A quick weekend away to…… Iran!!! (“some people think I’m bonkers”, does this ring a bell??) Yeah, I went to Iran, and it was great, haha!! David, a ‘penpal’ (as we would call it in the old days) whom I’ve never met, was going to meet me somewhere about 2hours away from the airport, sent me a taxi driver to pick me up. I had no visa, and no local address, neither my two phones worked there (Iran is very roaming unfriendly), but hey, I always manage
So, then I met David, who is a very sweet guy.
He took me around the North and South of Tehran, which is such a massive city, yet absolutely gorgeous, nothing I EVER imagined it to be. Hugged by mountains, decorated by long, tall trees, celebrated by
rebellious people, women who are forced to be covered (including me). The traffic is also mad, but the fastest moving I’ve ever seen. People drive soooo fast, even scooters and bikes(without helmets ofcourse) zip through cars as if they’re in a video game.
David and his brother (who is a very skilled driver), took me go-carting. The Iranian girls even go to a place like that in high heels. Wait, let me draw you the picture first. As ‘covered’ as these women are, there are a lot more going on behind the ‘scenes’. Most women had nose jobs done (you’re not cool if you haven’t), their eyebrows are slim and perfectly tinted, thick lipstick and upright postures (well yeah, similar to most Arab countries ie Egyptians, Lebanese, Dubai locals). You might find two cars driving in front of you very slowly, occupying most of the road space and you cannot pass, and find no one hooting at them… David told me this is the ‘dating system’. In those few seconds, this would be where the phone number exchanging takes place. They will meet later that night, and sex is guaranteed. Mmmm, interesting. It is also normal to have more than one girlfriend or boyfriend. Women even made a pass at David while I’m sitting right next to him, haha. There is no party scene, no clubs or pubs, no alcohol. But people find a way to entertain themselves, and it gets pretty wild.
I was really surprised by how beautiful the city is, especially at night. We smoked shisha at a popular peak, overlooking the city lights and listening to classical Iranian music. And I’ve found a vegetarian Iranian dish that blows my mind! (luckily I can get it in Dubai also). So all and all, it was a pleasant experience. Not recommendable to go there without the help and knowledge of a local, as the people don’t speak much English and don’t seem very approachable. A few days before my arrival, there were elections, so the place seemed a bit unstable, but it smoothed out by the time I got there:) And unfortunately for me, on my return back to Dubai, everything worked out fine, until we got stuck inside the aircraft for 7 hours!!! (technical reasons) and therefore I missed my work flight to JNB, had to see my manager etc etc.
Now, I’m off till Dec3, going to Goa (India) for 3 weeks (of which 2 weeks is for yoga teacher training) and then hopefully Madagascar for 10days, if I get a travel partner.
The year is nearing to its end again, wow. I hope you are all healthy and enjoying the interesting weather.
Love to you,
Khuda'afis
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