Spring Break in Iran

Having attempted to take Troy for quite some time, Odysseus thought up a devious plan. Pretending to retreat, the Greek army left behind a large wooden horse. The Trojans accepted the wooden horse as a peace offering, whereupon the best Greek soldiers, hidden inside the hollow horse, waited until night then took over Troy.

I've always thought this to be a little bit of an odd story, but I suppose it's better understood with the knowledge that some within Troy were traitors for the Greek army. Still, why would the Greeks give you a giant wooden horse?

I have plenty of dream journeys. In the US, I'd like to visit several cities and national parks which I've yet to see (Boston, Miami, New Orleans, Yosemite, Glacier, Arches, etc.). I'd certainly like to travel much more within Africa, though I'd be hard pressed to narrow down to particular countries (currently I have a major interest in CAR, maybe there?), and in many areas, I'd like to live rather than travel. I've never been to Europe, aside from a few airports, and I'd certainly like to check it out. I'm interested in Australia/NZ, and SE Asia holds a good deal of appeal, too. I quite like travelling.

But insofar as dream connotes some unlikelihood, I'd like to visit Iran. Iran holds an impressive array of natural beauty, with mountains and deserts that I'd probably like a lot. But more uniquely, Iranian culture and history attract me. Iranian culture, a mix of Islamic, Persian, and minority cultures (Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, etc.), strikes me as very rich. It manifests in stunning architecture and other impressive art. Iranian history is ancient and integral to the society and so this aspect of travelling to Iran would, I think, be great.

I've selected Iran because it is so unlikely--other places I'd like to visit (Cambodia, CAR, Ghana, even Afghanistan) are much likelier than my visiting Iran. The political and financial barriers might prove insurmountable, but I won't be crushed if I don't visit Iran: there are plenty of other places I'd like to go just as much.