A Beautiful Connection: My Servas Meeting with a Friend from Pakistan

In December 2024 as a Servas member, I had the opportunity to host a well-experienced man from Servas Pakistan, an experience I had never imagined would be so precious, not only for me but also for other members of Servas in Iran and my family.

Our view of Pakistani culture and its people has improved dramatically, thanks to Servas. This experience allowed us to learn about Pakistani traditions, cuisine, and customs, and engage in meaningful conversations about our respective cultures. The interactions and connections made during the visit have left a lasting impression on all of us and reinforced the importance of cultural exchange and hospitality.
On the first day, my family and I decided to offer a travel gift to Naseem Muhammad as he had recently experienced some travel difficulties. We arranged a short trip to Esfahan, a city in Iran that is highly popular among tourists. Our goal was to provide Naseem with a positive and memorable experience, allowing him to enjoy the rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural attractions of Esfahan.
The three adventurous men - Naseem (our Servas traveller from Pakistan), Hossain (a host in Esfahan) ,and Mohammed (my brother), had a great opportunity to exchange their thoughts on global warming and its consequences. They discussed the drying of the Zayande Rood in Esfahan and its environmental impacts, as well as the relationship between Iran and Pakistan and their cultural differences. This conversation provided valuable insights into the interconnected culture .

My brother Mohamed (left) with Hossain and Naseem

The other meeting took place in Tehran, where we had planned to present Servas activities to a potential member. Coincidentally, it turned out to be a fantastic opportunity, as members of Servas Pakistan, Servas Iran, and the Servas candidate gathered for an amazing meeting at a café. During the meeting, Naseem kindly extended an invitation to all of us to visit Pakistan, showcasing his generosity. We exchanged our precious Servas travel experiences in countries such as Kenya, Turkey, and India, and even discussed the shared challenges of currency exchange in Vietnam.

We met in Tehran and presented Servas to a prospective member.

Through these conversations, our hearts grew closer to one another. Discussing the origins and evolution of Servas, as well as topics like economics and travel, made our conversation even more engaging. As we were immersed in our discussion, the candidate enthusiastically declared their decision to become a Servas member, which filled the room with laughter and joy.
The final meeting took place at a restaurant, where the women received beautiful Pakistani accessories as a token of respect and appreciation. During this gathering, we engaged in discussions about various topics, including cuisine, travel experiences, and the different aspects of daily life in our respective countries. These conversations prompted us to reflect deeply on our lives and consider ways to enhance our experiences.

The final meeting took place at a restaurant, where the women received beautiful Pakistani accessories as a token of respect and appreciation.

This exchange of ideas and stories allowed us to gain valuable insights into our own lives and cultures, thus allowing for a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of human connections.

By: Nasim(khadijeh) Chareh, member of Servas Iran