Today we visit Iran. Described as some as the Middle East’s best-kept secret.

I suspect Iran is a country I won’t be visiting anytime soon. This is a shame though, it looks genuinely fascinating. I’ve heard that Iranian people are on the whole warm, welcoming and incredibly gracious hosts.

Today I’m going to share a few links.

Back in 1971 when Iran was known as Persia and before the 1979 Islamic revolution, the Shah of Persia threw the world’s most expensive party to celebrate 2,500 years of the Persian Empire. This party was utterly mammoth in scale. An entire city of custom, luxury tents was constructed and world leaders royalty from almost every country were invited.

Link - The most expensive party ever

My friends Charli and Oli visited Iran as part of a motorbike journey from the UK to Australia. Of all of the places they visited, they always spoke about Iran incredibly fondly.  Here are their reflections on what it’s like to visit Iran as a westerner.

Link - Reflections on Iran

I’ve also heard that Iranian cuisine is particularly delicious and best enjoyed inside peoples’ homes. So, to round out today’s post here’s a quick a quick primer on Persian food.