Farhad Shade - Esfahan, Iran

I first met Farhad in Istanbul, Turkey on a night on the town. We both went to mutual friend's birthday party in the Taksim district. The two of us had a great conversation on travel in Iran, and how Americans can see this beautiful country. He convinced me to explore his home country in the next few years as I pass through the Middle East. Being from a country with conflict and war, his outlook on life is eye-opening and inspirational. It's always a treat to meet people from countries I know nothing about. Iran is known for negative ties to the US and other nations, however, there's plenty to see in this Middle Eastern state. Here's more information on why Iran is one of my next stops on my quest to see every country in the world. ~ Dan Hellinger

What improvements do you want to see Iran make in the next 5 years? 
"Actually, 5 years isn't enough time to expect something big to happen, but all we (Iranians) care about now is our foreign policy to improve. After the first agreement about nuclear issues in Geneva, all that really matters is reducing the sanction from U.S., so the inflation doesn't increase even more than it already has."

What aspirations do you want to achieve in life?
"It depends on where I live because currently I'm traveling. The one thing I really want do in life is to travel everywhere and get to know all the cultures and ideas in each country. As it appears to me through Couchsurfing, all the people look alike, yet, the cultural manner and the different languages are the only things separating me from anyone else. But, at the same time, the various ideas people have and then putting them next to each other is a beautiful thing like a peaceful rainbow in the blue clear sky. I don't expect much from life other than to have a happy one with my friends and family, to enjoy it and to laugh as much as possible. Although life has both secular and moral issues, it is a beautiful thing that needs to be savored."

"Although life has both secular and moral issues, it is a beautiful thing that needs to be savored."

What would you want to tell a fellow traveler about your home country? 

"Iran isn't like news on TV. You have to see it with your own eyes no matter what you're are looking for. Travelers can find wonderful people in Iran. They are ready to help you with hitchhiking, every day nessecities and a place to sleep. For pleasure, there are underground parties and cool places to hang out, lush nature and a country with an incredible history. It's pretty safer compared to other countries, but remember that good and evil exists everywhere."

Is money important or is the power of knowledge more crucial to you?

"Of course money talks everywhere nowadays. There are the typical fancy girls all dressed up, men in luxurious suits and people striving for a monetary life. However, there are people who work toward marriage, a better education and, yet, don't have enough money to pursue their dreams in western countries. Both exist in Iran. But, who says either of them are the right way?"
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Farhad's Travel Story

"Once I went on a trip into nature to visit a cave in Siahkal, Iran with three of my friends. It was heaven itself, so beautiful and peaceful. You'd have to go there to feel what I felt. Anyway, we got into the cave, which was situated inside a mountain. It was so narrow and tight that we had to crawl on our hands and knees. As we crawled forward with our headlamps, we noticed a valley beneath us. It was a crazy adventure even though at the end of the tunnel there was nothing. Without trying new things, you'll never create these kind of memories even if it didn't consist of a crazy epic ending. The memories you make with your friends doesn't have to be world shattering. It can be as simple as a cave with a valley in it." ~ Farad Shade