I ran away from Iran…. (almost!)

Last year, we received a surprising call from a client who expressed a sudden interest in visiting Iran for their upcoming tour. We couldn’t help but wonder why they didn’t opt for a less controversial and more conventional tourist destination. Despite our doubts, they insisted on meeting in person, suggesting a rendezvous somewhere in Asia to discuss the project. It was definitely an intriguing proposal, but I must admit, it left me with a rather peculiar feeling that day.

After 2 days, we found ourselves in a meeting room at a well-known hotel chain. The financier expressed a keen interest in Iran. With minimal knowledge of the country, except for a few historical sites and their famous Persian cuisine, I turned to Google for information. What I found were some controversial news articles about Iran’s relationship with the United States and its proximity to Iraq. Growing up, I only knew Iraq as a country torn by war. Armed with my laptop and a few Iranian contacts, we began to plan our potential visit, taking into account the places to visit, budget considerations, and a possible itinerary.

The financier is a well-mannered and very intelligent guy. His critical thinking and ways of handling things are a few things, we admire about him. So after that meeting, we realized how important this group tour is. That night, we did our research. We made sure we have figures and facts for the meeting the next day.

The financier has a deeper reason in visiting Iran. And to be able to bring many participants, we need to make sure that we will be able to extend the spending capacity of their budget. At the end of the meeting, the financier wants us to visit the country prior the group tour. This is to make sure that we will be able to choose the best accommodation, the most comfortable vehicle and take photos for our upcoming presentation to the group.

Honestly, we were quite hesitant. We love traveling but not so much interested in visiting Iran. Why? While studying the country and prices of touring around in this controversial country, I have read about visitors being held in prison for years. I have read that there are planes being shot down near the air territory. And I remember that some years ago, I watched a movie titled Argo. Once you watched it, even for an all-expense tour, you will fear visiting Iran.

So did we declined the project? Nah! The reason of this tour is more than a leisure trip. It has a purpose. It has a higher goal! And the financier, as good as he is, knows how to make us say yes for the job. And besides, we have bills to pay! Hahaha!