articlesLifestyle

My Unexpected Iran

Adventures off the Beaten Track

Author: Federico Boccardi/ Photo by: Federico Boccardi

Iran. Yes, but my Iran: my life, my dreams and my fears. Iran: why did I even choose this country when my plan had been to go to Japan for the summer? What on earth made me book a flight to Tehran? God only knows … and He knows very well! ‘Are you crazy? Iran? It’s near Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan; have you watched the news? Do you know what those people are capable of?’, said my mother in a husky voice the day I told her about my decision to come to Iran.

‘I don’t know what they’re capable of but I’ll find out’, I replied with a smile. ‘Of course, that is if I don’t get kidnapped …’. She sighed. My father remained silent – probably because, after all these years, he understood that there was no point in arguing with me again. ‘Come on, Mum. Why do you always believe what you see on TV? Why do you let yourself be conditioned by what they say? And how many times have I told you that fear is our own worst enemy?’ She fell silent for a minute before storming off. My dad followed, but in a more composed manner. I laughed. What else could I do except – out of compassion – accept their behaviour? I knew that, sooner or later, they would have to accept my choice. It is as easy as that. It’s my life, and no one else can choose for me!

But what did I really know of Iran? I asked myself this the night before leaving the comfort of my own country, Italy. Not much, to be honest. And most importantly … how safe was it really? Was my Mum right? Would it be as daunting as it often seemed on TV? Would I come home in one piece? ‘Well’, I said out loud, in order to try to stop the whirlwind of doubts that were filling my mind, ‘there’s only one way to find out: my way!’

Almost two months later, I have indeed found out more about this amazing country. I extended my visa once already and I’m planning to do it again. I want to stay here as long as I can. I have been so surprised by the differences between how this place really is and how it is shown on TV. And the differences are so big that it really makes me wonder what’s truly behind all the propaganda.

By the way, whoever claims that getting a tourist visa is a long and complicated process is completely wrong – at least, this was not my experience – ‘Welcome to Iran. Enjoy your stay!’, said the immigration officer with a big grin as he handed me back my passport at Tehran airport. I had waited just fifteen minutes to get my ‘visa on arrival’. It couldn’t have been any easier or more hassle-free!…

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