Iran… A trip over Silvester to Iran. Why not? Let’s start by dispelling some popular myths.

– Unsafe? (this question was asked by 95% of my friends)
– Not true, according to a risk map Iran is even safer than my homeland. Don’t mix Iran with its neighbour country similar in sound – Iraq. Besides, according to our own feelings, Iran is safe enough, safe as any other country: it means, you should watch your belongings and not yawn around. Though, traffic is hectic.

– Not so interesting…
– Nonsence! Iran is a part of  former ancient Persia, culture that is more than 3000 years old. Persians and Iranians definitely have a lot to reveal. Frankly speaking, we were surprised and fascinated…

– I can’t go there, I have to wear hidjab the whole time…
– Partly true, but don’t confuse hijab (a scarf that leaves a lot of hair open) and chador (a mantle covering your whole body and a head). Chador is required only when you want to the mosques where the service is ongoing.

– I don’t speak Farsi and they don’t speak English. This will be extremely difficult to explain what you want!
– They speak bad English, indeed. But Iranians are very hospitable, healpful and customer oriented. Couple English words, a lot of signs and active gesticulation – you will find your way through Iran.

– We are dating and not married. I heard that iranians will look strangely at us when we ask for a double suite.
– Perhaps, they have second thoughts in their heads, but no one has said something against our request to stay in one room overnight.

-They don’t celebrate Silvester as they do it in Europe!
-True. They have a New year party in March. But even in the end of December you can find some fireworks and garlands to create suitable mood. A possibility to start a firework on a rooftop of one of the traditional houses is priceless.

Rich culture, fascinating mosques and historical places, pleasant temperatures, absence of tourist crowds (and touristic prices as a result), delicious food, hospitable and welcoming people, very acceptable prices (especially in the low-season), good transport connections between the cities, purity of goods and products … All this makes Iran a very attractive and not yet widely discovered travel destination.

…to be continued in more detail.