social media as your guide
April 19, 2016 9:25 AM   Subscribe

 
This was an interesting/fascinating article; I had no idea one could gain quickly gain access into people's homes via social media in Iran.

I wonder if part of the accessibility of social media sites in Iran can be partially attributed to Iran's president, Hassan Rouhani, who himself is active on social media.

What I also really enjoy is how we (humans throughout the world) might be able to see parts of the globe and events that were previously inaccessible to many people via social media, such as Mecca via an app such as snapchat.

Thanks so much for posting this.
posted by Wolfster at 10:21 AM on April 19, 2016


But, yes, there’s always that 5%.”

Ah, the spice of life...
posted by jim in austin at 10:56 AM on April 19, 2016


I hope I can make it to Isfahan some day.
posted by benito.strauss at 10:56 AM on April 19, 2016 [1 favorite]


I really want to take my kids to Iran. From what I hear, everyone is super friendly, and I'd love to visit before it gets crushed from the tourist horde that will come from normalized relations. The ancient history geek in me will be ever so happy.

Then the next year we'd go to Israel, take in the sights, head to a kibbutz, etc.

At that point in the inoculation process they'll be certain to never believe anything that anyone in politics ever says about the middle east ever again.

Parenting.

posted by leotrotsky at 11:14 AM on April 19, 2016 [1 favorite]


thanks. this has made me wonder about visiting. i guess tehran would be the place to go?
posted by andrewcooke at 11:56 AM on April 19, 2016


i guess tehran would be the place to go?

There are package tours now. I have friends in Tehran but I would definitely want to check out Shiraz and the tomb of Cyrus the Great.
posted by My Dad at 11:58 AM on April 19, 2016 [1 favorite]


I remember when I joined Microsoft Photosynth, there were a surprising number of photosynths from Iran. Some were of large monuments, others were your more standard "here's the outside of my house." There was one guy in particular I remember swapping comments with, as I uploaded things from my side of the world, and he his. All the nationalistic baggage between the governments of our two countries had no effect here - suddenly, I wanted to visit this guy's neighborhood and have him show me around his stomping grounds.

It's also where I learned that Iran has a laundry detergent named Barf, which amuses me to this day.
posted by Leviathant at 2:03 PM on April 19, 2016 [1 favorite]


I am in the midst of planning a trip to Iran from California. I'm looking for a tour group that is scheduled enough to allow for my entry, but lenient in plans just enough to allow for some freedom and hopefully some similar interactions as the author had.
I have idly wanted to visit Iran for a couple years; the allure of such history, architecture, food, and culture is irresistible. About eight months ago I began a new job, and my office co-pilot is Iranian. She has taken to bringing me Persian sweets of all kinds and giving me insight into Persian traditions. She hasn't been in Iran since the mid-70s and she is beginning to want to make a return trip. She says her friends (who mainly live in California and France), are all visiting now that they're growing nostalgic and wanting to explore their roots as they get older.
Everything I've seen online indicates that Iranians are warm, generous, welcoming, and extraordinarily friendly. The cultural and religious sites look unbelievably beautiful. It is a very expensive trip, and I have limited ability to take time off, but I'm hoping to make it happen!
posted by missmary6 at 2:16 PM on April 19, 2016 [2 favorites]


I recall Henry Rollins talking about when he had visited Tehran. He was assigned a government minder. The minder took him on government approved tours. At about 1:00 or 2:00 pm, Henry would tell the minder that he was really tired and wanted to go to bed. The minder would leave, and Henry would go out and wander and see stuff. He encountered a group of women who were devoted fans of Oprah Winfrey.

missmary6, follow Henry's steps.
posted by dfm500 at 5:56 PM on April 19, 2016 [2 favorites]


I am going this summer and I am SO EXCITED.
posted by mdonley at 1:30 AM on April 20, 2016 [1 favorite]


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