Iran, a country, I never thought of visiting or backpacking in. With George W. Bush listing Iran as an "Axis of Evil" and once sanctioned, bordered by unstable countries, there were a lot of uncertainties and puzzled looks when I told my friends and family that I am going to travel to Iran.

With the current Trump presidency, Iran has been in the news and what for? In response for being a Muslim country and the country's continued illicit nuclear activities. Beyond the negativity and hype, I wish people gave this country a chance to visit as it is quite possibly one of the best places to visit in the Middle East.

Here's how the conversation was like: "Why travel to Iran? Are you crazy? Well, if people visit Jordan which borders near Syria and it's still safe, so why not Iran. But, it's Iran, it's the wild wild west, that's where Taliban is."

But as it turns out, everyone was wrong! I read several blogs like the Broke Backpacker's guide to Backpacking in Iran and came across people who had good things to say about the country. In particular, the people. I have always been drawn to places where people and landscapes are what matters. Big cities, don't do it for me. Throw me in a place, alone, where it is slightly rugged, where the people are curious, where it is freeing to land on unknown terrain, where forbidden trails lead to the most interesting conversations. By reason of these things, I learn the most and often feel thankful and hopeful that we're all similar in one way or the other.

I spent 2.5 weeks backpacking in Iran starting from Tehran-Esfahan-Kashan-Yazd-Shiraz-Tabriz and it had been a whirlwind of a ride.

Also Read: Beyond Iran's Tourist Attractions: The People and Places to Visit In Iran

1. The Unending Persian Hospitality & Taarof