After all, hospitality is something you should know a lot about as a flight attendant. But after having been in Tehran, I know: There is still a lot to learn: About the legendary Iranian hospitality.
After all, hospitality is something you should know a lot about as a flight attendant. Especially after 16 years of professional experience. But after having been in Iran – or rather in Tehran – and by some coincidences even longer than planned, I know: There is still a lot to learn.
Iran: Prejudice and Reality
A vague image of Iran had settled in my mind: I thought of nuclear bombs, compulsory headscarves, human rights, magnificent palaces, oriental flair, and presidents who look as suave as an Uzbek farmer milking a goat. But no. But I also thought of the many wonderful Iranians I knew in Germany: beautiful, educated people with a heart of gold that warms every room. How does it all fit together?
I still don’t understand it. Why things are the way they are in Iran, despite the wonderful people who live there, is beyond me. But that’s part of traveling: you don’t have to question everything.
Welcome to Iran!
Rarely have I felt so exotic and special in a foreign country as I did in Iran. Foreigners still seem to be a rarity in an embargoed country. And that’s how you actually always stand out like a colorful dog.
Hey, I’m Tatiana and I’m the blogger behind The Happy Jetlagger. Since 2014, I’ve been sharing my personal travel stories on this blog. I don’t have a big team behind me, so I’m pretty much a one-person show: All recommendations are fully researched by just me!
You can also learn more about Iran as a travel destination in these articles
Unfamiliar, but not unpleasant. Because the Tehrans are curious and seriously interested. Despite often lacking knowledge of foreign languages, people approach you in the middle of the street. In broken English, fluent Farsi or with hands and feet. And actually always with a similar conversation starter: “Welcome to Iran!” coupled with such genuine, truthful joy that it brings tears to the eyes of especially maudlin visitors like me every time.
How safe is Tehran?
Not once did I feel uncomfortable, unsure or lost in Tehran. As soon as you look around inquiringly, someone immediately rushes over – where do you want to go?, do you need help?, where are you from? – and any questions are resolved. Sometimes also the question where to have dinner, because not only once in Tehran I turned down invitations to a real Persian dinner in my own home. In retrospect, I’m annoyed that I didn’t dare – because in the course of the week I got the impression that these invitations were really nicely meant.
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Fear of contact is out of place
Wherever you look: Nice people. For example, there was R., whom we met in a mountain restaurant. All the seating areas, where the guests were sitting comfortably barefoot on the floor and smoking shisha, were occupied. Uncertainly we looked around, stepped from one foot to the other – getting out was not an option: the feet were cold, and the stomach cried out for food. When the first ones noticed us, hands immediately shot up and we were called from all corners: here, here! As if it had become a competition to see who could invite the drumming tourists to join them in the seating area. So we sat down with R. and his friend H.; we talked about God, Allah, the world itself and the realization that our wishes for life are quite identical, despite such different circumstances.
And, of course, there was the obligatory invitation to tea and soup – so heartfelt that it was impossible to refuse and I already had pee in my eyes again from sheer emotion.
That’s the wonderful thing about my job: I would never have thought of visiting Tehran in my private life. And now? Do I want to come back and see much more of the country. Who would have thought.
