Iran - The people

Back then, many years ago, when we still confused Iran with Iraq and didn't even know exactly where Iran was geographically located, we had no idea. Then we heard the first travel reports. The Iranians were so hospitable. So warm. You could really look forward to travelling in this country.

Funny, wasn't that the country with the regime that makes for bad news?

Then we met the first travellers who had actually travelled through Iran, so we had first-hand information. Yes, the diesel was bad. Yes, the politics are different to ours. But the people are really incredibly friendly.

But how can that be? How can people be so lovable and friendly when they themselves are not doing so well?
At first we thought that our theory that the poorer, the more hospitable, must be true. But not all people in Iran are poor. And we got to know some of them who own considerably more than people in our admittedly somewhat wealthier Swiss neighbourhood. So it can't be down to money.

Oh, then it's probably the religion. In Islam, we learn, the guest is a gift from God and this gift should be treated kindly. God sees everything and all that. (I am summarising this in my own words, the wording in the Koran is probably somewhat more differentiated). Then we realise that not all the people we meet are religious or believers.

We ponder further: Is it because it has been vital to be there for each other for centuries? Or is it family cohesion? Because there is no legal protection here in the event of disputes, no ADAC or TCS in the event of breakdowns? Because it is the most normal thing in the world to drink tea together and listen to each other, to ask each other what the other person needs?

We won't be able to answer the question of why, but we want to admire the hospitable culture in Iran and learn something from it. And we promise each other that we will integrate a lot of this culture into our lives. Because one thing is clear: that can only make us happy.

As I collected the pictures for our presentation anyway, I've included a few here. And by the way: these are not all the encounters. We didn't take photos of many of them and even more ended up on other people's smartphones. And I don't want to publish some of the pictures out of caution. Sure, right?

Thank you Iran, thank you wonderful people for "having us".

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Merci for "travelling with us

Our first lectures in Switzerland are planned. Others in Germany could follow. We'll see. We would love to take you into the Persian world somewhere in western Germany and also in the Berlin area. We are still looking for venues. If you know anything, please write to us.

Lecture & Persian tea time
Camels, cultures & many contrasts
Life-pure travelling with the camper through mysterious Persia

Two dates:21.06.24 or 28.06.24; 7 pm Muri/Bern
21 or 28 June 2024 - start 7 pm, doors open at 6:45 pm RoomZoom - Thunstrasse 162 - 3074 Muri b. Bern

We are happy about 20 CHF per person. Kids are free of charge.Please register by e-mail: andrea.kormann@dakor.ch

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