[00:00:00] Hello Everyone! This is Austin Bellino, the host of the educational podcast culture to grow, where you get to travel the world and learn about different cultures from the comfort of your home, maybe your car, or if you're half asleep, your bad.
Hello Everyone! This is your host, Austin Bellino, and I am thrilled to have you join me on this new adventure. In this episode, we will be doing something slightly different. Since going forward, the first Monday of every month, we will embark on a thrilling journey that will immerse us in the sights, sounds, and stories of a different country each time. In this series, we won't just be tourists, we'll be explorers.
[00:01:00] We'll connect with a local to learn about the country, its culture, and dispel some of those stereotypes that we may all have.
But enough from me. It's time to meet someone who knows this destination better than anyone I know. Our guest today is Fatima, she will be our guide as we travel to Iran.
Let's go!
Fatima: Hello dear friends, good morning, good evening, wherever you are. My name is Fatima and I'm an Iranian. I have a strong interest in traveling because I truly believe that it is one of the best ways to learn and experience new things.
Austin: Welcome Fatima! So can you start by teaching us how to properly say the country's name? Is it similar to Iraq and Iceland with a strong I sound?
Fatima: No, it is not Iran, it is Iran.
Austin So we can say Iran. Iran.
Fatima: Yeah. That one!
[00:02:00] Austin: Now, can you share with us some details about Iran, the country?
Fatima: Iran is a country with an ancient civilization located in Asia in the heart of the Middle East. Tehran is the capital of Iran and is considered its most modern and populous city. Iran has so much to offer and explore, including historical cities, pristine nature like mountainous forests, seas and islands, stunning deserts, as well as castles, palaces, and unique Iranian architecture can be destinations for tourists with any taste.
Austin: Wow, I didn't realize Iran had so much to offer. How about the weather?
Fatima: Our country has four seasons, and sometimes you can experience all four seasons within a single season. This is because different parts of Iran has vastly different temperatures in each season. [
00:03:00] Lastly, in addition to history and culture, Iran is known for exquisite handmade carpets, caviar, pistachios, saffron, of which Iran is the largest producer in the world, and oil, with Iran being the fourth largest oil producer in the world. Every liter of gas in Iran is equivalent to six cents.
Austin: Six cents. Wow, that is truly amazing! And the weather sounds to be typically similar to what it is in Chicago. Now, what if I was to go and visit an Iranian restaurant in my hometown, Chicago, what would you recommend that I order?
Fatima: I would recommend ordering kebab. Um, there are different types of Iranian kebabs, each with its own unique flavor and served with a side of fragrant saffron rice, grilled tomatoes, and fresh herbs. It usually consists of marinated and grilled pieces of tender meat, such as beef, chicken, or lamb, cooked to perfection over an open flame.
Austin: Okay, I will be sure to order a kebab in the future and be sure to record myself with my initial reaction.
[00:04:00] Fatima: Also, I want to tell you that there is a side dish called Tahdig, which is the crispy rice at the bottom of the rice cooker.
Austin: Wait, you like that part the most? Isn't that part burnt? Some people would normally just throw that part away, including myself.
Fatima: No, it's not burnt. Honestly, I can say that Iranians are crazy about Tahdig.
Austin: Wow, that sounds very interesting and I will be sure to remember this in the future. Now, How about some cultural knowledge that might help me understand the country a bit better?
Fatima: In Iran, the New Year is celebrated during Nowruz, uh, which is the biggest holiday of the year and lasts for about two weeks starting around March 20th. Another thing is Iranians are predominantly Muslim and we observe a month of fasting called Ramadan.
[00:05:00] During this month, restaurants are not allowed to operate during daylight hours and are only open from evening until dawn.
Austin: So the New Year is celebrated in March, while other countries might celebrate the New Year on January 1st, including the USA. Now it's time for my favorite part, the Blitz. Where I ask you a series of questions, and I want you to just quickly respond to each one.
Here we go! Number one, is a typical weekend Saturday and Sunday?
Fatima: No, Friday is the weekly day off in Iran. On Thursday, the working hours are usually shorter compared to other days. Typically until, 12 p. m. But the official day off is on Friday.
Austin: Number two, is alcohol available in your country? If not... What is the most popular beverage consumed?
Fatima: As we are Muslims, alcohol is prohibited in Iran. On a daily basis, most Iranians, drink at least one cup of black tea, which is consumed sweet in Iran. [00:06:00] Often served with sugar cubes or any other type of sweets.
Austin: This is great! Continuing with the blitz, I would like to now ask you questions in hopes of educating the audience regarding some common misunderstandings. I often hear, "be careful, Iran is dangerous!"
Fatima: No, not true. It's not dangerous. Uh, Iran is known for its hospitable, kind, and warm people and they treat tourists very well, interacting with them like their guests in their homes. Also remember, if someone invites you to their home in Iran, don't forget to take off your shoes before entering.
Austin: Now, how about this one? Iran is all desert. So everyone rides camels and donkeys.
Fatima: No , not true again. Citizens in Iran are just like citizens around the world.