Marvin Hooft, 27, born and raised in the Netherlands. From September till November 2014 he has backpacked trough Iran with a close friend.
“I have studied media psychology in the Netherlands and therefore I am conscious that things aren’t always as portrayed by the media.
“Following this reasoning I was really curious as to what was really going on in Iran,” he said in an interview with the Tehran Times.
So he started to read more and more reviews by previous travelers to Iran. He said that there were “almost unanimous really positive” so he got really excited and actually booked the trip with a friend.
Enjoy learning about Iranian costumes like ‘taroov’
He said that the Iranians have such a strong culture. “It was really nice to encounter so much hospitality, curiosity and generosity to foreigners.
“I specifically enjoyed learning Iranian customs like ‘taroov’ [ta’arof], which throughout the country everyone knows so well and is happy to explain and teach.
“I suspect we merrily got a grip of the introductory principles. I am happy to have read about it before I got my first taxi in Tehran with the driver telling me ‘It was nothing’ after he brought me to the hotel.
“And I was also shocked to get so much food and sweats from fellow bus travelers, something that would never happen in our country,” he said.
Nice Iranians who are fans of Dutch football!
He said that he was surprised by the interest of Iranian men in Dutch football.
“A lot of times we were asked where we were from. And when we explained it was Holland many young guys just instantly replied with “Aaaa Arjan Robben!” or “Robin van Persie!” and when the man was older it was “Aaa Johan Cruijf!” or “Marco van Basten!” As proud Dutch guys we could really appreciate this knowledge,” he explained.
“Without exception the Iranian people were so nice to us. Everywhere we went people were very curious in such a nice and welcoming way.
“In every new city people welcomed us with open arms and were happy to invite us, show us around, help us out or just make small talk,” he said.
He called the visiting of different peoples throughout the country as the best memories he had from his visit to Iran.
Iran: Wonderful memories
“Another good memory is of the traditional Iranian music and especially the singing taxi-driver in Shiraz who made our trip to Persepolis very pleasant,” he added.
He also mentioned their visit to Kashan during Muharram mourning season as one of good memory he has from his visit to Iran.
“Especially in the evening it looked really nice with all the white, red and green lights and everyone collectively dressed in black. The processions of men shouting ‘Ya Ali!’ and beating their heads and chests was really impressive,” he said.
He said that despite people who were mourning, the atmosphere on the streets was really friendly.
“Especially the last days when so many people stopped their cars and offered us free foods like ghormeh sabzi and delicious cookies. I felt really special to experience an event like this,” he said.
Must-see places of Iran: Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd and Kashan
He named Isfahan, Shiraz and Yazd as must see cities of Iran.
“But if you are in a hurry Kashan is really nice because it has everything: mud bricked villages, beautiful mosques, gardens and the nearby desert.
“I also liked Qeshm very much, it is a beautiful island with lots of fun things to do and explore,” he said.
“I mostly enjoyed recreating with Iranian people. Relaxing and drinking tea or eating lunch, smoking qalyun [nargila] and playing takhteh [nard] in the park or teahouse,” he said.
Cooking skills of Iranian mothers are something else!
“Oh my, I still miss the Iranian cuisine. It was really nice! I really appreciated the contrasting flavors that are used like eating anar [pomegranate] with salt and how doogh is made,” he explained.
“I really would like to thank all of the Iranian mothers their cooking skills are really something else. I am still eating my fingers of after the ghormeh sabzi’s and keske bademjans I have tasted. And the beyani and fesejan in Esfahan were really nice too,” he added.
A travel advice for those who want to travel Iran
“Don’t plan to strict. Let the Iranian people guide you through their cities and sights and don’t be afraid to drink tea or share a meal when someone invites you to, it is the best way to get to know this country,” he said.
“I have to admit I was a little anxious when I got off the plane in Tehran all alone. But as soon as I tried to change my money and the bank officer actually helped me to get better rates at another office I knew that there must be something special about this country.
“And after spending a few days or so you know that you will never know the truth about Iran unless you have been there,” he added.