When one thinks of Iraq, they likely aren’t considering it as their next holiday destination. Those more familiar with the country know its location in the Fertile Crescent was responsible for the earliest human civilizations that called Iraq home. But one must also wonder if decades of war has left any remaining history of ancient Babylonia available for tourists to visit. Is it even secure enough to explore the sites along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers or the more mountainous regions of the north, where ethnic Kurds offer altogether different cultural experiences? Today we’ll find out when we discuss Traveling Iraq with John Fiddler.

Scott’s impressions: Based on his first cousins from Mosul: Cradle of civilization but unfortunately an unstable spot the last good number of decades – really about 50. I’d love to go, I’m sure the historical sites, history, people and food would be unreal. I hope in my lifetime while I can travel I can make it happen.
Trevor’s impressions: Political, obviously. I wrote my term paper for a course called Terrorism and Genocide at USC about Iraqi state-sponsored terrorism against it’s own people. I also own a copy of a CBC film, Uncle Saddam, which is a classic mockumentary. According to the Iraqi ministry of tourism… (Trevor gives history from the ministry website).

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Guest Intro: Seattle-based John Fiddler has been on a quest to sightsee, volunteer, and mountaineer in all the corners of the world. Back in October, 2017 he came on the show to talk about back country hiking and albine skiing in Iran (Episode 69: Skiing in Iran). Since that time, we’ve followed his adventures on social media and have finally caught John at home, in between trips, to share an experience we thought would be particularly interesting: traveling to Iraq. John joins us today from Seattle.

Listen to episode 197 – Traveling Iraq to hear John’s answers to the following questions:
- What first inspired a trip to Iraq?
- How did the idea first come about?
- So, how big a leap was it from thinking about doing such a trip to actually planning it?
- What were your friends and families’ reactions when they heard you were going to Iraq?
- How did you plan and make it happen?
- What was it like as an American when you first arrived in the country? Did you feel conspicuous or self conscious about it?
- Other first Impressions:
- In Cambodia, although the war was now decades ago, there’s frequent reminders of the legacy of war. Was that hard to avoid and did it ever hang over the experience?
- Ok, let’s hear a day by day itinerary:
- Considering the ancient history of the region: any cool historical sites or museums we didn’t discuss?
- How was kurdistan notably different?
- How was the food in Iraq? What’s that like?
- Did you experience any interesting festivals or holidays while you were there?
- Do you think it would be a good destination for most travelers or only really adventurous ones?
- Did it live up to your expectations?
- Any other tips for people planning a trip to Iraq?
- Do you think you’ll go back?

Links:
- John and Kathleen’s Blog
- Episode 69: Skiing in Iran with John Fiddler & Kathleen Egan
- Uncle Saddam: ‘mockumentary about Saddam Hussm
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