This iReport is part of an assignment:
Trip abroad that inspired you
1
of 5
More iReports you should see
PEACEFUL IRAQ
One year ago, for work matters, I went to Iraq, in particular the northern area of Iraq: Kurdistan.
I stayed in Erbil mostly, then moved to Kirkuk and Suleimaniah.
Kurdistan is a place that immediately entered inside of me. It is, indeed, a place where you can still feel war and sufferance, but it is a place where people struggle to live again, an aspect that western countries like mine have forgotten to do.
It is a place where I found a peace that I have never tried in other places. Kurdistan has desert areas, and I am talking about a place close to Kirkuk, but it is not a sandy desert, it is a rocky and bushy desert. Erbil is the place where you can feel and smell the origin of culture and ancient life and traditions. In the very city center there is the old Citadel, which stands in a man-made plateau some 26 meters above the surrounding plain. The early settled existence is traced back as far as the twenty-third century BC!!! And I went really through it. If you enter the old bazar there is a buzzing life: people walking around looking for something, selling their goods. Or just hanging around. I bought a lot of tea: it is great. I love what they eat and what they drink. It is a culture which is so different than what I am used to, that everything fascinated me. I also loved the particular handmade bracelets they produce using fine gold. Bangles of all sizes and type.
Close to Suleimaniah I found the most peaceful place I have ever seen: a desert mountain. At the base of the hill there are the visible signs of the past wars and tyrants. But as you walk on top, peace is the only silence you perceive. But it is not just silence. It is an emotion which kept me without breath. It was like suffocating inside nothing. I am a restless person, I am fond of discovering different ways of thinking and cultures. In Iraq I found one of the most marvelous places, landscapes I have ever seen.
This is a personal point of view, of course. But sandy colors, fresh air around, deep culture and strong experiences have impressed me so much.
I stayed in Erbil mostly, then moved to Kirkuk and Suleimaniah.
Kurdistan is a place that immediately entered inside of me. It is, indeed, a place where you can still feel war and sufferance, but it is a place where people struggle to live again, an aspect that western countries like mine have forgotten to do.
It is a place where I found a peace that I have never tried in other places. Kurdistan has desert areas, and I am talking about a place close to Kirkuk, but it is not a sandy desert, it is a rocky and bushy desert. Erbil is the place where you can feel and smell the origin of culture and ancient life and traditions. In the very city center there is the old Citadel, which stands in a man-made plateau some 26 meters above the surrounding plain. The early settled existence is traced back as far as the twenty-third century BC!!! And I went really through it. If you enter the old bazar there is a buzzing life: people walking around looking for something, selling their goods. Or just hanging around. I bought a lot of tea: it is great. I love what they eat and what they drink. It is a culture which is so different than what I am used to, that everything fascinated me. I also loved the particular handmade bracelets they produce using fine gold. Bangles of all sizes and type.
Close to Suleimaniah I found the most peaceful place I have ever seen: a desert mountain. At the base of the hill there are the visible signs of the past wars and tyrants. But as you walk on top, peace is the only silence you perceive. But it is not just silence. It is an emotion which kept me without breath. It was like suffocating inside nothing. I am a restless person, I am fond of discovering different ways of thinking and cultures. In Iraq I found one of the most marvelous places, landscapes I have ever seen.
This is a personal point of view, of course. But sandy colors, fresh air around, deep culture and strong experiences have impressed me so much.
- TAGS:
- GROUPS:
What do you think of this story?
Select one of the options below. Your feedback will help tell CNN producers what to do with this iReport. If you'd like, you can explain your choice in the comments below.
Be and editor! Choose an option below:
More from this assignment - Trip abroad that inspired you
iReport welcomes a lively discussion, so comments on iReports are not pre-screened before they post. See the iReport community guidelines for details about content that is not welcome on iReport.
© 2013 Cable News Network. 
Comments