What's wrong with the local music?? I really like your written blogs, and the visual sensibility in your videos...but for someone with such an open mind about culture, travel and all new things WHY do you use such superficial Western music?? Why not use local music?
Fair point! Thanks for the feedback - it's a good point! The reason I made most of the videos was primarily for myself to help bring back some memories/feelings from when I was in those countries - the music tends to just reflect what I was listening to at the time I was there as I find that often helps trigger those memories (although I did try and match the style of music as much as possible)! But yes on reflection maybe I should have made more effort to find local music and use that - something I can think about for any future videos I make - thanks!
especially liked the conclusion part :) I have shared your blog in my facebook wall as I have some friends from other countries and I hope your writing help them to think different about my country. When I am outside of Iran, the first impression after knowing I am from Iran is shocked eyes with a series of weird questions which really hurts! Thanks once again for continuing the circle of kindness and I am sure that your Persian friends whom hosted you, are also quite happy with the style of your writing and sharing your feelings. P.S. you were in some places over here which I haven't seen them yet!
Back from Iran I am now back in Canada after my trip in the Middle East and Ethiopia. The Iran part was a great experience and I would recommend it to everyone- the people could not have been nicer- Where else do the immigration people at the airport shake your hand and invite you to stay longer?
Persepolis Football Club Actually the person who has written this, is a Persepolis Football Club huge fan. Nothing to do with Persepolis ruins I guess :)
I enjoyed your photos and writings by the way
Thanks for blogging your two years abroad... and I look forward to many more. I too am a civil engineer...you are right that it allows one to have jobs all over the world...I did.
Iran. Hi Ross.
Just read your Redefining Iran blog and wanted to say thanks. I am planning on visiting Iran in December, coming from Turkey, and was having a bit of a "wobble". Your post helped to confirm what I already believed about the sort of welcome I will receive.
Obviously if the current Syria situation explodes I may have to reconsider but for now you have helped make up my mind.
Next time I get asked "Iran, why do you want to go there?" I will send them a link to your blog.
Cheers
John
So useful A brilliant account and very useful as this is a route we plan to do. What a shame you can't stay and see more of Turkey and the area that we live in and the places we have travelled to, maybe another time!
Profoundly beautiful observations of a misunderstood people... as distinct from their government. I hope you are right that freedom will eventually come to those that so longingly look for it. I would love to visit someday, but am still reticent. It's interesting that Rick Steves' only travelogue outside of Europe was Iran...he portrayed a similar story as yours.
excellent post I have read your blog twice now and have all but decided to go to Iran this November. I am going to be in Dubai any way and Iran seems like a logical next step. Thanks for your blog-really helpful...
Nice - I heard about a boat that goes a few times a week from Sharjah next to Dubai to Bandar Lengeh in the south of Iran, or there's cheap flights from Sharjah airport to Shiraz too...
Bought a tear to my eye! One of the best blogs yet Ross, truly inspirational and moving and is an amazing witness of what is a great country! You should think about going professional you would do good changing the opinions of the world and teaching us not to judge. Really enjoyed hearing about your experiences! Thank you
Touched by the Middle East This blog beautifully encapsulates why the Middle East is my favourite region in the world. The hospitality is without peer and the perception for those who have never travelled there is far removed from reality. The media report one bad incident about a Middle Eastern city and people wrongly extrapolate it to apply to the whole country or even the region. The idea that guests are friends/gifts from God is universal throughout the Middle East - whether that be Iraq, Jordan, Syria or Yemen. I hope you can return to explore the region further and be touched by more of the wonderful hospitality. Thank you for posting such a superb blog.
After finishing a 4 year degree in Civil Engineering, I decided I needed a break from looking at buildings, roads and bridges and so headed to South Korea to teach ESL to a bunch of 3 year olds for a year. I enjoyed it so much I decided to continue the adventure in Vietnam, and I lived in Saigon teaching Maths and Science to lower secondary school kids for 6 months. I then went off exploring and spent some time travelling through Asia before heading to the Middle East and making my way back to England through the Balkans and Europe. The next 5 years has been spent furthering my career in Civil... full info
Michal Shapiro
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What's wrong with the local music??
I really like your written blogs, and the visual sensibility in your videos...but for someone with such an open mind about culture, travel and all new things WHY do you use such superficial Western music?? Why not use local music?