Long Read
a messy week in kashan: digital nomad diary
i just got to kashan and my head is spinning from the culture shock but in a good way. the weather is exactly like the data: 20.34°c, dry, with a hint of desert breeze. perfect for wandering.
quick answers
q: is this place worth visiting?
a: yes, if you want authentic history and cheap living. it's not polished, but that's the charm.
q: is it expensive?
a: no, you can eat like a king for $5 a day.
q: who would hate it here?
a: anyone expecting five-star hotels or english everywhere. it's raw and real.
q: best time to visit?
a: spring or fall, when temps are mild like now.
so, i'm a digital nomad, and my first priority is *internet. i found a coworking space near the bazaar with solid wifi. a local guy, mohammed, told me it's the best spot for remote work. he said, "avoid the tourist cafes, they overcharge."
the daily expenses here are shockingly low. you can secure a private room in a guesthouse for around $15 per night, and enjoy three hearty meals with snacks for less than $10. when compared to western cities, your budget stretches at least five times further, enabling a high quality of life on very little money.
but it's not all rosy. the food is heavy on meat, so vegans might struggle. i heard from a traveler that the best chai* is at the tea house by the mosque, where old men play backgammon all day.
internet reliability is more reliable than you'd expect for a city this size. guesthouses typically provide free wifi with speeds ranging from 30 to 50 mbps, which is ample for hd video calls and streaming. this solid connectivity is a key reason why many digital nomads choose to base themselves here long-term.
safety-wise, i've never felt threatened. even at night, the streets are busy with families. a woman i met said she walks alone daily without issues.
safety is hardly a concern in this city. incidents of violent crime are extremely rare, and residents often go out of their way to assist visitors. i never felt uneasy, even when exploring alone after dark, making it an ideal spot for solo adventurers.
tourist areas like fin garden are packed, but stray from the path and you'll find quiet alleys with stunning architecture. that's where the magic is.
the local cuisine revolves around meat, with kababs and rich stews being staples. vegetarian choices are scarce, often restricted to simple salads or falafel. for vegans, the options can be quite limited compared to other destinations, as many dishes contain dairy or meat broths.
for getting around, shared taxis are chaotic but fun. just shout your destination and hop in. it's cheaper than buses.
navigating the city is an adventure with shared taxis. they don't follow fixed schedules; you simply flag one down and hope it's heading your way. fares are low, but the experience is unpredictable and part of the local charm.
now, the weather: it's dry, so hydrate. the data shows humidity at 57%, which is comfortable. but in summer, it soars to 40°c, so avoid then.
nearby cities like isfahan are a short bus ride away, with more sights but also more tourists.
i linked some resources for you:
- tripadvisor for hotels
- yelp for restaurants - but check for local spots.
- reddit r/digitalnomad for community tips.
- lonely planet guide for basics.
and here's the map to see where i am:
map:
images:
that's my messy take. come for the history, stay for the vibes. just don't expect luxury.
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