From the start, I've known that I wasn't coming out of Iran the same man i went in as. However, Ali not only proved knowledgeable and insightful enough to help me develop as a person but he also proved patient enough to let his Persian culture form me. By the time we were in Esfahan (not even halfway through the adventure) the journey was already a success.

Everything that came afterwards with his guidance felt like bonus after bonus. By the time we left Yazd, going to the Tomb of Cyrus, Pasargadae, the necropolis and Persepolis felt like gold bars on top of winning the lottery. I can't stress how important it is to have a guide like him in places one would often not know the culture, customs or language. 

His truthfulness and acceptance of the truth is what impressed me the most. That makes everything else easier to deal with. Thank you, TourHQ for your assistance in contacting me with this guide who I've come to respect!