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I Traveled To Iraq To See What It’s Really Like And Was Amazed (17 Pics)
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I Traveled To Iraq To See What It’s Really Like And Was Amazed (17 Pics)

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Growing up, as most people in Europe, I was really afraid of Iraq. I mean everything I heard about the country certainly didn’t make it look like a great place to visit.

However, during my full-time travels over the last 6 years, I learned that quite often the places we’re most afraid of aren’t actually as bad as we might think. So I packed my bags, went to the Northern part of Iraq, called “Iraqi Kurdistan” and spent two weeks traveling all around the place, which completely astonished me.

I met some of the friendliest, kindest and nicest people I’ve ever met in my life and became even more convinced that the world is generally a much better place than we tend to see on the news. Let’s make peace. Not war.

More info: youtube.com | Instagram

Growing up, as most people in Europe, I was really afraid of Iraq

But during my travels over the last 6 years I realized that sometimes the places we’re most afraid of aren’t actually as bad

So I packed my bags and went to the Northern part of Iraq, called “Iraqi Kurdistan”

And spent two weeks traveling all around the place, which completely astonished me

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I visited amazing markets

Beautiful nature sights

Thought-provoking museums

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Got destroyed at football by the super friendly local kids

Shared meals with the incredibly friendly local people

Went camping in the gorgeous mountains

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And even walked on abandoned tanks, what?!

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In Iraq I met some of the friendliest, kindest and nicest people I’ve ever met in my life

And became even more convinced that the world is generally a much better place than we tend to see on the news

Let’s make peace. Not war.

Watch this video to see all of my adventures around Iraq

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JacobLaukaitis

JacobLaukaitis

Author, Community member

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A location independent entrepreneur traveling the world. Life's short. Why waste a second?

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JacobLaukaitis

JacobLaukaitis

Author, Community member

A location independent entrepreneur traveling the world. Life's short. Why waste a second?

Vėjūnė Rimašiūtė

Vėjūnė Rimašiūtė

Author, Community member

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Vėjūnė is a community manager who helps artists all over the world introduce their artwork to Bored Panda readers and in that way, become more popular. Since she was always fascinated by the art world, she studied Culture Management and Cultural Policy at Vilnius Academy of Arts where she expanded her knowledge about it. Now she's using all this knowledge to showcase its beauty and help others dive into the fascinating world of art.

Read less »

Vėjūnė Rimašiūtė

Vėjūnė Rimašiūtė

Author, Community member

Vėjūnė is a community manager who helps artists all over the world introduce their artwork to Bored Panda readers and in that way, become more popular. Since she was always fascinated by the art world, she studied Culture Management and Cultural Policy at Vilnius Academy of Arts where she expanded her knowledge about it. Now she's using all this knowledge to showcase its beauty and help others dive into the fascinating world of art.

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andipurzycki avatar
Andrea Purzycki
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder if a woman would have had the same positive experience.

victoriapitt avatar
Victoria Pitt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just to answer some of the comments below on this, as a woman and solo traveler we must use extreme caution traveling almost everywhere. As a woman on your own you are a walking target for crime and unwanted advanced, and in certain countries not as respected unless traveling with a man. Many will try to take advantage of you. This would be my concern if traveling alone anywhere in the middle east.

Load More Replies...
blugeagua avatar
blugeagua
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sure it was fine for you as a man. But I wonder if it was a woman just how different would the experience be...

kbgoodchair avatar
coricox avatar
Cori
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's the very worst part about war. It's started by governments not people. The are just everyday humans trying to live their lives no different than us. They didn't start this war and while I can't speak on their behalf, I doubt they want it either. But the common, everyday people are the ones who pay for it, in every possible way.

i_p_mitchell avatar
Paul Mitchell
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not governments, the arms manufacturers and those who control the media. Governments are their implementation tools.

Load More Replies...
mchkhewr avatar
Mohammed Al Jassim
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very nice of you to visit my home country of Iraq. Hopefully one day when the south of Iraq becomes more stable and peaceful you can come visit the rich history sites there from Ancient Sumeria/Marshes to Arab Shia sites it's really paradise on Earth. Thank you on showing the positive side of Iraq.

captaindash avatar
Full Name
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nobody doubts that most of the people there are just fine. I remember a news story from just before the American invasion into Iraq after the whole Kuwait ordeal and the locals that were hired by the American journalists were so shocked to find out that the Americans were just like them and they sat around and had beers and became friends. We in the west know that, but we've heard so many stories of kidnappings etc that we're nervous because it only takes on bad person out of the hundreds of people you may meet to ruin everything.

Load More Replies...
noahkerr avatar
A Water Bottle
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ve posted something like this before but just because some countries have terrorism and are viewed very negatively in the news doesn’t mean that they are bad in general. This a perfect example about how there is lots of bias about the Middle East but in reality it’s a really amazing place for the most part.

jacoblaukaitis avatar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, having visited most countries in the Middle East, I definitely agree with you.

Load More Replies...
kamibra avatar
kam ibra
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like you visited my city called Arbil/ Erbil, us locals call it Hawler. You certainly have visited one of the friendliest people on the planet. We are the type who would sleep outside of the room in the cold just to give you the best comfort and that's just welcoming you. Remember we feed you and do the best for you without thinking of a penny in return or favours. We are the type that will put ourselves in front of a bullet to protect you as a guest. And the North of Iraq which is Kurdistan region are safe no fights on our end thank God for that. Where I used to live in the area called shorsh in the city of Arbil there was a church near us and Muslims and Christians are living together and and there is another area called Ankawa where all the Christians live. We've been living together for 100s of years. Now a days you need to have a man with you no matter where you are in the world. Too many weirdos around everywhere. My sisters go out by themselves to the market to do shoppi

jacobbeccagizmothesquirrel avatar
jacoblaukaitis avatar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes indeed! It has a very dark past, though. But visiting it is very interesting as you get to learn so much about the history of Iraq and especially Iraqi Kurdistan.

Load More Replies...
chrisdifonso avatar
Chris DiFonso
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanks for the post. There are many countries (e.g., Islamic countries, Russia) that western media are biased against - they almost exclusively report negative news and ignore good people and positive events.

dks001 avatar
DKS 001
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't see a lot of women just hanging out. You, as a male, can hang out with all the other males with no problem. But where were all the women? What if I, a woman, went. Would I be as welcomed in the streets of Iraq?

kirstyeagle avatar
NoWayNoWay
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is Kurdistan they don't force women to wear hijabs they also allow their women to fight Isis. They've played a great part in helping us. Not only Muslims but Jews, Yarsanism, Yazidis, Alevis, Christians.

Load More Replies...
dirigobill avatar
monika-soffronow avatar
Monika Soffronow
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The woes of the area go way back. Here is a nugget from a little over a century ago. It is amazing that the Middle Eastern countries are doing as well as they do, considering the outlandish meddling and map drawing by European colonialist powers, and now the American "defense" industry. The 1916 secret treaty between the United Kingdom and France (plus Russia and Italy), the Sykes-Picot Agreement. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sykes%E2%80%93Picot_Agreement

Load More Replies...
william_9 avatar
William Morales
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People are generally good wherever you , it's the people that abuse power that you have to worry about.

olepederhagen avatar
Ole Peder Amrud Hagen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Isn't it a pretty well known fact that Kurdistan is fairly stable, prosperous and peaceful? I would love to go!

nadine-mezher avatar
Nadine
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love how you have many people commenting on our region, and our countries without being from here, ever having traveled here or know much about here. Yes we have issues, like many parts of the world, yes women don't have full equality like many parts of the world. But it does not mean that they won't be treated with respect! These societies are rooted deep in family tradition and respect. I might not agree with many aspects of it as a feminist in this part of the world, but in most part they are still based on respect. Please stop with the stereotype of entire countries that you bundle together.

monika-soffronow avatar
Monika Soffronow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wise words, Nadine. But I am afraid that most of these people with stereotype vision who have never been out of their country, and yet 'know' more about your part of the world than you do will be hard to convince.

Load More Replies...
philemore avatar
moeless
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, people are mostly people? Got it. It's the ones in power, the ones that crave power, that you must watch for in every country.

abbasfahmy avatar
Abbas Fahmy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nothing worse than world politics, abuse of religion and greed over natural resources to screw the world and humanity. Thank you for sharing your trip and spreading positivity. ;)

reinedd avatar
Charlotte Dupre
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everywhere you go there's good and bad people. The difference is how safe the place is. It's all fun and games until you get kill or kidnapped and then the s**t hit the fan and we see your family crying on tv and ask the gouverment to do something to help you out and guess who is going to pay for it. The same nice people you meet

conniebohone avatar
Beans
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a good point. Like obviously the people who are doing bad stuff in Iraq and other places are not the ones posing in photos etc. Most people are just trying to live. Doesn't mean there isn't a risk. Like, Egypt is a wonderful place and many tourists have a great time, and people are generally good there too... but then stuff like the Giulio Regeni murder happens and its like well, there is a certain risk in certain countries (especially for women) and being aware of that isn't prejudice, it's just a sad fact. When those few awful people do make those areas unsafe, everyone suffers, even the kind people of the country.

Load More Replies...
kennykulbiski avatar
Kenny Kulbiski
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While I agree with the premise that most people are pretty decent all it takes is one misunderstanding or one a*****e official and you're begging your embassy to get you out of prison.

monika-soffronow avatar
Monika Soffronow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even that can happen anywhere: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/oval-4-men-cleared-47-years-on-after-court-of-appeal-finds-they-were-framed-by-detective-krcr7mt5x

Load More Replies...
dariazotova avatar
Daria Z
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Iraq may seem like a nice and friendly place - if you're a man. Being a woman, I have no intention to go and find it out by myself.

maper avatar
Maper Sam
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mewton’s Third Paw, she sure sounds much more intelligent than you...

Load More Replies...
lifestylelisa avatar
Lisa Taylor
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this, it looks amazing and not how I would have expected it to be at all. I have actually seen pictures of Afghanistan from the 50’s and 60’s and it’s a completely different to what it has become now (not saying that should be your next travel destination) but your travelS and pictures of Iraq were definitely not how I perceived it to be.

abinicoarts avatar
Abinico Arts
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Many people end up being reported missing while on this type of trip.

monikamansell avatar
Monika Mansell
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wow, what an experience you had, Jacob ! I didn't expect Iraq to be that beautiful and stunning. Thank you so much for sharing your insights of this amazing country.

thegregoryproject avatar
Gregory Hewitt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i'm going to assume you travelled there as a straight man. --- In Iraq, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) persons are subject to widespread discrimination. Openly gay men are not permitted to serve in the military and same sex marriage or civil unions are illegal. LGBT persons do not have any legal protections against discrimination and are frequently victims of vigilante justice and honour killings.

avitalpilpel avatar
Avital Pilpel
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Israeli, I too am used to "you surely driver around on camels and shoot people with Uzis" attitude, too. No and no.

captaindash avatar
Full Name
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People think Israelis ride around on camels? Per capita Israel produces more companies traded on Nasdaq than anywhere in the world. It's a tech giant. Those people are idiots. Also, Israel is full of jews. The stereotype of the jew is somebody who's money grubbing so it makes no sense to assume Israelis are riding around on camels. People are idiots.

Load More Replies...
mekala-whitaker avatar
~~ZoEy~~
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are good people around the world. There are bad ones too.

xeonow avatar
EV AVANGEL
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gee, glad you had an awakening. Most people who have left know better.

jetblue930 avatar
JetBlue_Reservations
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

JetBlue Flights Reservation Number 1-888-390-0411 Please Call me to visit & More information for this Website. https://jetbluereservations.net/

michaeledmonson avatar
It's me NOT mario
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The school shoot: Nah i think guns are over rated let's bring a f*****g tank that more my style.

eddienegron avatar
Eddie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's be honest Iraq is safe today because Saddam is no longer in power.

dazzles431 avatar
Sarah Hartness
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd like to see a white Christian woman try this. Wonder how it would differ.

heidi-geary2004 avatar
Hocus Pocus
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, although I think the point of this post was to show that just because the government and laws are bad, doesn't mean those forced to follow them are. This guy met some amazing PEOPLE in Iraq, not an necessarily amazing country in terms of how it is run.

Load More Replies...
devonbunny avatar
Bunny Wood
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

American discovers overseas. Is amazed. Hope the front pages!

oona-matilda-rantala avatar
Beachy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a man you can travel pretty much anywhere safely - big surprise!

cnbayler avatar
Colin Bayler
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LOL! Give me a break. He went to the only part in Iraq where the locals are friendly to Americans- the Kurds. How about he goes south or to Baghdad and see how long he lasts.

andipurzycki avatar
Andrea Purzycki
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder if a woman would have had the same positive experience.

victoriapitt avatar
Victoria Pitt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just to answer some of the comments below on this, as a woman and solo traveler we must use extreme caution traveling almost everywhere. As a woman on your own you are a walking target for crime and unwanted advanced, and in certain countries not as respected unless traveling with a man. Many will try to take advantage of you. This would be my concern if traveling alone anywhere in the middle east.

Load More Replies...
blugeagua avatar
blugeagua
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sure it was fine for you as a man. But I wonder if it was a woman just how different would the experience be...

kbgoodchair avatar
coricox avatar
Cori
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's the very worst part about war. It's started by governments not people. The are just everyday humans trying to live their lives no different than us. They didn't start this war and while I can't speak on their behalf, I doubt they want it either. But the common, everyday people are the ones who pay for it, in every possible way.

i_p_mitchell avatar
Paul Mitchell
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not governments, the arms manufacturers and those who control the media. Governments are their implementation tools.

Load More Replies...
mchkhewr avatar
Mohammed Al Jassim
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very nice of you to visit my home country of Iraq. Hopefully one day when the south of Iraq becomes more stable and peaceful you can come visit the rich history sites there from Ancient Sumeria/Marshes to Arab Shia sites it's really paradise on Earth. Thank you on showing the positive side of Iraq.

captaindash avatar
Full Name
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nobody doubts that most of the people there are just fine. I remember a news story from just before the American invasion into Iraq after the whole Kuwait ordeal and the locals that were hired by the American journalists were so shocked to find out that the Americans were just like them and they sat around and had beers and became friends. We in the west know that, but we've heard so many stories of kidnappings etc that we're nervous because it only takes on bad person out of the hundreds of people you may meet to ruin everything.

Load More Replies...
noahkerr avatar
A Water Bottle
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ve posted something like this before but just because some countries have terrorism and are viewed very negatively in the news doesn’t mean that they are bad in general. This a perfect example about how there is lots of bias about the Middle East but in reality it’s a really amazing place for the most part.

jacoblaukaitis avatar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, having visited most countries in the Middle East, I definitely agree with you.

Load More Replies...
kamibra avatar
kam ibra
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like you visited my city called Arbil/ Erbil, us locals call it Hawler. You certainly have visited one of the friendliest people on the planet. We are the type who would sleep outside of the room in the cold just to give you the best comfort and that's just welcoming you. Remember we feed you and do the best for you without thinking of a penny in return or favours. We are the type that will put ourselves in front of a bullet to protect you as a guest. And the North of Iraq which is Kurdistan region are safe no fights on our end thank God for that. Where I used to live in the area called shorsh in the city of Arbil there was a church near us and Muslims and Christians are living together and and there is another area called Ankawa where all the Christians live. We've been living together for 100s of years. Now a days you need to have a man with you no matter where you are in the world. Too many weirdos around everywhere. My sisters go out by themselves to the market to do shoppi

jacobbeccagizmothesquirrel avatar
jacoblaukaitis avatar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes indeed! It has a very dark past, though. But visiting it is very interesting as you get to learn so much about the history of Iraq and especially Iraqi Kurdistan.

Load More Replies...
chrisdifonso avatar
Chris DiFonso
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanks for the post. There are many countries (e.g., Islamic countries, Russia) that western media are biased against - they almost exclusively report negative news and ignore good people and positive events.

dks001 avatar
DKS 001
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't see a lot of women just hanging out. You, as a male, can hang out with all the other males with no problem. But where were all the women? What if I, a woman, went. Would I be as welcomed in the streets of Iraq?

kirstyeagle avatar
NoWayNoWay
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is Kurdistan they don't force women to wear hijabs they also allow their women to fight Isis. They've played a great part in helping us. Not only Muslims but Jews, Yarsanism, Yazidis, Alevis, Christians.

Load More Replies...
dirigobill avatar
monika-soffronow avatar
Monika Soffronow
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The woes of the area go way back. Here is a nugget from a little over a century ago. It is amazing that the Middle Eastern countries are doing as well as they do, considering the outlandish meddling and map drawing by European colonialist powers, and now the American "defense" industry. The 1916 secret treaty between the United Kingdom and France (plus Russia and Italy), the Sykes-Picot Agreement. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sykes%E2%80%93Picot_Agreement

Load More Replies...
william_9 avatar
William Morales
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People are generally good wherever you , it's the people that abuse power that you have to worry about.

olepederhagen avatar
Ole Peder Amrud Hagen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Isn't it a pretty well known fact that Kurdistan is fairly stable, prosperous and peaceful? I would love to go!

nadine-mezher avatar
Nadine
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love how you have many people commenting on our region, and our countries without being from here, ever having traveled here or know much about here. Yes we have issues, like many parts of the world, yes women don't have full equality like many parts of the world. But it does not mean that they won't be treated with respect! These societies are rooted deep in family tradition and respect. I might not agree with many aspects of it as a feminist in this part of the world, but in most part they are still based on respect. Please stop with the stereotype of entire countries that you bundle together.

monika-soffronow avatar
Monika Soffronow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wise words, Nadine. But I am afraid that most of these people with stereotype vision who have never been out of their country, and yet 'know' more about your part of the world than you do will be hard to convince.

Load More Replies...
philemore avatar
moeless
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, people are mostly people? Got it. It's the ones in power, the ones that crave power, that you must watch for in every country.

abbasfahmy avatar
Abbas Fahmy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nothing worse than world politics, abuse of religion and greed over natural resources to screw the world and humanity. Thank you for sharing your trip and spreading positivity. ;)

reinedd avatar
Charlotte Dupre
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everywhere you go there's good and bad people. The difference is how safe the place is. It's all fun and games until you get kill or kidnapped and then the s**t hit the fan and we see your family crying on tv and ask the gouverment to do something to help you out and guess who is going to pay for it. The same nice people you meet

conniebohone avatar
Beans
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a good point. Like obviously the people who are doing bad stuff in Iraq and other places are not the ones posing in photos etc. Most people are just trying to live. Doesn't mean there isn't a risk. Like, Egypt is a wonderful place and many tourists have a great time, and people are generally good there too... but then stuff like the Giulio Regeni murder happens and its like well, there is a certain risk in certain countries (especially for women) and being aware of that isn't prejudice, it's just a sad fact. When those few awful people do make those areas unsafe, everyone suffers, even the kind people of the country.

Load More Replies...
kennykulbiski avatar
Kenny Kulbiski
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While I agree with the premise that most people are pretty decent all it takes is one misunderstanding or one a*****e official and you're begging your embassy to get you out of prison.

monika-soffronow avatar
Monika Soffronow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even that can happen anywhere: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/oval-4-men-cleared-47-years-on-after-court-of-appeal-finds-they-were-framed-by-detective-krcr7mt5x

Load More Replies...
dariazotova avatar
Daria Z
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Iraq may seem like a nice and friendly place - if you're a man. Being a woman, I have no intention to go and find it out by myself.

maper avatar
Maper Sam
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mewton’s Third Paw, she sure sounds much more intelligent than you...

Load More Replies...
lifestylelisa avatar
Lisa Taylor
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this, it looks amazing and not how I would have expected it to be at all. I have actually seen pictures of Afghanistan from the 50’s and 60’s and it’s a completely different to what it has become now (not saying that should be your next travel destination) but your travelS and pictures of Iraq were definitely not how I perceived it to be.

abinicoarts avatar
Abinico Arts
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Many people end up being reported missing while on this type of trip.

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Monika Mansell
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wow, what an experience you had, Jacob ! I didn't expect Iraq to be that beautiful and stunning. Thank you so much for sharing your insights of this amazing country.

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Gregory Hewitt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i'm going to assume you travelled there as a straight man. --- In Iraq, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) persons are subject to widespread discrimination. Openly gay men are not permitted to serve in the military and same sex marriage or civil unions are illegal. LGBT persons do not have any legal protections against discrimination and are frequently victims of vigilante justice and honour killings.

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Avital Pilpel
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Israeli, I too am used to "you surely driver around on camels and shoot people with Uzis" attitude, too. No and no.

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Full Name
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People think Israelis ride around on camels? Per capita Israel produces more companies traded on Nasdaq than anywhere in the world. It's a tech giant. Those people are idiots. Also, Israel is full of jews. The stereotype of the jew is somebody who's money grubbing so it makes no sense to assume Israelis are riding around on camels. People are idiots.

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~~ZoEy~~
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are good people around the world. There are bad ones too.

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EV AVANGEL
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gee, glad you had an awakening. Most people who have left know better.

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JetBlue_Reservations
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

JetBlue Flights Reservation Number 1-888-390-0411 Please Call me to visit & More information for this Website. https://jetbluereservations.net/

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It's me NOT mario
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The school shoot: Nah i think guns are over rated let's bring a f*****g tank that more my style.

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Eddie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's be honest Iraq is safe today because Saddam is no longer in power.

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Sarah Hartness
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd like to see a white Christian woman try this. Wonder how it would differ.

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Hocus Pocus
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, although I think the point of this post was to show that just because the government and laws are bad, doesn't mean those forced to follow them are. This guy met some amazing PEOPLE in Iraq, not an necessarily amazing country in terms of how it is run.

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Bunny Wood
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

American discovers overseas. Is amazed. Hope the front pages!

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Beachy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a man you can travel pretty much anywhere safely - big surprise!

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Colin Bayler
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LOL! Give me a break. He went to the only part in Iraq where the locals are friendly to Americans- the Kurds. How about he goes south or to Baghdad and see how long he lasts.

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