You all know me long enough to know that nobody is going to "pay" me in any kind of way to write down what I have to say about this:

First of all, I haven't been to Iran, but I will be there in a few months, second of all, I've never met Hussein, but I talked with him over FB and e-mail and in the end I left him because he was to "aggressive" in my opinion.

It is difficult to draw a line between aggressiveness and informing on another's plans, but for me it didn't felt right. 25$ is a bit steep but on the other hand, I would prefer to give some local 25$ and stay with him and enjoy some (difference in?) culture than to stay in a hotel.

What's more, I think it is VERY rude for (western)people to expect to just crash at somebody's place for free. When is the last time you invited week after week some stranger(s) in your house for free? Honestly?

We always refuse but we leave the door open, if the host asks if we're sure to refuse we always say no, that we would like to stay then if they are absolutely sure that we son't be in the way and that it's not a problem for them. As of course we want to stay with a local but we do understand that a lot of people in central asia will offer it as it is their custom but maybe they actually can't afford it. Comme on guys, WE ARE ALL RICH, we have enough money and resourcefulness to be able to travel to places like that. And if a local tries to make a living out of it, what's the problem?

If his communication really sucks, which it does, then maybe you should explain it to him in a polite manner that 'we' think different and that he has to learn to be able to make a bridge between his culture and ours.

As Soleyman points out, the Iranian customs and culture is a world of it's own. We travel to taste difference in culture no? Or do we just travel for the sights without any interaction with other human beings? @ Soleyman, thank you for some clarifications about your culture, I'm sure it will help me and my wife next year to understand and interact in a better way once we're in Iran.

Can we please return to a civilised discussion and say what we have to say in an orderly manner with examples etc? Please?

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