I look back on my Iraqi adventure after 20 amazing days traveling across the country. From southern Iraq to the mountains of Kurdistan, this reflection shares my experiences of kindness, rich culture, shisha cafés, delicious kebabs, and the surprisingly different reality of traveling in Iraq.
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, knowing that 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 guy’s 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 was a bit dodgy, 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 overprotection 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 Most Generous People of Iraq I Have Ever Met
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 that in the West, many of us would be wasting our lives, reveling in the victimhood of oppression instead of getting on with life.
Visiting places like this keeps me grounded and reminds me of how lucky I am to have 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 and Random Acts of Kindness in Iraq
I cannot begin to remember all the gifts and offers of free food I received. Besides being offered a random 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! It’s experiences like these that make me question my own attitude!
The Iraqi Series Reflection Post
How Does Iraq Score?
- 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
Iraq Completely Won Me Over With Its Desserts
With its hummus, dips, falafels, and kebabs, food in the Middle East is hard to beat. But Iraq raises the bar even higher with its incredible selection of sugary treats. If you are a fan of sweet bites, that alone might just justify a trip to Iraq on its own.
The Iraqi Series Reflection Post
Iraq In A Nutshell
- Highlight: The people
- Lowlight: Al Anbar (being refused access)
- Best Surprise: The football
- Visit Again: Yes!
- Trip Rating: 8.5/10
Iraq’s Oil Wealth and the Questions It Left Me Asking
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 invested strategically to diversify 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. 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
TODAY’S YOUTUBE VIDEOS
If you want to see today from a different perspective, and catch a few different stories from the front row, then check out today’s YouTube videos below.
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!!
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
161/229
Question Time
What is “The Iraqi Series Reflection Post” about?
I reflect on my 20-day journey across Iraq, from the southern regions to the mountains of Kurdistan, sharing my experiences of the culture, hospitality, food, and everyday life I witnessed along the way.
Is Iraq safe for travelers, according to my experience?
From my personal experience, I faced no major safety issues during my trip, except being denied access to one region. That said, I always recommend checking official travel advisories before visiting.
What was the most memorable part of my time in Iraq?
The incredible hospitality of the Iraqi people stood out the most for me. I experienced genuine kindness, including unexpected gifts, food, and gestures that I’ve rarely seen anywhere else in my years of travel.
What kind of food did I experience in Iraq?
I enjoyed a rich variety of Iraqi food, especially kebabs, hummus, falafel, and some of the most delicious sweet treats I’ve had in the Middle East.
How long did my trip last?
My journey lasted 20 days, during which I traveled across multiple regions of Iraq and experienced both urban and rural life, including Kurdistan.
Would I visit Iraq again?
Yes, I would absolutely return. I still want to explore places like Al Anbar and experience more of Iraq’s culture, people, and football atmosphere.
NEXT UP
The hardest region in the world to travel, West Africa! Click to read blog one.
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.
Question Time
- Would you visit Iraq?
- What sort of travel do you prefer, luxury, backpacker, historic, activity?
Let me know in the comments below . . .
