IRAN ~ Opposite of Everything Expected (Aug 6 2012)

Phenomenal welcome.  Tragedy of Iran-Iraq War.  
New perspectives on anti-Americanism.  
Conversations with liberal mullahs.  Ramadan.

Seven insights from Iran: From the moment of boarding the Trans-Asia Express train (Ankara, Turkey to Tehran, Iran) to my last lingering days, for three weeks my eyes were as wide as a child’s.  Seven things made it an exceptional experience:

•  our phenomenal welcome by Iranian people;
•   the beginning ride in a train filled with dissidents; 
•   the curiosity and cultural respect of my fellow American travelers; 
•  a new experience viewing anti-Americanism;
•  a glimpse of the tragedy of the Iran-Iraq War; 
•   insights in mosques and in conversations with thoughtful mullahs;
•  and finally, getting to experience Ramadan in two countries.

"Gentleness” is the one word I wouldn’t have expected to summarize my impressions of Iran.  The friendliness and welcoming hospitality of 100% of people we met, from turbaned mullahs in the mosques and complete strangers on the street, was almost embarrassing, considering the hostility and vitriol of the current international media toward Iran.