S/V Earthling: Happy Norouz Persian Kitty

Today is Norouz and beginning of spring! Norouz is the Iranian New Year, which takes place on the first day of spring, a secular holiday celebrated by many. Norouz means literally the “New Day”

"Hafsin" is the traditional table for Norouz, which contains seven items that start on the letter "S"

There is a cat in the Middle East called the Persian Kitty. Persia is the former name of Iran, which was officially changed in 1935. However, the citizens of Iran prefer to go by as Persians. Especially since Iran has not had the best impression in the world community in a few decades! The map of Iran looks like a cat! Persian cats are well known as well as the Persian rugs, and the Persian Gulf!

The Map of Iran, on the top left corner is the head of the cat, on the right bottom corner is the tale, the cat is resting on the Persian Gulf

In the world today, media has a large influence on our minds. Entities like governments and corporations are capable of programming us through media. Wise citizens should not let propaganda affect their minds, people are the same all around the world, in general we are all citizens of this planet and our planet is just a small corn in the universe. We have different ways of doing things and we think different, we look different, and our social environment have programmed us a certain way, that doesn't mean that one is better than another!

Inside Iran is not as bad as it's presented worldwide. Living standard is as high as many other developed counties but there are some restrictions. There is a lack of freedom, freedom of speech, thought, clothing, and certainly, political view. Inflation has been a problem because of sanctions. But the sanctions has forced Iran to become self sufficient.

Every country has a role in the world. There are about 200 countries and Iran is by population and size around the 18^th biggest nation. Our world is striving to become ONE and all counties must join sooner or later! The fight for freedom and equality is going on in all corners of the world. Our planet is craving for an unified intellectual system. Ultimately the natural resources must be distributed balanced between the nations and people of the world. No individual nation should be allowed to have fully control of the world resources and it's distribution. Today we have to take down walls and build bridges. Because the world must become ONE.

I have recognized more freedom in Iran in the recent years. Women let their scarfs fall on their shoulders while driving and there are less appearance restrictions. It seems as the new president is opening the doors to the west world. Lets all hope together that freedom and human rights take place peacefully in all the counties. Human life is valuable and humanity should be at a place where we solve issues without loosing people.

During Norouz people give money to each other as a gift. I remember as a kid, excitedly gathering money during Norouz. Today, I got a deposit to my account for the same amount I paid last week to get my boat in water from two kind people in Panama!

The nature in Iran is spectacular; four season climate make the land change color several times a year. Pictures are better than thousand words. Enjoy these sceneries of Iran.