Going to Iran

This is where I plan to record some thoughts on my upcoming trip to Iran. This trip sort of evolved out of learning some Farsi at the company I was working at last year. It has been a year of change for me, changing jobs, finishing up my Master's degree, and a couple of other events I would rather not go into details. So finally a trip to Iran is in order I suppose to reach ground zero for me.

I did buy a lonely planet book in Iran and basically came up with the heart of the visit which should be spending time seeing sights in Tehran, Esfehan, and Shiraz. I started looking into arranging the visa which is the biggest hurdle to get over. Most people think I am crazy for going to Iran for a vacation. They think it is a warzone or that I am off to the desert for some terrorist training! Truth is that I need a trip that is a little edgy.

I have a friend, whom I knew in my days when I was a French Foreign Legionnaire, who works and lives in Tehran. That last sentence, when I think about it, is crazier than talking about visiting Iran. I sent him and email and he offered some incredible help to me. Well, he was helpful in arranging a visa for me and offering up his home to me when I get to Tehran. This is amazing and I am so grateful to him for this.

I also have a good friend in Calgary who is Iranian who has helped coach a bit in the culture and let me try some of the Farsi I know. I also appreciate that help greatly. I leave this Friday and hope log my experiences here as they happen.