• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

Visiting Sulaymaniyah University

(Dominoes and tea - Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.)
On a lighter note from my visit to the war museum in Salaymaniyah, my guide/and now new friend, knew some folks attending Sulaymaniyah University. So he called them and they met us at the Art Department. We retreated to the cafeteria to have some soda pop and juice. I had to smile at all the Coca-Cola posters.

My guide/now friend had to check in his weapon at the door to the university. Today was the first time in two visits to this part of the world I have had an armed guide. This side note should interest the many people who have often asked me if I usually have an armed guide. It was more serendipity than official. He has to carry a weapon for his job.

The university officials asked that I please take no pictures of the campus.

Those that have asked about how the people here feel about the Turks invading the mountains of Northern Iraq, my friend pointed out the small demonstration in front of the campus protesting the invasion. I have only his word as to what was going on because English is rarely used on signage in this part of the world.

Also, when I asked my friend what he thought of the Turkish invasion, he merely said, "The Turks have invaded a country with no electricity." I have noticed the Kurds have a clever sense of humor. Of course the other side of the coin is that the Turks have lost their sense of humor in regards to the rebel mountain-Kurds attacking Turkey from the Iraqi mountains. So, as an American, I walk down the third rail of the politics in this region as I must traverse it all and do it hopefully in good favor of all the said parties. Most of them have weapons.

We had a great lunch back in the old city. It was in an old-world nook. The menu was sauteed yellow rice, two different types of beans, flat bread, and a type of sweat potato soup to dip the bread in. There was some chicken in there some where as well.

There is one important foot note I must not neglect. To hire a guide for a journey like today's, would cost a traveler like myself a small fortune in some places I have been. Unlike those other countries however, today my guide/friend would take no money. He said he considered it payment enough that someone cared enough to visit his region. I am left without words.

Bob Keith
Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

View more pictures from Bob's travels.