Travelled through Iran last year. I visited the ancient Persian city of Persepolis - absolutely mind blowing place. A beautiful country to travel through. A Lonely Planet guide reassured me to go there and once I arrived I didn't look back. The people, the cities, the music, the culture were all majestic and totally inspirational. A far cry from the image of the country we're probably accustomed to in Europe. The kids on the streets of Tehran can kick it - they were as cool as any in Berlin or Barcelona. They don't show you that (nor the art cafes or bootleg booze!) on the TV news back home.

I've got a mind full of various bits and pieces, but whether you'll necessarily learn much from me, I wouldn't dare to say!

Knowledge of the history, music, culture and urban life of Manchester, with a huge dollop of civic bias - I'm a native. I like to cook, especially asian (thai) and mediterranean (tapas) food. I'm easy going - I love both late night chats over a beer, a bit of a dance in a dingy city centre venue or down time at home.

First and foremost cities are my main passion. I love learning about urban life in my personal and work domains. This has encouraged my desire to travel and experience places that I've read about. Apart from this, I love Travel, Music, Food, Meditation and exercise pretty frequently. My bike is an essential part of my urban life in Manchester, while walking and running are regular components of my week.