And Iran, Iran so far away
November 6, 2009 7:17 AM Subscribe
I have a very generous offer for a place to stay and Farsi-speaking guides should I choose to visit Iran. Ergo, I have some questions about post-election Iran and the best way to organize this trip, if I go.
I've looked through the history, but the latest question about visiting Iran was asked before this summer's election. Has anyone been since then, or is anyone there now? As a single American woman staying with a wealthy family in Tehran, what could I expect? I'm aware of dress/behavior expectations, but I'm more curious about what day-to-day life would be like, including but not limited to reasonably unmonitored internet access. I don't speak Farsi, but I do speak French-- am I right in thinking that this would be at least marginally useful?
Bonus: I'm really interested in Iranian archaeology, to the point where (assuming all my graduate school applications aren't rejected) I'll soon be working on a very closely related MA or PhD. Is there any way that I could visit an active archaeological site? I'd be comfortable contacting professors at American universities and asking to visit their sites; is this something that a professor at, say, University of Tehran would be okay with?
If I go, it won't be for at least six months, and probably more like nine. I know things are liable to change in that period of time, but I want to know what I can expect before I get my heart set on going. Thanks!
I've looked through the history, but the latest question about visiting Iran was asked before this summer's election. Has anyone been since then, or is anyone there now? As a single American woman staying with a wealthy family in Tehran, what could I expect? I'm aware of dress/behavior expectations, but I'm more curious about what day-to-day life would be like, including but not limited to reasonably unmonitored internet access. I don't speak Farsi, but I do speak French-- am I right in thinking that this would be at least marginally useful?
Bonus: I'm really interested in Iranian archaeology, to the point where (assuming all my graduate school applications aren't rejected) I'll soon be working on a very closely related MA or PhD. Is there any way that I could visit an active archaeological site? I'd be comfortable contacting professors at American universities and asking to visit their sites; is this something that a professor at, say, University of Tehran would be okay with?
If I go, it won't be for at least six months, and probably more like nine. I know things are liable to change in that period of time, but I want to know what I can expect before I get my heart set on going. Thanks!
Rick Steves! I can't imagine anyone whose sense of travel adventure is as "safe" and uninteresting as his is (though he seems like a genuinely nice guy.) I reckon that most grandmothers I know would be a little put off by his conservative approach to travel. So when Rick Steves goes to Iran and comes back with glowing reviews of the people, food, culture and hospitality . . . even a tirade or two against America's anti-Iranian hysteria . . . well then, you know it can't be too bad. I haven't got time to do it, but if he look around for the show of his trip to Iran, it should put your mind to ease.
posted by Dee Xtrovert at 2:13 PM on November 6, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by Dee Xtrovert at 2:13 PM on November 6, 2009 [1 favorite]
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Use common sense. You have a safe place to stay, and a family (w/ money) to back you up....give you advice, where not to go, how to dress, etc.
The academic opportunities are immeasurable. Firsthand viewing/visits of sites, museums, universities, etc.
None of us really know what is going on right now, so inquire now; keep contacts active,, explore academic connections...that establishes your legitimacy.
I'd go in a flash. (if the research and considerations above prove sound) To walk through the amazing buildings of Isfahan......
Plus, you would be seeing things largely unavailable, off-limits, to most people in the West.
Connect w/ legitimate academics...do your homework...use common sense......stay away from anything dicey. Good luck.
posted by ebesan at 12:05 PM on November 6, 2009 [1 favorite]