Iran Is NOT What You Think!

Posted on December 3, 2019December 3, 2019 by dev

Traveled around Iran for 12 days in 2018 and Iran is NOT what you think it is! Touring through Iran is not like visiting Disneyland, but it’s definitely safer.

Crazy Start To My Iran Adventure

Me and Alireza, the guy who helped me out, eating in a 400-year-old renovated bath-house, Jarchi Bashi, Iran

I had $150 on me for my 12-days Iran adventure, and what I didn’t think of what the fact it was impossible to withdraw money from any ATM’s in Iran, because of sanctions from the US. Furthermore you can’t use Whatsapp, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram etc., so it was a really worrying start that I had around $50 on me after my visa was paid for 12 days in Iran. Lucky for me I met a super friendly Iranian guy in the Airplane, who helped me out, and with this guy’s help I ended up having the most awesome time in Iran.

1. The People

With a lovely Iranian family, Isfahan, Iran

It’s important to state for me I came here solo, all costs where covered myself and I have no hidden agendas in visiting. I’m speaking my honest travel experience as always, and the Iranian people are incredible. If you take away anything from this blog post, please let it be that Persians are some of the most hospitable, kind and humble people that I’ve met in all my travels to 129 countries.

I interacted with as many locals as I could, and not once on any occasion was I disrespected or even looked at funny. I even told people that I was from Denmark, and it made them even more interested to get to know me. I was invited (dozens of times) into peoples’ houses for a cup of tea and even offered a bed to sleep in. One time in Isfahan, I walked into a tea shop in the evening and the owner wouldn’t let me leave because he wanted to talk to me all night and he kept feeding me tea! I made many good friends while in Iran, and I can’t wait to go back and visit them all someday soon. Iran is very high on my list of countries I want to return to sooner or later, and a big reason for that is the amazing people in Iran.

2. The Historical Sites

The Historical Sites in Iran will blow your mind! Hope to come back soon

Iran is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Human activity in this country dates back 40,000 years — and evidence of these ancient humans can be found in select places in Iran. My favorite historical site was the Shah Mosque in Isfahan. The ocean of turquoise and blue ceramics, with majestic patterns and architecture in Imam (Shah) Mosque of Isfahan, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wow!

3. The Society

Talking about future and sustainable tourism in Iran, with one of the most important persons in Iran, Mr. Jebali

Being in Iran is like entering a time warp back to the 1970s or 80s (not that I was alive in those decades, but from what I know, this is how the World looked like). The models of cars on the road today don’t resemble anything modern (except for maybe a few neighborhoods in Tehran), there are NO international brands or chains anywhere to be seen except for Coca-Cola (no McDonald’s, Starbucks, Uber, Marriott, etc), and the wifi speed is very slow. You can’t use Facebook, Whatsapp etc. without a VPN!

But that all being said, it is somewhat of a refresher to be immersed in such a society, which is opposite to most countries that are overrun by tourists (like most of South East Asia). There are no scams in Iran. Life is as real and genuine as it gets.

4. The Food

Ah, last but not least — the food! Who doesn’t travel for food? Iranian cuisine is so delicious, and you’ll most likely be invited for dinner many times. The cuisine is based on a combination of rice, meat, vegetables and nuts. Common herbs include saffron, cinnamon and parsley, and fruits include plum, pomegranate, apricots and raisins. Most of the meat takes form of a ‘kebab’ which is minced beef/lamb/chicken served on a plate alongside fresh vegetables like tomato, cucumber, olives, onion and lettuce.

5. The Love

Getting asked for a lot of photos in Iran

Iran is a country of love, not hate, when we talk about the super friendly population. I’ve been lucky to witness the breathtaking mosques, ancient history and the untouched nature. But it’s by and large the people that leave the most lasting impression. Iranians take you under their wings and their hospitality is the stuff of a legend.

Will never forget you Iran and I hope to revisit soon and travel more around this beautiful country!

Gustav

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7 UNDERRATED COUNTRIES (traveler with +130 countries visited)

Posted on November 28, 2019November 28, 2019 by dev

Some countries are very popular and are floating with tourists everywhere, but it’s not the case with these 7 countries. These are 7 UNDERRATED COUNTRIES I enjoyed a lot, and you should maybe consider these as your next travel destination!

These are 7 countries that I find really underrated, and you might consider to visit these in the near future!

7. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a very underrated place with a lot of misconceptions. While some may hate it because of its relatively strict rules, there’s a lot of good in it too. These are 20 Things I Like About Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has some unique landscape you won’t see anywhere else. But is it safe to go to Saudi Arabia?

Check my YT-Video here about the safety in the country: Is Saudi Arabia Safe?

6. Bulgaria

A lot of people from my country goes to Sunny Beach or Golden Sands in Bulgaria to get super drunk and party, with some of the cheapest alcohol in Europe. But Bulgaria actually has a lot more to offer. The capital Sofia and the two very beautiful cities Plovdiv and Varna are cool places to visit + the fascinating mountains which exists in Bulgaria and the fact that Bulgaria is a diamond in the spa crown of Europe changed my mind about this country. Yes, you can have a great party in Bulgaria, but Bulgaria is so much else. Bulgaria is rich with natural resources – mineral water, healing springs, pure air (at most places). The mountains and the plains offer different opportunities for rest, relax and heal yourself.

I can recommend to visit the spa Sapareva Banya. Not many towns can say they have their own geyser. Sapareva Banya welcomes its guests by its steaming geyser in the center of the city. The town attracts us with its closeness to Sofia, its friendly locals and its huge amount of pools and thermal delights for resting and getting prettier. It should be named SPApareva Banya. Consider exploring Bulgaria properly!

5. Tajikistan

Tajikstan is very underrated. Its array of cultures, languages, valleys and mountains makes it interesting. The Pamir mountain range, aka the “Roof of the World”, located west, is Tajikistan’s main attraction, with its beautiful mountainous landscape and magnificent trails. Some really nice mountains in general and you have to make time for scenic stops and spontaneous detours by striking moonscapes, glistening lakes, wandering yaks, and the imposingly large, snow-capped Hindu Kush mountains. Tajikistan was a big surprise!

4. Belarus

Belarus is one of those destinations that has most people scratching their heads and reaching for Google maps. But it won’t be long before travellers from around the globe figure out that it’s one of Eastern Europe’s unsung heroes. I traveled around Belarus in 2017, and to be fair it’s maybe the cheapest country in Europe alongside Ukraine. You get a lot of value for your money here and there’s quiet a lot to see.

My only problem here was the language barrier, when I left the capital Minsk and explored the country. If you don’t speak Belarusian or Russian it’s a little hard to communicate, especially with the older generation. Anyway, I found Belarus, the sights and the prices very underrated! Cheapest in Europe!

3. Ghana

I traveled around Ghana in early 2019, and while the visa was a pain in the arse to get, it was such a great country on the inside. One of Africa’s most peaceful countries and a lot of cool cities like Tamale, Kumasi and Accra and a beautiful country side and nice beaches. The best thing about Ghana is the people, the music and the vibes, I loved the atmosphere in Ghana and enjoyed the characteristic way Ghanaian people speak English. Here pictured at a street celebration in Accra, and I must say the people in Ghana certainly knows how to throw a party and dance to a Sarkodie, Stonebwoy and Kweli Artur-Ghana-banger.. You name it! Great times in Ghana! Some would maybe think it’s a dangerous African country.. Not at all, one of the most underrated and awesome African countries!

2. Iran

It’s almost a cliché by now, but Iranians are perhaps some of the friendliest people in the world, and just about anyone that has been will testify enthusiastically to this. Furthermore Iran offers varied and dramatic landscapes, with beautiful mountains, forests and deserts and a lot of Natural Wonders.

Political situation is a little complicated in Iran, but let’s not forget this is truly a remarkable country; super friendly people, inimitably rich in history and natural beauty, and home to some of the oldest civilizations on Earth. All those places that you’ve heard about—Persepolis and Shiraz, the mosques of Esfahan, the Silk Road, the desert city of Yazd, the ski slopes of the Alborz and the otherworldiness of Qeshm island—they’re absolutely worth the hype.

1. Pakistan

The Pakistani people are some of the friendliest and most welcoming people I’ve encountered in my travels. For me Pakistan is the most misunderstood and most underrated country in the World. With mighty mountains, lush green plateaus, golden sand deserts, some of the oldest cities in the World and the emerald colored Arabian sea etc. The list go on! I still have the Hunza Valley in the North of Pakistan stuck in my head. BUT IS PAKISTAN SAFE? Check this video I made there: ‘Is Pakistan Safe?’

Furthermore I received so many gifts and free stuff in Pakistan, which lead me to the BIG question in this travel video: ‘Is Everything Really FREE In Pakistan?’

Pakistan is an experience you don’t want to miss out on and is for me the most underrated country!

These were in fact 7 Underrated Countries that just came to my mind.. Can you name any?

Gustav

gus1thego.com

Travel Pictures Of Gustav

Posted on April 1, 2019August 26, 2019 by dev

Here are some random pictures from all over the world. One from each country/territory. I will add more here and there from new travels and adventures, so check back every now and then. Enjoy!

Albania