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Thanks so much for your replies and feedback. Your wife is right about Iran being an unforgettable place. But she was there in the seventies and so much has changed since then. My husband left in 1978 and when he finally got to return for a visit nearly twenty-five years later,he said "the mullahs have changed my country into Saudi Arabia"! That is the impression one gets when on the street, but in private the Persian people are as fun-loving and warm as ever. And the bazaars are full of the most beautiful things imaginable. The craftsmen of Iran do incredible work- carpets, decorative household items and the jewelry- oh the jewelry(sigh). Everywhere we went people would ask us if we knew how they could get a visa to the U.S. Even the soldiers that are posted everywhere guarding things came up to us when they figured out where we were from (for some reason they could spot me as an American from a mile away, even though I thought I would be able to pass) and would ask how they could come to America.

On numerous occasions, someone we were talking with would be complaining bitterly about the state of affairs in the country and then they would ask me "so where do you like better- the U.S. or Iran?" I would answer how beautiful I thought Iran is and how lovely the people are- but, America is home and the place I would always love most. They would seem put off by my answer but, I couldn't answer truthfully any other way. As much as they want to escape and look for a better life elsewhere, they still have alot of pride in their country. If Iran was free it would be a wonderful place to visit and live but right now it leaves alot to be desired. There is so much potential there with talented, bright, decent people but until the mullahocracy is brought down, Iran will remain a place where people are more anxious to flee than move to.

If Iran was free it would be a wonderful place to visit and live but right now it leaves alot to be desired.

SusanTK, we have heard that before. Not long ago an Iranian friend (I worked with him 20 years ago) told my wife that she would not want to see what Iran has become now, under the mullahs. Not to worry -- there can be no visit until after the current regime is gone.

I am envious (in a good way *\:-) of your visit, and I for one hope to hear more of it.