THE IRAQI SERIES
The Iraqi Series Reflection Post. After my experience in Afghanistan I knew there was only one place I wanted to visit. I heard so much about the Iraqi people and frankly I wanted to put it to the test.
FROM THE SOUTHERN TIP OF IRAQ TO THE NORTHERN HIGHLANDS OF KURDISTAN
As I write this on the plane, I am slightly frustrated as I know wherever I go in the next few years I will not experience this kind of hospitality again. It was only yesterday that I commented on a guys jacket, who proceeded to take it off and hand it to me as a gift. After 15 years of travel, nothing like this has ever happened.
WHERE IS IRAQ?
Iraq
IS IT SAFE?
The question everyone is asking but no one more so than my mum and dad. I had visited Afghanistan earlier this year which I felt to be a bit dodgey and they seemed ok but I couldn’t understand why they thought Iraq was worse. But I went anyway and couldn’t wait to showcase the true nature of these people!
I experienced no problems during my trip, besides being refused access to the Al Anbar region but I’ll put that down to the over protection of westerners so it’s hard to argue.
The Iraqi Series Reflection Post
TRIP STATS….
- DAYS – 20
- COUNTRIES – 3
- NEW COUNTRIES – 2
- REVISITS – 1
- FLIGHTS – 4
- MILES TRAVELLED – 8492 miles
THE PEOPLE
Enough cannot be said about the people of Iraq! There are not many people who have been through what they have and yet they still find it within themselves to be some of the most generous and kind folk on the planet. I can only imagine in the west many of us would be wasting our lives, revelling in the victimhood of oppression instead of getting on with life. Its visiting places like this that put my feet firmly on the ground and realise how lucky am with the opportunities I have each day. I only need to look as far as the owner of the Shabander Café to remind me of this.
The Iraqi Series Reflection Post
RELATED READ: A TRIP TO THE EDGE OF THE WORLD
FREE GIFTS
I cannot begin to remember all the gifts and offers of free food I experienced. Besides being offered a randos jacket, I was given a flag after asking if I could take a photo with it. The fella was literally 15, said keep it and ran off! Its experiences like these that make me question my own attitude!
The Iraqi Series Reflection Post
RATINGS….
- PEOPLE – 9.5/10 (only because nothing is a 10)
- BACKPACKING – 6.5/10
- WEATHER – 7.5/10
- THINGS TO DO – 8.5/10
- HISTORY – 8.5/10
- FOOD – 8/10
- VALUE – 7/10
- PHOTOGRAPHY – 8/10
- GETTING ABOUT – 6/10
- SAFETY – 7/10
THE FOOD
With its humous, dips, falafels and kebabs, food in the middle east is hard to beat. But Iraq raises the bar further, with its incredible choice of sugary treats. If you are a fan of sweet bites then that might just justify a trip to Iraq on its own.
The Iraqi Series Reflection Post
SUMMED UP….
- HIGHLIGHT – The people
- LOWLIGHT – Al Anbar
- BEST SURPRISE – The football
- VISIT AGAIN – Yes!
- TRIP RATING – 8.5/10
IRAQ’S RELIANCE ON OIL
Similar to numerous Middle Eastern countries, Iraq heavily relies on oil, constituting around 90% of its GDP. Dubai and Saudi Arabia recognize the finite nature of this natural resource and have strategically invested in diversifying their economies for long-term sustainability. However, during my three weeks in Iraq, I observed a lack of evident preparations for the eventual depletion of oil reserves. Despite the country facing pressing issues, there was little indication of proactive measures being taken. It is disheartening to see that, if not directed towards the welfare of the people and infrastructure, the money generated from oil is flowing in unclear directions.
The Iraqi Series Reflection Post
FINAL THOUGHTS
It’s almost sad to know this trip is over but the people of Iraq have done their country proud and I cannot wait to return for a trip to Al Anbar and maybe another football match!!
NEXT UP
West Africa calls!! Coming soon.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
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This post is part of The Iraqi Series, for the entire series click here or for episode 1, click here.
To watch the video of my trip, head to my highlights on my Instagram.
