Thanks. I would love to visit Iran and Iraq. Unfortunately, the geopolitical bullshit seems to be getting worse, not better. I'm worried that crazy motherfucker in the White House will bomb Iran [conventional weapons but still destroying civilian lives and cities]. It will probably add another 20 years before it will be OK to travel there for Americans [even when I have my Maple Leaf Flag on my backpack and some articles of clothing].

That was eye-opening, FFF! I don't know what I expected when I clicked on the link, but certainly not the bustling, developed metropolis that the images attest to. It's beautiful there, and like birdherder, I'd visit too if it wasn't for a world gone mad.

I'm never sure what the point of things like this is. Is the idea that a country with smiling people, attractive cities, and lovely snowy mountains can't have a government that does bad stuff? I mean, the US still has smiling people, attractive cities, and lovely snowy mountains...

My crazy ex-wife spent a year before she met me (and just before the Shah got kicked out) living in Iran, teaching English (even though she knew very little Farsi). She speaks very highly of the place, but since it IS my crazy ex-wife, I wouldn't rely on it.

I would love to go to Iran, too.

Ha! Proof I'm not wendell's crazy ex-wife - I've never been to Iran or anywhere else in the Middle East.

Thanks for the video, fff. I didn't know what to expect either. It's a beautiful place and not at all what I would have imagined if I had ever taken the time to imagine what Iran looks like.

I have not been, but it is definitely not some little podunk petroleum emirate ruled over by some inbred goatherd and his crosseyed brothers. It's economically strong, naturally rich and diverse, and its people are proud, educated, and have some of the richest culture and history anywhere. They have a serious image liability in their president, whom most don't even realize is not the leader of the country.

My aunt went a few years ago when relations with the US had eased up somewhat. She loves middle eastern art.