Ahmad (center), his son (right), and the lucky guest. Teheran, Iran.

I had never met these people before. I had never even met Ahmad's daughter Shirin who lives in Germany, works in my father's company, and had given my father her father's phone number in case I have a problem in Iran. George II created that problem for me (he forced Mastercard to suspend all payment operations in connection with Iran, so I could not get emergency cash I needed for spare parts), and I reluctantly called Ahmad. Ahmad invited me to his office, checked on me with a phone call to his daughter, invited me for tea, took me in his car to the bank where he filled his suitcase with money (they do have some inflation in Iran), drove me back to the bicycle shop, negotiated a lower price, paid, took me to a restaurant and cafe while we waited for the parts to be installed, brought me and my bike to his house, and hosted me for the night. In addition, he speaks perfect German (he studied in Germany and worked there for a couple of years), is as gentle and cultivated as you can imagine, and his family, too.

next person, please >>