I lived about 10 km from Mount Damavand in Iran, Tehran. My father was a keen mountaineer so he introduced me to the sport. It was mainly a pastime than a sport to me as I wasn't too keen to do anything dangerous or spend days climbing like professionals do. The scenery is breath-taking and priceless. At that time the mountain path was still unspoilt and wild. Once you go up you feel freest than you ever will ever feel.