A chara, - I refer to the remarks made by TDs Monica Barnes, Cecelia Keaveney and Mary Hanafin on their return from a recent diplomatic visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, as reported in the Weekend supplement (Quidnunc, June 20th). Ms Keaveney claimed that Iran was "not a place for a holiday," which I must strongly contest. Last October I went to Iran for four weeks, travelling as a young woman on her own, with no prior knowledge of Persian save what I picked up from a language guide book on the flight to Tehran. While in Iran, I visited the cities of Tehran, Shiraz, Yazd and Isfahan, where I was entranced by many beautiful mosques, palaces, formal gardens, ancient archaeological sites and museums. Travel and accommodation were both cheap and of a good standard, and I met interesting men and women everywhere I went.
Iran is a fascinating place for a holiday, and I would recommend it as a beautiful, interesting and hospitable place. For those of us whose concept of "holiday" involves bikinis, lager and karaoke however, I might suggest somewhere else. - Is mise, Moya Carey,
Inchicore,
Dublin 8.