Hi Steemians! Today I'll talk about a lesser traveled destination - Tehran. Although I have touched on this place earlier, which you can read more here: https://steemit.com/news/@cpyjeffrey/prayfortehran
this post will be a more casual one.
Basically, Tehran, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a generally safe place to visit for the regular tourist. Visa procedures are easy and hassle free, and no fuss at the immigration upon arrival either. In seconds, I was out at the baggage claim area to meet my driver down at the arrival hall of Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA).
I stayed at Tehran Grand Hotel. It was a nifty hotel situated at a very central area in the Motahari Avenue. Room cleaniless was fine and it was extremely spacious, despite a eerie bakery aroma seeping in the air as I entered the room.
It was a very convenient location. The metro station, Meydan-e Jahad was only five minutes walk away. Incidentally, Tehran has a very efficient mass transit system underground that serves as the city's main transport method. Some say Tehran has the most deadly traffic in the world and it is almost impossible to cross the street. However, I found it to be an overexaggeration and it was not too much of a deal as long as you watched the traffic carefully when 'jaywalking'.
People are generally very helpful, but Iranian men are especially curious of foreigners in their sight. They may stare at you, laugh amongst themselves, or even whistle at you as you pass by or stand in the metro, but they are generally not hostile and are only interested in the sight of a foreigner. Remember though, that men are strictly forbidden to have any intimacy with Iranian women unless you are a married couple! Women have their own special car at the front and back ends of the trains so men cannot enter.
Food wise, there are not many choices unfortunately. It was either kebab, burgers or very dehydrated fried chicken. Kebab is mostly good, but I do have reservations for the fried chicken. It was the driest thing I have ever tasted in my life. There is also a brewing coffee culture in Tehran (no pun intended ;) waiting to be discovered.
So that's it for today. Hopefully you have enjoyed my little concise guide on Tehran. It's a beautiful city so please do take the chance to visit in your lifetime!
