The Islamic Republic of Iran

This is my favorite. Iran is the best place I've visited and my views are biased but there's a reason for it. Pictured as a fundamentalist and a totalitarian state (which is true to a degree), not many people venture here. It's a pity because this country is magnificent, it has a very old and rich culture (Persian). The people are extremely friendly and hospitable. They are relatively well educated and healthy. The Iraq war took a toll and you still see amputees and other veterans on the streets, the UN sanctions are still in place thanks to our american dog friends. Unfortunately, the Persians have not been very lucky with their leaders, I put it down to the Persian mentality, every nationality has certain traits and these people have a habit of letting bad leaders to power.

Highlights

Kerman, and it's market, copper, spices, fruit, leather, carpets.
Being taken around places by people that just wanted to help me out and show me what's around.
Magnificent Shi'ite mosques.
This is place where petrol would be cheaper than water, the problem is that the whole country has drinking water.
Deserts.
Female education and medical care.
Isphahan, absolutely magical city of mosques, bridges and markets.

Low-lights

The fact that the rest of the world thinks this place is evil.

Rating

A definite must, women travelers have to cover up (small price to pay). You'll experience desert hospitality at it's finest.

A Mosque in Esphahan

Sunset over main square, Esphahan

Teahouse Under a Bridge, Esphahan

Me and the boys, Card playing is forbidden... we broke the law

Fortress in Bam

Tehran, the poster on the building in the background says 'Down with the USA"

My most prized visa so far

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