persian culture really is. Rick, As i have noticed in my 2 moths stay in Iran, EVERY college educated iranian wants to leave. There are tons of TOEFL classes and absolutely everybody i know wishes to go.
By accepting the grapes, I had started a hospitality war with Persians, which can never be won! LOL a good one little Joey!:)
Rick, thanks so much for your wonderful reports. Your personality and outlook is warm and human which is why you connect with so many. I’m sorry that some seem to feel in pointing out inconvenient differences in our cultures, you are being either critical or a dupe, rather than just a guy, who like all of us would find some differences worthy of human comment. I suggest to those who seem to demand perfection and are critical of Rick, to actually visit Iran, frequent Iranian shops, seek out Iranian cultural opportunities here in the USA and then produce a report as you go along. You know, walk in Rick’s shoes and see how your own perspective changes…which is what we all want, right? Move away from fear and hate, toward acceptance, respect and love.
Walk in the shoes of Farzad Kamangar, a teacher sentenced to death in Iran, and see how your perspective changes.
Hi Rick, I attended your wonderful (and very full) travel presentation on Iran yesterday. Your brand of travelogue is balanced, factual and intended to humanize the people and cultures you experience. Once you get the film footage edited, it should be required viewing for all our decision-makers in Washington D.C. Thanks for doing this.
If you’re so upset about “Death to America” slogans, remember that the official, stated policy of the United States is to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear countries such as Iran. This was stated openly in the Quadrennial Nuclear Posture Review. WE are the ones who are really threatening Iran and the world with death — and in our case, its not just a slogan.
Death to Iran – and ther rest of the world http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/14/AR2005051400071_pf.html
Iran is currently torn between two cultures, a humane and friendly Iranian culture and a hostile and rough Islamic culture. Before this Islamic revolution disaster, The Iranian culture was in dominance and the Islam practiced by people was an Iraninized version of Islam. Unfortunatley the dominance culture is now the rough, backward, and uncivilized Islamic culture being imposed on the Iranian people by the occupying people in power. Please do not cofuse the government imposed slogans and anti-west or for that matter anti-modernity with Iranian people.
Gas is up 200 per cent, food is up 25 percent, unemployment is up, no one can sell their homes, people are losing their homes,restaurants and retail stores are closing, I can’t rub two nickles together to take our normal family vacation so putting some lipstick and powder on Irans global face to make it look presentable really is pretty low on my priority list right now. Our economy and life as we know it are imploding and I guess our government leaders democratic and republican pretty much have their hands full right now and playing nice with the leaders of a country who could blow us to kingdom come is probably not too high on their to do list.
Actually Lewis, a big part of why gas is up (and everything else with it) is because of the state of US-Iran relations, and the Israeli pressure to launch a war there. US sanctions on Iran have also forced out US companies, which not only opened the way for Chinese, Russian and Austrian etc oil companies to move right in, but it also makes it harder for the Iranians to extract and export oil to the US. So, making nice with Iran would only benefit you — and FYI, it is WE who are threatening to bomb THEM to kingdom come. WE toppled their democracy and installed tyrant, WE backed and armed Saddam, etc.
M Nasser — these are the same Iranians as ever, and if they seem foreign to people like you, it is because people like you never really set foot outside of your privileged enclaves before the revolution which kicked out people like you. You can live in LA, lick your wounds and spit bile from a far, comfortable distance. In the meantime, Iranians have moved on with their lives. The fact is that the average Iranian today lives longer, is better educated, has better access to healthcare and clean water, and literacy rates have significantly improved. Iran is now also a major manufacturer of automobiles and leading research into stem cells etc.
John – Farzad Kamangar the “teacher” you mention was a member of the PKK, which is listed as a terrorist group by the US State Department.
Hassan, what evidence has been presented to show that Mr. Kamangar is a member of the PKK? Precisely none.
Little Joey I don’t see Isreal egging us on to war, on the contrary they are engaged in peace talks.what I did see was some pretty damning pictures that Rick sent back showing Iran wanting to bomb the US and Isreal. Oil prices has little to do with Iran, OPEC controls it all.
Little Joey – suffering from Stockholm Syndrome my friend?
Can I request more material from the first Little Joey? Spot on my friend. You could audition as Ricks ghost writer on his next trip to North Korea…..Maybe you could give us a little sample of what that blog may sound like. Encore….Encore….please……
From Rick’s blog entry: “(M)y hope that with people-to-people connections, we can overcome our fear and mistrust of each other, and, at a minimum, learn to co-exist peacefully.” Surely we can ALL agree on that…
I am married to an Iranian and live in San Diego. I’ve been to Iran four times, including when my twins were 9 months, four years, and six years old. We loved every single visit. The food is fabulous, the hospitality is warm and welcoming, and Iranians love to share their opinions about world affairs. These are not backwards people. They are well-educated, well-read, and worldly. It is true that Iranians both figuratively and literally embrace Americans (although, as a woman, I was only embraced by women) and like us very much. And, it is true that Iranians see themselves as separate from their government, which they are quick to criticize. It’s hard for us to understand them when they say, “We love Americans – it’s your government we hate,” because we see ourselves as the government (i.e., “we the people”). Americans need to open their minds and accept the fact that many people see themselves as distinct from their governments. Once Americans and Israeli’s understand that Iranian’s criticism is directed towards governments and not individuals, we will be able to start a dialogue of peace and understanding. Thank you Rick Steves for having the courage to go to Iran, to expand our knowledge of the peoples who populate this marvelous planet, and to discover for yourself what wonderful people Iranians are. These are the people our government and the Israeli government want to bomb. Iranians are just like us — they want a good education, freedom to move about and to speak, and to make better lives for themselves and their children. How can we wish a blight upon people who are so much like ourselves? How can we wish a blight upon our own species? I look forward to your broadcast and to seeing more Americans in Iran on my next visit!
Mr. Hassan, Contrary to what you think, I was unfortunately one of those naive students who wanted freedom and democracy and wanted the shah out. So you may blame me partly for the current mess, but not for “my privileged enclave†I accompanied my dying mother several years ago to Iran and got special treatment in the airport, just because I was an Iranian American and was resolved only when I finally, after several hours, accepted the request of paying the several hundred dollars bribe to airport official who demanded the bribe. This is an experience I will never forget. This is the direct result of the corruption brought about by this hypocrite Islamic culture and did not exist before this revolution. My problem is not with Iranian people, as I can not deny my origin. My problem is with this inhumane, corrupt, and barbaric theocratic and undemocratic regime which you seem to support. I suggested to not judging the Iranian people by the action of this occupying government who have no love for Iran and its rich history.
John, Please pull back and try to see a bigger picture. One can always find problems or horrible instances in ANY culture. Using your logic, the example below should be enough to color all of America as an evil empire and worthy of destruction: “…the New York City cop, who had formerly proclaimed his innocence, admitted to beating Louima in a patrol car and then taking him into the bathroom of Brooklyn’s 70th Precinct where he rammed a broken piece of a broom into his rectum.” Do you see what a deadend your logic of hate is? Black and white, knee jerk reactions, tit for tat and all the rest of ones “gut” reactions don’t lead to the “good”, that I know you would like to see.
Terry, You miss the point…. Mr. Kamangar is a political prisoner who is being tortured because of his opposition to the mullahs. Your comparison with some rogue cop in NYC doesn’t hold muster….and yes I’m opposed to our govt. using torture also. Is it not possible to talk about both? You seem to believe criticizing the regime is the same as disparaging the culture. The two are vastly different. Remember, disagreements between posters does not constitute hate– that’s a red herring and you know it!
Terry, the moral relativism you articulate only serves to inadvertently excuse oppression. Using your logic, an American during World War II would have had no right to speak out against the Holocaust since the U.S. government was interning Japanese-Americans. I believe that there absolute standards against which every society and government, including that of the United States, should be measured: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the freedom of the press to begin with. These freedoms are absent in Iran, and Iran is the topic of this blog post. If Rick Steves had written a post saying America is perfect, I would have argued why that is not the case. I believe Rick’s intentions are good and sincere, but by all means judge Iranian society by the same standards as you would your own society. I never said Iran is evil or worthy of destruction. I think war with Iran would be an enormous tragedy, and I hope it does not happen. I have an Iranian-American friend who spent several of his childhood years in Iran, and I am sure I would get along well on a personal level with people I would meet should I ever have the opportunity to travel to Iran. I do not understand how you can call my logic a “logic of hate.†Perhaps hyperbole is inevitable in this type of impersonal dialogue and I am probably guilty of it myself, but I’m sure if we were to sit down and have a cup of coffee would we find many points of agreement.
Thanks Rick for sharing your experience! I enjoyed reading your blog and “traveling” along with you. Such wonderful photos. Would love to be able to visit Iran one day and meet such lovely people. It makes me sad to think that if the role was reversed, and an Iranian crew here visiting the US, would they receive all the warm hospitality and genuine interest you did? I don’t think they would, and that is very sad indeed.
Thanks, John and Steve, Your points are well taken and it is possible I lumped your criticizms in with those on the furthest end of the scale on this post. However, at the root of most American’s criticisms/arguments is the assumption that there is only one reality (the way a culture should be structured). I cut and pasted John’s statement. “I believe that there absolute standards against which every society and government, including that of the United States, should be measured: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the freedom of the press to begin with.” I certainly am comfortable with most of “our” reality. However, we and our government keep making the mistake of judging other cultures according to OUR standards…and taking actions which are in opposition to THEIR standards. This will always lead to conflict before it will lead to the understanding and appreciation Rick strives to foster. We continue to feel we have not only the BEST way of life, but the RIGHT to impose our ways on others. We use all the tools of our government to do so. Finally, it won’t take much work on your part to find out how much torture goes on in OUR justice system. We have political prisoners just like any other culture. Sometimes it takes awhile to see the other dimensions that exist. Very often the first step is to be able to see the log in our own eye. I do know working on the “positives” will always bear more fruit than the negatives. Not saying one should be blind.
Excellent post Rick. It seems you summed up Iran well from your experiences. You deal with the good and the bad, likes and dislikes, and separate politics from people and culture. It seems that you have an appreciation for the people and country but have a “nice place to visit but wouldn’t want to live there” attitude upon leaving. I think that the perspective you brought was refreshing. So I think you summed things up well. Iran, as a country, has its issues and faults. Yet you tried to put a human face on the country many love to hate. And for that, I thank you.
Rick’s experience vs. Little Joey’s = tourist vs. traveler (per Paul Bowls). I am an Iranian living in Seattle. This last February I took a Turkish friend, who happens to be a tour guide in Istanbul, to visit some of the Colonial cities in Central Mexico. One of his complaints was that they couldn’t make 3-minute eggs in the hotel’s restaurant while I waited to eat my breakfasts in of the stalls in the mercado. I don’t think he’ll ever go back, it was my 20-30th trip! We travel to explore and accept other’s way of life knowing that it is US who is different from them.
Steve – Blame the US – Blame the President, but never blame Iran’s president or policies or determination to eliminate Israel, the US and anyone who challenges their policies. Just travel on my trips and be happy …. but don’t forget to close your eyes frequently.
Hats off to you Rick ! I saw your short talk on your Iran trip on TV yesterday. You said it all perfectly. Our fellow countrymen here in the USA need to look at Iran as you have. I am anxious to see the program in January, 2009. We are afraid of what we do not know and understand. If we travel with our eyes wide open we can start to understand and appreciate other cultures and ways of life. Thank you for your way of travel.
More proof that the USA seeks to stir an evil brew in Iran. Seymour Hersh reports $400 million new money budgeted to destabilize Iran. Now who is attacking who? Let’s see: 1953 we get rid of their democratically elected leader and install a dictator (yep, America the FREE). We (cheney and all like minded) have been trying to get that oil back ever since. I think we are going after the wrong people. You know, the enemy within.
Dear Rick — Thanks for traveling to Iran and sharing your impressions. Your interview with Enrique Cernes gave a good introduction to your experience; now I really look forward to the whole travelogue. Maybe when you were preparing for the trip you learned about the AFSC religious delegation that visited there last year, and of their interactions afterwards with the US government. Some reports are on the AFSC website: http://www.afsc.org/iran/default.htm. AFSC (Quakers) “joined with the other historic Peace Churches to create opportunities for dialogue with Iran at a time of heightened tension when other venues have been closed. Dialogue is not a reward or validation; it is a means to begin the process of reconciliation and pave the way for future constructive relationships.” Thanks to you also for opening a door. Jonis Davis
> On my first day back in Europe, I > noticed hair, necklines, and tight > pants like never before. Oooh, sounds like Ann’s getting a little homecoming treat… 8-)
wow. really interesting topic. there is more interesting and disturbing stuff here. http://email-your-jokes.blogspot.com/
IRAN IS THE BEST LAND OF THE WORLD. Iran is a beautiful country
http://www.photoblog.com/majidger/2007/07/09/
hi Lahijan is a city in Iran’s North-Western Gilan province ************************************* http://www.photoblog.com/majidger/2007/07/05/lahijan–.html
hi Dorfak is a volcanic mountain ( IRAN) ******************************** http://www.photoblog.com/majidger/2007/06/24/dorfak-mountain–.html
Hi Rick – Thanks for going to Iran. As an Iranian American who lives in the US I feel sad that Americans know so little about Iran. I often visit the Travel Channel’s website to see if there is anything of Iran, but I am always disappointed. So thanks again for doing this. However there is something that bothers me and that is that you mentioned that Iran has few sights to see, and I want to say that is so untrue. As Mina here is trying to post links to pictures of different places in Iran. Iran has so much to offer to tourists and travelers, but unfortunately tourists get to see so little of it. It’s like bringing a tourist to US and taking him to see Las Vegas and LA and say this is the United States. And if you ever wanted to travel to Iran again try to go as a traveler not a tourist, try to find friends and get invited to homes. This way you’ll also get to drink your booze and see women dressed like French women if not better :)
I am an American living in Iran now for 7 months. I was born and raised in the US, living there for 30 years. Played high school football went to college and worked at a large company in management, I consider myself a normal person. I have now moved to Tehran and love everything about this country. The funny thing is I feel safer than I did in Philadelphia. People in the US are afraid of the police, here the police let the people have there way. I have more freedoms than I did in the US. People think that in the US the gov’t doesn’t dictate how you should live. I am a free person here, have a normal job like many other Iranians. The gov’t or clergy doesn’t tell me how to live. I choose to live and do anything and everything that I want. The difference is that my actions are based on my responsibility and consideration to my neighbors or community. If you live in a country where the gov’t is controlled by corporations, you are nothing but a willing slave. Here the people control the gov’t and in the US the gov’t controls the people.