Hi, Byron!

This story is very interesting and once again I learned a lot of words.

It is possible to realize the differences between the West and the Muslim countries. I said "Muslim" and not Arab, because I am conscious Iranian people dislike Arabs. Precisely when I was living in London, I met some Iranian men and ladies who told me that one thing is to have the same religion and something very different is to be like them.

You know, in Europe are several Catholic countries, but Poland is Slav, Ireland is Celt, and Spain, France, and Italy are Latins. Eventually, nowadays everybody has the religion they want.

I understood Persians, because we should be clear in a historical situation: Iranian or Persian people have always been very closed to the Western Civilization --including Greece and Rome--, no matter their religion now. Turkey is another country that was inside Greece and Rome for long, long centuries. In both countries (Persia and Turkey) is possible to see very white people and the mix with Arabs.

Of course, the skin or eyes color is a genetic accident, but if they were under Greece and Rome, they are westerns.

And as you say: the country is wonderful; the government is a shit. I agree. Politicians use history, religion, etc., depending on their interests.

I am going to start sending my travel stories to Globetrotters. It is another way to communicate our experiences.

Merry Christmas. ALL the BEST. Louisa.