One of the most bitter but different trips I had in my youth was a journey to northern Iran, to the land of the sea and the forest.

But this trip was largely exceptional and different, and to a large extent bitter.

My sister and I wanted to travel north by bus on a very busy weekend because we wanted a cheap tour.  So we end up going on a bus trip that was stuck in road traffic for almost 24 hours! Instead of the actual time which supposes to be only 8 hours!

A different and discouraging journey, but memorable.

I remember that some of the passengers on the bus got off and walked along the road, considering the route was so crowded that walking on the side of the road was faster than moving cars.

Other passengers inside the bus put on music and danced to make the dull and boring journey happier.

PS: Their dancing joy cost the tour agency their permit!

Anyway, that trip taught me a lesson of patience. Although I was not patient that day and I was terribly tired at the end. Worst of all, we arrived at our destination so late and we had to come back before even get a chance to have a real experience.

I still remember the tour manager telling us, "We can stay on the beach only for 20 minutes."

I, who had reached the shore with a thousand hopes and aspirations, and I did not want to return so soon.

Think about it! If you only had 20 minutes with the love of your life, the sea and you hadn’t see each other for ages, what would you do?

I went to the beach and ran along the sea while angry waves hit the rocks for 20 minutes!

I ran and learned to always appreciate the sea and never take it for granted!