Mon 12 Jan, 2015 8:53 pm
Wed 14 Jan, 2015 5:59 pm
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Wed 14 Jan, 2015 7:35 pm
Wed 14 Jan, 2015 7:55 pm
walkerchris77 wrote:I wouldn't go to any middle east country
Wed 14 Jan, 2015 8:07 pm
robl wrote:I have been wanting to visit Iran for a few years now but have been a little unsure of being able to find my way once I am there.
Wed 14 Jan, 2015 8:16 pm
north-north-west wrote:No. But that might be because I have major problems with what I conceive to be the expected dress code for females.
Thu 15 Jan, 2015 9:50 am
Thu 15 Jan, 2015 7:51 pm
Thu 15 Jan, 2015 10:44 pm
Fri 16 Jan, 2015 12:33 am
Iran is not involved in any of that stupidity as far as I am aware. We saw no signs of religious fundamentalism at all. In fact, we saw quite the opposite. There are enclaves of Christians, zoroastrians and even Jews living in Iran.Hallu wrote:I would go if I had an Iranian friend to show me around. Otherwise no, definitely not. Especially since they have the worst drivers in the world with India. Also, as a Frenchman, it may not be the time right now to travel to any country with a muslim government. They kidnapped and decapitated a French hiker in the Algerian mountains last year.
Fri 16 Jan, 2015 12:37 am
Thanks for your comments John.johnf wrote:I would certainly consider it, Iran and Turkey would probably be the only places in the middle east that I would consider.
I'd be interested in trekking most likely carrying daypack for a week or more if they have somewhere interesting. Could put a few smaller treks together.
I had a friend from Malaysia travel there last year by herself (non muslim). She dressed appropriately for that place and said she felt very safe and everyone was friendly and helpful. She is into hiking but think she only went to cultural sites on that trip.
It is not on my list for this year as other places to go.
Fri 16 Jan, 2015 1:30 am
Fri 16 Jan, 2015 7:38 am
davidmorr wrote:Iran is not involved in any of that stupidity as far as I am aware. We saw no signs of religious fundamentalism at all. In fact, we saw quite the opposite. There are enclaves of Christians, zoroastrians and even Jews living in Iran.Hallu wrote:I would go if I had an Iranian friend to show me around. Otherwise no, definitely not. Especially since they have the worst drivers in the world with India. Also, as a Frenchman, it may not be the time right now to travel to any country with a muslim government. They kidnapped and decapitated a French hiker in the Algerian mountains last year.
And the people comply with the religious rules only so far as it suits them, much as religious people do here. Even though you may have heard that alcohol is banned, I saw empty bottles of single malt scotch in a bin beside a major road. This does not mean you can just buy some easily, but the black market can supply it if needed. It was actually interesting to see people going out and having fun without the need for alcohol to lubricate them.
It is a very civilised and educated country. Approximately 70% of the population is under 30, and they all go to school. Many also are uni graduates. There are no bandits, except maybe in some of the border regions. We kept well away from those areas.
BTW, have you been to Cairo? Major road with three lanes marked and four lines of traffic. Hardly a car without dings all over it. Worst traffic I have seen.
Fri 16 Jan, 2015 8:07 am
north-north-west wrote:No. But that might be because I have major problems with what I conceive to be the expected dress code for females.
Fri 16 Jan, 2015 7:36 pm
Fri 16 Jan, 2015 8:05 pm
wayno wrote:davidmorr wrote:Iran is not involved in any of that stupidity as far as I am aware. We saw no signs of religious fundamentalism at all. In fact, we saw quite the opposite. There are enclaves of Christians, zoroastrians and even Jews living in Iran.Hallu wrote:I would go if I had an Iranian friend to show me around. Otherwise no, definitely not. Especially since they have the worst drivers in the world with India. Also, as a Frenchman, it may not be the time right now to travel to any country with a muslim government. They kidnapped and decapitated a French hiker in the Algerian mountains last year.
And the people comply with the religious rules only so far as it suits them, much as religious people do here. Even though you may have heard that alcohol is banned, I saw empty bottles of single malt scotch in a bin beside a major road. This does not mean you can just buy some easily, but the black market can supply it if needed. It was actually interesting to see people going out and having fun without the need for alcohol to lubricate them.
It is a very civilised and educated country. Approximately 70% of the population is under 30, and they all go to school. Many also are uni graduates. There are no bandits, except maybe in some of the border regions. We kept well away from those areas.
BTW, have you been to Cairo? Major road with three lanes marked and four lines of traffic. Hardly a car without dings all over it. Worst traffic I have seen.
the French have the worst reputation possible with the Algerians since they occupied the country for 150 years and were at conflict with rebels, resulting in countless algerian deaths... I wouldn't compare Algeria to Iran... Algerians have their own axe to grind with the French , any algerian militant will take any cause to have a go at the French.
Fri 16 Jan, 2015 8:34 pm
You are right vicrev, Iran *is* a wonderful place.vicrev wrote:Reading these posts,sounds like Iran is a wonderful place........I still wouldn't go,I like to feel safe & would not put my family in the position of worrying about me while I was there.....Have a look what is happening in the Middle East,take the blinkers off,people !!!...........
Fri 16 Jan, 2015 8:40 pm
Drew wrote:I'd love to go to Iran one day. My parents went there in the early 70s I think. From what I've heard/read it would be an amazing destination. Fantastic food, lovely people, diverse and beautiful landscapes, interesting culture and history. And not touristy. I'm a fairly independent traveller though, so I can't imagine going on any sort of organized tour.
Fri 16 Jan, 2015 8:45 pm
Hallu wrote:Well yeah if I had the choice between Iran and Egypt, I'd definitely choose Iran. The safest Islamic countries at the moment for tourists are probably Morocco, Iran, Jordan and Tunisia. I'd have put the rich Qatar and UAE in the list but apparently if you're a woman and have sex without being married they put you in jail...
Fri 16 Jan, 2015 9:09 pm
I did not say the middle east is all bad.....you did !!......I do not trust any politicians or journalists.......How can you comment on my "'attitude'" you don't even know me !.....So,disregard the media & only take notice of facebook etc that's how we will get all the '' facts', on what is happening in the world......Mmmm, the facebook etc, on my computer, is loaded with absolute crap.....where do you get your "'facts' from ??.......davidmorr wrote:Let me address a few things you say, vicrev.vicrev wrote:Reading these posts,sounds like Iran is a wonderful place........I still wouldn't go,I like to feel safe & would not put my family in the position of worrying about me while I was there.....Have a look what is happening in the Middle East,take the blinkers off,people !!!...........
Firstly, the Middle East is a big place with many different countries. You cannot lump it all together and say "the Middle East is bad". It is like saying all European countries are bad economic managers because a couple of them are. Most are not.
Secondly, you are relying for your ideas on what you see in the media and what politicians say. Can you honestly say that you believe what politicians say? If so, you would be in the 1% of the population who do. And the media - well, does anyone believe what they say since their agenda now is to sell newspapers or ads, not to report the facts.
Your attitude is exactly the reason my friend started taking groups to Iran, so that at least some people know the truth.
I will say that all of the people who have gone to Iran have started with the same premise, that Iran is a dangerous place to go. All of them, without exception, have come back with a completely different attitude. We all felt safer in Iran than in most countries of the world, including the United States, Europe and even Australia.
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