Before I ever set foot in the Middle East, I had questions: Will I fit in? Will I offend someone? The media had painted vivid pictures of conflict, but when I arrived, I found something different: warmth, hospitality, and a region rich with complexity and soul.

From Middle Eastern marvels to cultural crossroads, these three cities - Beirut, Peshawar, and Isfahan are close to my heart. Each one offered me a deeply personal journey, where history, hospitality, food, and atmosphere all intertwined in unforgettable ways.

One of the best parts of travel? The food. Always the food. Every country has its own flavor, its own rhythm, its own way of bringing people together around a table. And if you ask me, there’s no better introduction to a culture than through its cuisine.

From the moment I arrived, with the sun rising over domes and minarets, I felt this indescribable pull, like the city itself was gently taking my hand, saying, “Welcome, take your time. There’s something here for you.”