At the Crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East

Photo credit: Ann Schneider

Iran, and Broken Mirrors

Almost as if a reflection in a mirror, Joanna and her Iranian friend pause for a photo; they met by chance in 2006. Photo credit: Joanna Millick
Almost as if a reflection in a mirror, Joanna and her Iranian friend pause for a photo; they met by chance in 2006. Photo credit: Joanna Millick

Mirrors reflect reality. Yet when they’re flawed, even the slightest imperfection can alter that reality. Shatter the mirror, and reality is fragmented, broken.

When it comes to Iran MIR’s long-time staffer, Joanna Millick(pictured above) sees broken mirrors.

Murals preserve Iran’s past and present, here depicting the current and 1979 Revolution ayatollahs. Photo credit: Joanna Millick
Murals preserve Iran’s past and present, here depicting the current and 1979 Revolution ayatollahs. Photo credit: Joanna Millick

These days religion is a welcome topic of discussion in Iran, shared here with a local imam and MIR travelers. Photo credit: Joanna Millick
These days religion is a welcome topic of discussion in Iran, shared here with a local imam and MIR travelers. Photo credit: Joanna Millick

“Our preconceived notions about Iran are like broken mirrors,” she says, reflecting on her recent journey to Iran leading MIR travelers through that country’s ancient and modern wonders.

“Iran is nothing like how the media portray it: it is intellectually challenging, stimulating on all levels,” she adds.

Even at this young age, many Iranians are virtually connected to the world. Photo credit: Joanna Millick
Even at this young age, many Iranians are virtually connected to the world. Photo credit: Joanna Millick

Nearly half of Iran’s estimated 80 million people are under 25 years old. Photo credit: Joanna MIllick
Nearly half of Iran’s estimated 80 million people are under 25 years old. Photo credit: Joanna MIllick

Musical Misperceptions


Joanna first traveled to Iran in 2006 on a private tour with a guide. A Polish-born U.S. citizen, she’s long been interested in Polish-Iranian as well as U.S.-Iranian relations. Before Joanna first visited Iran in 2006, she read a prominent U.S. newspaper’s article that said all Western music was banned, which meant visitors would no longer hear such popular American songs as “Hotel California.” Yet when Joanna arrived in Tehran she found dozens of music stores filled with CDs from London and Moscow, and the latest hits blasting everywhere. Young people were playing not just American music but disco, international music – even soundtracks from Polish movies!

A sampling of CDs Joanna Millick was told were banned in Iran, yet she found readily available. Photo credit: Joanna Millick
A sampling of CDs Joanna Millick was told were banned in Iran, yet she found readily available. Photo credit: Joanna Millick

“So music was the first shocking element when I was there in 2006,” Joanna remembers. “All those preconceived notions of what I read or saw on TV– like that Western music ban – were entirely different in person, actually the other side of the spectrum!”

Shattering stereotypes: More Iranian women are using hookahs, water pipes for smoking flavored tobacco. Photo credit: Joanna Millick
Shattering stereotypes: More Iranian women are using hookahs, water pipes for smoking flavored tobacco. Photo credit: Joanna Millick

A Welcoming Spirit


Once, 10-year-old boys followed the MIR group through a local bazaar, escorting them. The young boys followed them in to a teahouse, paying the entrance fee out of their own pockets. Perhaps they wanted free food or candy, as is so typical in many countries? No, the Iranian boys wanted to make sure the foreigners reached their destination without a hitch, a long-time cultural tradition of hospitality. And in a twist, the boys weren’t there to take anything, but to give the MIR group their candy!

“It was such a sweet gesture of kindness,” Joanna smiles.

A bit shy for the camera, these boys cheerfully shared Iranian hospitality with Joanna Millick ‘s MIR group. Photo credit: Joanna Millick
A bit shy for the camera, these boys cheerfully shared Iranian hospitality with Joanna Millick ‘s MIR group. Photo credit: Joanna Millick

A Chance Welcome


What Joanna remembers best about Iran is a chance welcome, first in 2006. On the way to the town of Masuleh, she and her private guide stopped in a village along the route and just randomly knocked on a door.  Joanna wanted to peek inside an Iranian home. Graciously, the family ushered them in and proudly showed them their home, welcoming them with food and tea – even reading Joanna’s future in the tea leaves (all good!).

Joanna’s odyssey began on the way to Masuleh, where streets are built on the roofs of houses below. Photo credit: James Carnehan
Joanna’s odyssey began on the way to Masuleh, where streets are built on the roofs of houses below. Photo credit: James Carnehan

“All of this was by chance,” Joanna says. “ We met this wonderful family, all so random. It was great! But we didn’t stay in touch – they don’t have email because they don’t have computers.”

Yet seven years later with her MIR group in tow, Joanna recognized that same house on their way from the mountain town, and impulsively told the bus driver to stop. The MIR group of 17 hopped out.

“The woman ran out and kissed me like I was long-lost family!” Joanna laughs. “They were so kind and hospitable. That’s the kind of welcome you get in Iran, everywhere. When our MIR tour ended, people said this unscripted moment was the highlight of the tour.”

MIR travelers pose with Joanna Millick’s Iranian friend (second from left), met by chance in 2006. Photo credit: Joanna Millick
MIR travelers pose with Joanna Millick’s Iranian friend (second from left), met by chance in 2006. Photo credit: Joanna Millick

“I Can See Clearly Now”


It’s the real thing, this warm Iranian hospitality played out in everyday moments like these.

“Yes, there is stunning architecture and history in Iran, but what’s most amazing is the hospitality, perhaps because all those preconceived notions make you think you’ll see things so differently,” Joanne says. “ I’ve traveled to many countries, and the welcome you receive in Iran is clearly unparalleled.”

 Yes, mirrors reflect reality; broken mirrors do not. Yet the best clarity comes not in reflections, but in face-to-face encounters. In the flesh.

In Iran.

Spanning generations and cultures, a memory is made between an Iranian woman and MIR traveler. Photo credit: Joanna Millick
Spanning generations and cultures, a memory is made between an Iranian woman and MIR traveler. Photo credit: Joanna Millick

Building bridges across borders, one friendship at a time. Photo credit: Joanna Millick
Building bridges across borders, one friendship at a time. Photo credit: Joanna Millick

Travel to Iran with MIR

You can experience Iran’s hospitality for yourself in MIR tours to that legendary country, delving into its history, architecture, customs and people. You can also book a custom private journey.

Chat with one of our destination specialists now!

PUBLISHED: February 2, 2022


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