So, in the spring of 2016, we set out to explore Iran. The small but not insignificant challenge we faced as independent travelers was the fact that booking accommodation in advance was impossible due to the economic sanctions. No problem, we'll just do it there, we thought as experienced backpackers. Arriving in Tehran, however, we quickly realized it wouldn't be so easy. What we hadn't taken into account: Our trip coincided with Nowruz, the Persian New Year and spring festival. Since Iranians traditionally travel a lot within their country and visit friends and family during this time, most accommodations outside of Tehran were already booked. So what to do? By chance, we met a few young Iranians. When they heard that we couldn't find accommodation for our next destination, Shiraz, one of them grabbed his cell phone and called an acquaintance. As it turned out, this acquaintance's family ran a small hotel in Shiraz. We could hardly believe our luck when they assured us we could stay there. When we arrived in Shiraz a few days later, we were already expected. A friend of the family picked us up at the airport and held a sign with both our names on it for identification. Since then, that sign has been a fond reminder of many wonderful encounters and a symbol of the hospitality and warmth we received in Iran. The natural way these values are lived in Iran has touched me deeply.
