There are no words sufficient enough to describe your beauty, the ironies of life here, and of course your kind people.
Only one word I offer: “merci” (gracias, thank you).
Thank you for your beautiful colorful cities. The vibrant shades of blue and green that adorn the many mosques and palaces reflect the skies and the vibrancy of your people. The most intricate awe inspiring architecture that brings us closer to God.
Thank you for the bazaars, intricate mazes where upon every turn I discover a new spice, a new smell, a new craft, a colorful carpet.
Thank you for your music, lyricism and millenary instruments. The melodies the people sing make me sway, though like the other women, I cannot display.
Thank you for your awe-inspiring history, ancient palaces and powerful kings whose glory and names still resonate today.
Thank you for the most delicious foods, little pieces of art decorated with green pistachios and rose petals that nurture the heart and make my palate burst with delicious flavors.
Thank you for your endless supply of chai and nabat, tea to enjoy with a swirl of sugar and saffron over cozy conversations.
Thank you for your insightful poetry and divinely inspired poets whose beautiful words touch the mind, heart and soul.
And thank you for your lovely people, the most welcoming, hospitable, and full of life.
Thank you for your powerful women who won’t back down, whose courageous voices echo around the world.
Thank you for the rhythmic clapping of hands and singing that under the Siosepol bridge or on a boat ride capture the joy of life in unison.
Thank you for the most gorgeous eyes I’ve seen that see me. Beautiful curious eyes of precious children that ask “Where are you from? Welcome to Iran!” Pictures and videos with kind strangers eager to talk to a foreigner.
I wish for the day I will see your beautiful women walking the streets with or without the hijab according to their own free will. When all will be able to choose freely who to love. When men, women and children will dance together on the streets.
I wish for the day little girls will sing at loud, play instruments in public, call to prayer, and not dream of leaving their beautiful country but proudly show it to the world.
I long for the day I will be blessed to see you again.
