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What is Your Core Value?

Recently, I came across an exercise from Stan Slap that helped me uncover something crucial about myself—my most important value

Like many of us, I’ve always known that values shape who we are, but I never truly realized how much my one core value has influenced my work, decisions, and personal life. Understanding this was like finding the missing piece of a puzzle—suddenly, my choices, preferences, and even moments of energy or exhaustion made perfect sense.

Being self-aware of our values is powerful. We all have many values, but one of them is the foundation that drives everything else. When I identified mine, I was amazed to see how it had silently guided my biggest career decisions and personal relationships.

This clarity gave me a deeper understanding of why certain solutions feel right and why others feel uncomfortable. It also helped me recognize the moments that energize me and those that drain me. The best part? The process is simple—self-awareness starts by paying attention.

If you want to discover your core value, I highly recommend this exercise: Stan Slap’s Values Exercise. But since we all love quick solutions, here’s a streamlined version:
1️⃣ Imagine yourself at the end of your career—80, 90, or 100 years old. What gave you a deep sense of fulfillment and meaning?
2️⃣ Write down 10 core values that align with that vision
3️⃣ Narrow the list down to 5.
4️⃣ Narrow it further down to 3.
5️⃣ By this step, you might find the one core value that truly defines you. If not, list activities that make you feel aligned with those values. Reflect on the positive outcomes and also the trade-offs they bring.

I’d love to hear from you—have you ever done a similar exercise? What did you discover about yourself?

Quitting Social Media

Quitting Social Media

Most of you who know me are aware that I was quite active on Instagram and Facebook. I joined these platforms almost as soon as they launched—Facebook in 2004 and Instagram in 2010. but I decided to Quitting Social Media

Instagram, at the beginning, was like a public photo gallery where you could share moments with friends. There were no stories, no highlights, just a simple feed of photos. But over time, it transformed into a more addictive app. First, they introduced stories, then story highlights, and eventually, the Explore section. The final nail in the coffin for me was the introduction of Reels—a massive time killer!

For many years, I insisted on using these apps to communicate with my real friends, keeping up with their updates and sharing mine. However, it became increasingly apparent that I was getting drowned in a black hole of useless information. The feed was full of rubbish content, and I couldn’t keep track of my friends’ updates anymore. The same thing happened to my friends. Instead of creating valuable content, people focused on short, sensational content that attracted more views and likes.

The number of ads also increased to the point where it became difficult to distinguish between genuine posts and advertisements. This endless stream of distractions took a toll on my focus and patience for reading or watching useful content. My attention span shrank, and my habit of reading books suffered immensely.

I reached a point where I had to make a change. I realized that social media was no longer serving its original purpose for me. Instead of enhancing my connections, it was diminishing the quality of my time and focus.

So, I decided to quit!

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It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was an overnight change. Initially. as days turned into weeks, I began to notice the positive effects. I had more time for things that truly mattered to me—reading books, engaging in meaningful conversations, and focusing on my projects.

I regained my ability to concentrate for extended periods, and my patience improved. I no longer felt the compulsive need to check my phone every few minutes. Instead, I started to live more in the moment, appreciating the here and now.

Quitting social media was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It allowed me to reclaim my time and mental space, and it reminded me of the importance of real, meaningful interactions. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the constant barrage of information and the pressure to stay updated, I encourage you to take a step back and evaluate your relationship with social media. It might be the change you need to refocus and regain control over your life.

Ok, it is too soon to judge it properly, but I feel lots of changes in my productivity already. I will try my best to keep my distance from them also in the future. Let’s see how I can manage it properly.

P.S. You can always find my latest updates here anyway! and I will try to post more blog posts!

Rory-Stewart-Adventures

The Places in between

Discovering Afghanistan Through “The Places in Between”

Rory Stewart

As an Iranian living in close proximity to Afghanistan, my curiosity about this neighboring country has always been piqued. Despite the presence of many Afghan people in Iran, there remains a significant gap in our understanding of their rich cultural diversity and complex history. It was this curiosity that led me to Rory Stewart’s “The Places in Between,” a book that promised a deep and intimate look at Afghanistan through the eyes of a traveler determined to uncover its soul.

Rory Stewart: A Journey Interrupted and Resumed

Rory Stewart, a former British diplomat and adventurer, embarked on an ambitious journey to walk across Asia from Turkey to Bangladesh. However, his plans were interrupted by the Taliban government, forcing him to bypass Afghanistan. After the fall of the Taliban in 2001, Stewart seized the opportunity to complete his journey through Afghanistan. His aim was to walk from Herat to Kabul, tracing the footsteps of Babur, the first Mughal emperor, who made a similar trek in the 16th century.

The Journey: From Herat to Kabul

In “The Places in Between,” Stewart details his trek from Herat to Kabul, covering approximately 1000 KM on foot. The journey took place in early 2002, a period of great uncertainty and transformation for Afghanistan. Stewart’s path led him through the heart of the country, exposing him to its diverse landscapes and cultures.

Encounters and Experiences

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Stewart’s encounters with the Afghan people. His journey introduces readers to a wide array of characters, from shepherds and villagers to former Taliban fighters. Each interaction provides a unique insight into the lives and resilience of the Afghan people. Stewart’s narrative is marked by moments of profound kindness and hospitality, as well as the harsh realities of a country emerging from decades of conflict.

Cultural and Historical Insights

Stewart’s background as a scholar and former diplomat enriches his narrative with historical and cultural context. He draws parallels between his journey and the historical route of Babur, providing readers with a deeper understanding of Afghanistan’s past. The book also sheds light on the complexities of Afghan society, its ethnic diversity, and the intricate tapestry of traditions and beliefs that define the nation.

Challenges and Reflections

Stewart’s journey was fraught with challenges, from navigating difficult terrain and harsh weather to dealing with the remnants of war. His perseverance and determination to complete the journey on foot highlight his commitment to truly understanding the country. Through his reflections, Stewart offers a poignant commentary on the nature of travel, the importance of human connection, and the enduring spirit of Afghanistan.

Conclusion: A Bridge to Understanding

“The Places in Between” is more than just a travelogue; it is a bridge to understanding a country that remains enigmatic to many. For someone like me, with a personal interest in Afghanistan, Stewart’s journey offers a window into the lives, struggles, and beauty of the Afghan people. It is a testament to the power of travel to foster empathy and awareness, reminding us that even in places marked by conflict, there is humanity, resilience, and hope.

Reading Rory Stewart’s account has deepened my appreciation for Afghanistan and its people. It has inspired me to learn more and to continue seeking connections and understanding with the old neighbors. For anyone interested in a profound and personal exploration of Afghanistan, “The Places in Between” is an essential read.

I read most of this book at a campsite in northern Italy, surrounded by people enjoying their vacations in a lush, green area beside a pool. It moved me deeply that Rory Stewart left his safe zone and faced so many challenges on his journey. I admire his modesty, especially when he concludes the book by saying, “I know nothing about Afghanistan and…” This humility, coupled with his extraordinary effort, makes his story all the more powerful and resonant.

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Exploring the Majestic Monviso: A Three-Day Adventure

Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps lies a hidden gem, the majestic Monviso. With a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and challenging trails, a tour of Monviso promises an unforgettable adventure.
this three-day expedition was nothing short of epic, filled with stunning natural beauty, a dash of history, and a lot of fun with friends.

Monviso: Where Magic Happens

Monviso, affectionately known as Monte Viso, is a superstar mountain that proudly straddles the Italy-France border. Its unique pyramid shape has earned it the nickname “Mountain with a face,” and boy, is it photogenic! But Monviso is not just about its looks; it’s steeped in history and natural wonders.

The region surrounding Monviso is like a time capsule, with stories of shepherds, pilgrims, and daredevil mountaineers who’ve ventured here over the centuries. The place boasts of everything an outdoor enthusiast could dream of – alpine lakes, lush meadows, and a vibrant tapestry of plants and critters.

Planning Our Monviso Extravaganza

You can’t just wander into a place like Monviso without a plan. So, we huddled up and devised our three-day master plan. First things first, we parked our trusty car in Pian della Regina, a charming village snuggled in the Italian Alps, and embarked on our thrilling journey.

sunrise in rifugio sella monviso

Day 1: Hello Rifugio Quintino Sella!

Our first day was all about the climb. We tackled a challenging 8.7-kilometer hike that saw us ascending 1,015 meters and descending 105 meters. With a moving time of four and a half hours, we finally reached Rifugio Quintino Sella at a lofty 2,644 meters. The fog played a little hide-and-seek with us, but the moment we caught glimpses of the breathtaking landscape, we knew it was worth it. Sadly, we had to skip those hot showers, but who needs ’em when you’re surrounded by mountain magic?

monviso from refugio sella

Day 2: Monviso Unveiled

The second day was an absolute stunner, with the sun gracing us with its presence. We trekked 15 kilometers, conquering an ascent of 800 meters and a descent of 1,000 meters. Rifugio Vallanta was our next stop, and while they, too, were shy with hot water, the sheer beauty of the Alpine scenery was all the luxury we needed.

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Day 3: Borders and Bocca del Viso

Our final day was a whirlwind of adventure. We made our way into France, treating our taste buds to some delectable local cuisine for lunch. Then, it was time for the pièce de résistance – the Bocca del Viso tunnel, connecting Italy and France. As we made our way back to Pian della Regina, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the memories etched in our hearts.

In a nutshell, a Monviso tour is not just a physical adventure; it’s a soul-stirring journey that reconnects you with nature’s grandeur and weaves you into the fabric of history. This three-day escapade filled us with a profound appreciation for the Alpine wilderness, and the camaraderie we shared with friends made it all the more special. So, whether you’re seeking solitude, a dash of thrill, or just a healthy dose of mountain magic, Monviso has it all – and then some!

Carnival of Ivrea

Ivrea is a beautiful town located in the northwestern part of Italy, close to the border with France. It is known for its historic charm, as well as its location at the foot of the Alps

This weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the Carnival of Ivrea, a lively and colourful festival held annually in the town of Ivrea in the Piedmont region of Italy. This event is unlike any other, with its unique customs and traditions, especially the infamous “orange fight” that takes place during the festivities.

Ivrea is a beautiful town located in the northwestern part of Italy, close to the border with France. It is known for its historic charm, as well as its location at the foot of the Alps. It is also known for its production of quality wines, particularly the Nebbiolo grape, which is used to make the famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines.

The Carnival of Ivrea has a long and fascinating history. The origins of the festival date back to the Middle Ages, when the town was ruled by a tyrant named Ranieri di Biandrate. According to legend, a young miller’s daughter named Violetta refused to submit to the tyrant’s advances and killed him with a dagger. Her act of bravery is commemorated each year during the carnival.

The carnival itself is a three-day event that includes a parade, musical performances, and various other forms of entertainment. However, the most famous and unique aspect of the festival is the orange fight, which takes place on the Monday and Tuesday of the carnival.

The orange fight involves two groups of people who throw oranges at each other in a mock battle. The origins of this tradition are not entirely clear, but some historians believe it dates back to the 12th century, when the town was under siege and the residents used oranges as weapons to fend off their attackers.

There are certain rules that must be followed during the orange fight. If you only a visitor of Carnival of Ivrea you must wear a red hat for safety reasons, and you are not allowed to throw oranges at people who are not wearing a hat. They are also not allowed to throw oranges after a signal is given to stop the battle.

The exact number of oranges used during the orange fight at the Carnival of Ivrea varies from year to year, but it is estimated that tens of thousands of oranges are thrown during the battle

The exact number of oranges used during the orange fight at the Carnival of Ivrea varies from year to year, but it is estimated that tens of thousands of oranges are thrown during the battle. The oranges used are typically not fit for consumption and are often collected from local farmers who are happy to donate them for the festival. In recent years, the organizers of the carnival have made efforts to ensure that the oranges used are not wasted and are collected and used for composting or for making marmalade. Despite the large quantity of oranges used, the tradition continues to be popular with locals and visitors alike, who appreciate the unique and exhilarating experience of taking part in the orange fight.

The orange fight has become a symbol of the Carnival of Ivrea, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to witness this unique spectacle. It is a way for the people of Ivrea to celebrate their history and their resistance against oppression.

the Carnival of Ivrea is a wonderful event that showcases the rich culture and history of this beautiful town in northern Italy. The orange fight, with its ancient origins and unique customs, is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the people of Ivrea. If you ever get the chance to visit this charming town during the carnival, I highly recommend that you do so. if you still looking for other places you can always visit my other posts. at the end you can view more photos of this carnival.

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Fénis Castle

Castello di Fénis 🇮🇹 or Fénis Castle 🇬🇧 or Château de Fénis 🇫🇷 is in Aosta Valley in the north-west of Italy. close to France and Switzerland borders. Aosta Valley or in Italian, Valle d’Aosta is the smallest and least populous region of Italy. But there are more than 30 castles in this small & beautiful region. Fénis Castle is one of the most famous one. it is well-known for its architecture and battlemented walls and the towers.

Location of Fénis Castle

The Castle is in the city of Fénis. it is just 13 km away from the city of Aosta. Fénis castle have many watchtowers which they linked together by walkway and protected with double boundary.

The courtyard, the centre of the central inhabited body, is the small quadrangular courtyard built by Bonifacio I between the end of the 14th and the beginning of the 15th century.

When you visit the castle it reminds you of Borgo medieval in Torino. do not get surprise. because the courtyard of Borgo medieval of Torino is a copy of the internal courtyard of the castle of Fénis.

Interior

Inside the castle there are numerous and gigantic fireplaces. I can imagine in the winter time the castle was pleasant and warm. they also using them for the cooking.

The rooms and balconies inside the courtyard are furnished with various types of wooden. this wood feeling made it elegant. The walls of the balconies are decorating with images of sages and prophets and proverbs in old French. You can visit first and second floor with chapel. The third floor, in the attic, was dedicated to the servant and is not visitable.

I visit the castle in beginning of the March. I am sure in the Spring it will be more beautiful when everything is green. If I have a chance, I will go there again in spring for taking better photos. maybe for the wallpaper section of my website. anyway, even visiting this castle in winter will be a good experience. if you are passing through Aosta valley you should stop there and visit this beautiful castle. you need one hour to visit the inside and then you can have a amazing lunch break at Aosta.

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San Fruttuoso, Portofino, Santa Margherita

Yes, Everybody knows Portofino is astonishing but, did you know that there is marvellous place after that which you can not reach there by car? San Fruttuoso! We did a trekking from Santa Margherita through Portofino until San Fruttuoso, and it was far behind that perfect.

Start Point

Santa Margherita

Santa Margherita was always one of my favourite city in Liguria region of Italy. Portofino is very famous among foreigners but in fact in my opinion Santa Margherita Liguria is a demo of heaven on the earth. Amazing sea with mesmerising rocks stick to the green hills which the eyes cannot stop enjoy watching them. Since I moved to Italy every summer, I had remarkable memories over there. Unforgettable and Fancy at the same time. Luckily, I live so close to them, and I’ve been plenty of times there. But, the outstanding fact about Italy is that there are always new places, new foods, new wines, new cheeses &… to surprise you.

To Portofino

Portofino

We parked the car near the train station of Santa Margherita to start our journey. It was February and even not spring yet. But finding a parking over there is not always easy and will be costly too. If you can reach there by The train, do not take your car. We walked alongside the sea to reach Portofino. This fantastic place. Luckily, I took numerous photos because words cannot describe the beauty of it.

San Fruttuoso

San Fruttuoso

When you reach Portofino, it is almost the end, and usually, you can not go further. But if you like trekking, you can find a way through the mountains to reach San Fruttuoso in 2 hours with normal pace. The passage is wonderful with eye-catching view to the cliffs and sea. I saw a man living and working on his farm, 5 minutes away from one of the most expensive places of the world. Far away from all those yacht and fancy cars. I really believe he was the richest man over there.

We walked totally 25 km and with elevation gain of around 1000 m. On the way back, we took the bus from Portofino back to Santa Margherita train station because we were exhausted and why not!

You can find Strava activity of this day here. if you have a plan to visit Portofino I highly suggest you to take your time and do the trekking to San Fruttuoso too.

P. S: every time after I posted photos that I’ve taken as stories on instagram, many people replied and told me that they made a screenshot to use the photo as their wallpaper. It makes me delighted that people liked my photos that much. But, I prefer they use the high-quality one. So soon I will put a wallpaper download section on my website for selected wallpapers. So, you can download my photos in high-quality format for the wallpaper. so look for it later in my website menu and let me know if you also use them as your wallpaper. it really motivates me.

I Giorni della Merla

Last weekend for I Giorni della Merla we decided to go to Belavarda near the city of Cantoira in Piemonte. OK, but what the heck is I Giorni della Merla? Continue reading this post to know…

To Begin

Although it was I Giorni della Merla but it was a really hot sunny day. We start our journey from Lities. A small village which you start directly from there or even if you are ready for 400 m more height difference you can even start from Cantoira. All the information of this route completely described here. Yes, it is in Italian, but you can always use translator. These days they are working much smarter even with a hard language like the Italian.

panormaic View from Bellavarda
panormaic View from Bellavarda

The Accident

Once again, our plan was going on our own. And yes, as I mentioned before in our journey to Monte Soglio I always prefer more adventure and taking more risks. But to be honest on this trip we got lost which for me was still fine, and then an accident happened to one of my friend, and he slipped and fell down from the cliff. Frankly, we were so lucky that he did not get any serious injury. But I understand that we need to be more careful and also get more prepared for unwanted incidents.

The Second Accident

The other things that happened on this trip was after that accident we finally reached somewhere to had our meal, and then I just discovered that I left my delicious Tuna Avocado sandwiches in the fridge! Luckily, I was not that hungry at the moment. Later on that night I had a big Burger plus lots of fried stuff as a reward to myself.

The Details

This trekking include a really steep track which require a good level of fitness. So, I do not recommend it for beginners. The total distance to the summit is around 4.5 km, but the height difference is around 1000 m and if you start from Cantoira it will be 400 m more. The path almost well signposted, but be careful because we got lost of the track two times. There are some signs which also let you know the vertical distance which you take so far in an interesting graphical way. You can see it in photos at the end of this post.

I Giorni della Merla

The last 3 days of January (from the 29th to the 31st) are traditionally called “I Giorni della Merla” (Blackbird’s Days) and are considered the coldest days of the year. This is actually just a legend, but I am crazy for these types of legends.

I giorni della merla
Merla (Black bird)

The origin of the saying

There are numerous theories about the origin of the expression “I Giorni della Merla”. Which you can find them by yourself or just ask your Italian friends about it.

But according to my favourite legend, January originally had 28 days. The month of January was terrible to a poor blackbird because he envied her beautiful pure white plumage. Every time this poor bird went out seeking food for herself and her little ones, the Month became suddenly colder. Tired of this, one year, the blackbird decided to gather enough supplies for the whole month. When, after the 28th day, she went out singing and mocking January because she thought she had played him, January got upset and borrowed three extra days from his brother February so that it could continue to torment the blackbird with snowstorms, chill, wind, and rain. During those days, the blackbird was out hunting for food and had to find shelter into a chimney; when she came out, three days later, her plumage was black. Since then, blackbirds have always been black and January has 31 days.

If you check my instagram post of this trip you will see me mostly with short sleeves and that is why maybe it is all just a legend. If you are Italian and know any other origin about I Giorni della Merla, please let me know about it.

MonteSoglio

Monte Soglio

Monte Soglio is a 1971 m mountain belonging to Graian Alps (Alpi Graie). Graian Alps is a section of the Alps located between Italy, France & Switzerland. The west part of the Alps which you all know, the most famous and highest peak of it: the famous Mont Blanc.
It seems finally my Italian friends start to believe that we do not need the guide for every easy trekking route. Frankly, for me (who did the Damavand (5600 m) without any guide only with a friend who she is also was completely noob like me) understanding that why we always require a guide here is a little hard. Yes, I absolutely appreciate group trekking and meeting new people and making friends. Plus that there are numerous adventures route or new experiences that it’s much safer with a proper guide. But come on, here there are full of sign always on the route which you do not even need to use maps and routes on your phone.

Monte Soglio

Starting point

Any way, we decided to hike to Monte Soglio from Piano Audi. Piano Audi is straightforward access by car. Then you can start your journey to Monte Soglio summit exactly from there. The distance we did was around 15 km and the difference in the altitude of around 1000 m.

Alpe Soglia Refuge near Monte Soglio

Monte Soglio


Near the summit you will reach the Alpe Soglia Refuge which was really nice like all the other Refuge in the mountains.
We did this route on 22nd of Jan and there was only a little part covered with snow and glacier. You will not need snowshoes, but maybe having crampons make the passage to the summit more pleasant. (Which I did not have!)

Monte Soglio

The summit had the amazing 360º view which was really delightful. I am still a little lazy to organise my gallery system here and post photos there. So for the moment I will add some selected photos to the post gallery.

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Tre Denti and Freidour

If you love 360º panromaic view continue reading Tre Denti and Freidour post!

Tre Denti and Freidour are mountains of Alpi del Monginevro under the section of the Cottian Alps. We had a plan to just trek to Freidour with the guide of Trekking Torino but later we also continued our journey till the peak of tre denti.

Monte Freidour

We left the cars here and started to hike through the monte Freidour. although we were in the coldest days of January, it was a pleasant warm sunny day and contrary to our expectations. the route from starting point to the summit of Freidour was simple but with an amazing panoramic view of the valleys. at the end of the summit, we enjoyed the marvelous 360º panoramic view.

Tre Denti and Freidour

On the top is the trigonometric geodetic datum the IGM code 067041 called Monte Freidour. also there is a monument of the 8 members of the crew of a British Liberator bomber that crashed there on 14 October 1944, during a mission in support of Italian partisans.

After reaching there we decided to continue through The Aragno hill which separates Freidour from Mount Tre Denti. so we continued our journey till the highest dent of those three dents! from there you can have panromaic view of city of Avigliana and the lakes of Avigliana.

avigliana lakes from tre denti

At the end we reached the small chapel at the top of the eastern tooth. we had our lunch break there while we enjoyed the mesmerizing view. on the way back we continued another route which ended to Casa Canada (Refuge Melano). even if you do not like hiking or not in the mood of long journey I highly recommend you to visit this place. it is very easy to access with short distance of walking.

Such as always you can find the Strava activity on my Strava Profile. soon I need to setup an image gallery system on my website for the people who like just browse the photos fast and then I can focus more on the text on my blog posts.