Iraq, Uncle Sam Can Pay The Way
by remf2112 - Written: Aug 30 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Inexpensive; most people friendly, if pushy; many historic sites
Cons: People who aren't friendly are really, really not friendly; Arabic script and Semitic language
The Bottom Line: The Army can send you better places, but you can do worse.
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| remf2112's Full Review: Iraq |
This is my first review in a long time, my first non-beer review in an even longer time, so I will be a tad rusty. I am currently mobilized and living in Tikrit, Iraq, which is Saddam Hussein's hometown. I would limit my review to this town, except for superficial observations concerning Baghdad.
Shopping here is an incredible experience. The prices are ridiculously low if you're at all experienced in the typical Middle Eastern negotiation of price. Some shops have posted prices, but even these can often be argued down. Think the shopping choices are too limited, the way they often are in Third World countries, think again. The products are disproportionately from Europe and South Korea, but of high quality. Many shop owners know enough English to get by, if they don't, you're hereby advised to try elsewhere. Believe me, you will be able to get bargains galore.
The locals here, unlike in, say, Egypt, are mostly very friendly to Americans. Whatever the propaganda to the contrary, most Iraqis, even here in the "Sunni Triangle," are happy ol' Bushy Lips is gone. You may find yourself innundated by some of the cutest kids in the world, all trying to cadge some change. Sometimes I give, sometimes I don't. Adults here, however, do not beg. Further, I see burkhas very rarely. Whatever else Saddam did, he did try to encourage some 21st Century attitudes. This makes Iraq a much more rational place to a Westerner than Saudi Arabia or Egypt.
Summer weather gets extremely hot here, so dress accordingly. Nonetheless, I wouldn't advise wearing shorts, whether you be male or female. Short shirts are okay.
Most people who come here will experience Baghdad. Unfortunately many murals and statutes of Saddam have been defaced (they make great backdrops for photos), but this city is a definite experience. Compared to its rival since medieval times, Cairo, Baghdad is better built (Cairo has an immense amount of unfinished buildings) and cleaner (Cairo is clean only around the Nile districts). Historic sites are often merely barely excavated mounds, but better ones exist.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Dec - Feb
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