30 days in Iran

Long have I dreamed of traveling through Iran. Now after spending 30 days there, I am not sure if it was just a dream or happened for real. I cannot highlight enough how happy I am that I followed my instinct and cycled through this country. I must frankly say that I had nowhere else felt so safe. I can assure that visiting Iran will give you unprecedented experiences and shape your way of thinking for the rest of your life.

Some experiences that I have made were truly intense. Together with my companion Mr. Maximiliano, we were spontaneously invited to a ceremony into a mosque in a small village. Our host brought us there and we entered the mosque during the prayer. I think there were at least 400 people. All eyes on us. After we sat down for a while, the Imam himself welcomed us in his speech through the microphone. Again, all eyes on us. Now, the women on the other side knew about our presence too. Seldom have I been so nervous as we were the only strangers in this place. After the prayer, we helped in the kitchen preparing meals for hundreds of people. Eating in the middle of the mosque between all those people was impossible for us. We had to switch places several times because the people almost overran us. They wanted to ask questions and take selfies. You must imagine that some of them have never talked to a tourist before. Of course, they have questions and some of those questions make you feel suspicious. „Am I safe here? Is that a hearing? What if I answer wrong?“ But it’s just their way of asking questions and their curiosity. After some time, I got used to it.
Another time, when I visited a special place, I saw men and women of all age coming together. They were singing old songs about freedom and bliss before the time of the revolution. It was a very touching and emotional atmosphere. Again, I was welcomed with open hands.
I ate dozens of times together with Iranian families. Some families were more conservative, others in turn very modern. And there was in most cases so much joy, laughter and harmony at the dining table. I have seldom experienced that anywhere else. And I got to know many families. Families where the fathers have high positions in the military, police or university. Some of the women work, study, and are wives and mothers at once. Totally different to what I had expected before.
I can, for instance, also tell you that Iranians have a nightlife. People party, sing, dance, flirt, drink and take drugs. It’s just different the way we know it. And it’s not as taboo as you may think it is. Home-made beer or wine is very common.
But what has touched me the most was when people, no matter if man or woman, approached me and just said words like: „Welcome to Iran. Thank you for being here. You’re an inspiration.“ Simple words but so meaningful.

I could keep going and going for many hours. But I hope I could already give you a rough idea what it is like traveling through Iran. As a tourist, you are considered a guest, not a stranger. People trust you, invite you to their homes, give you food and do everything for you to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
The hospitality and openness towards strangers can be traced back to their ancient culture when caravans traveled along the Silk Road through old Persia. For me, it is fascinating that such traditions remain unaffected despite all the strict rules that exist in this country. It shows that their cultural heritage is just so much stronger.

Dear Iranian friends, I cannot thank you enough for everything you did for me. I shall never forget that. And I wish, from the bottom of my heart, that all your wishes and dreams come true. Hope to see you soon again!Read more