Category: Uncategorized

  wasta

FIRST NIGHT OF CHANNUKAH WOOOOO! I bought some candles in the bazaar today! They're birthday candles! But they fit perfectly in my menorah! CHANNUKAH!   I'm having a few American friends over on Wednesday to eat latkes and drink wine (because we Jews love the wine). I've only told about 4 people here that I'm … Continue reading CHANNUKAH!!

Saudade.

I love hearing from you all. I love knowing you're all out there, my loved ones. And, as self-indulgent as it is, I also love hearing that people enjoy my writing and hearing about my experiences. One thing I find intriguing is how many people say, "when you get back..." People assume this is temporary. … Continue reading Ira W Esta (Here And Now)

I often debate how much I should reveal of myself. Here, especially. In the states, what I say is dependent upon my comfort. Here, it's also dependent upon my safety. So where do I draw the line? Because here's the thing: I'm on very shaky ground here. I need friends, and I can't afford to … Continue reading Freedom of Speech?

Electricity off. Electricity on... Electricity off. This afternoon's count is 12. Since it's winter, people are using their heaters, which strains the system. And when it rains the internet slow way down. When there's a thunderstorm the internet goes out altogether. Appreciate what you've got. And have a good number of candles and books on hand.

(which means GOBAMA in Arabic) OBAMA WON! OBAMA WON! And I found out a way (with crucial help from my mom) to vote! My absentee ballot didn't arrive - because this is KURDISTAN and who here give a rat's fart about the mail - and so I tried to print it out and fax it … Continue reading YALLA, OBAMA!

In 6 hours, I'm heading on on a week-long road trip around Kurdistan. I'm probably not going to bring my computer, so you might not hear from me for a week. Even if I bring my computer you probably won't hear from me since there's no wifi in rural Kurdistan. Moral of the story: you'll … Continue reading Incommunicado

Day 1: Slemani - Chamchamal - Erbil Day 2: Erbil - Shaqlawa Day 3: Rawanduz - Barzan - Sulav Day 4: Amadiya - Lalish Day 5: Dohuk - Al Qosh Day 6: Shekhan - Mar Mattai Day 7: Back to Suly Day 8: Ahmed Awa It's written down now, so it's going to happen.