So, I need help pulling off something extra crazy :)

[90802]

Hi folks,

I've been doing some reevaluating lately, and thinking about what direction I want to take my life.

One thing I've always had an interest in is travel, and specifically travel to the Middle East. If that's not all, the place I'm most interested in visiting is Iran.

Yes, Iran, one of the axis of evil countries.

I can't really explain the appeal of Iran. I'm not even interested in tourist destinations, I'd be content spending hours sitting and talking with the locals.

Here's my idea:

I want to spend six months in Tehran learning Persian. On top of that, I hope I could score a month long visa after my school to travel around Iran.

That's the plan. However, there's a lot working against me...

1. US-Iran relations- The US and Iran have no formal relations, and it may be very difficult to get a visa. For a US citizen to get a normal tourist visa he/she would have to hire a government appointed guide or be part of an organized tour. This is by far the biggest block. As I have no interest in an organized tour I need to figure out another way to do things.

2. Money-I have no idea how much this would cost. Even if I had a thriving internet business I wouldn't be able to easily access my money because of all the banking sanctions (I'd have to carry six months worth of cash!!). Plus right now I'm unemployed...doh!

Those are the stumbling blocks. How can I get around em?

[vladimirsan]

I would focus on the money first..you must know the exact amount you'll need (or an estimate)

[shinyjourney]

Yes, i agree with vladimirsan, now you have your goal, you have to find ways to achieve it and the first thing is maybe to work a little to save money. And while you do that, you have time to take care of you visa problem.

You don't have to work in something you hate to save money, try to find a job related to your goal.

Virginie