Our liking for the Middle-East and North Africa started with Turkey, Tunisia and Morocco. If you want to experience a truly “Middle Ages” looking lived-in old city, don’t miss Fez in Morocco. It is a once in a lifetime experience.

Dubai and Oman followed, then Qatar and further emirates in the UAE. We loved them all, the striking modernity of Dubai, the aspiring Abu Dhabi, the laid-back Ras al-Khaimah, but especially Oman, a country with a smaller dose of high rises and much more to see!

There is a creek in Dubai where many colorful dhows dock, loading and unloading for their daily trip to Iran. It was here, we first thought of visiting the other side, and each year, we thought of it a bit more.

The image of Iran in Europe is evolving, with most people first thinking of war and fundamentalists. So, understandably, our friends and family gave advice against. Anyway, early 2015 we were almost decided to go, and after some research about the many things to see, and reading about a few positive experiences, we bought our air tickets!