When young Kurds celebrate....

Dancing to say: 'Bye Bye Chemical Ali'


25th January, 2010 is another day in my diary that has pages and pages of writing, despite the fact that it is incredibly difficult to express the emotions. Simply, ‘Chemical Ali’ was given his death sentence for the crimes against the Kurdish people.

I hear so often people saying young Kurds are not attached as much to their roots and their Kurdish identity. This is not the reality. The atmosphere at Uni today was one filled with serenity and fulfillment. Exams are around the corner, deadlines are approaching and final papers must be handed it. Despite this, the students took the initiatives upon themselves to celebrate the ‘UKHian’ way.

Patriotic songs were put on the loud speaker all day in the cafeteria. And between classes hand in hand shoulders shimmered, feet danced and the noises of happiness were made (Kurdish readers: I am referring to Halhala—our guys know how to do it well!!)

Girls, boys, old and young danced. Everywhere I looked I saw people smiling, girls laughing, boys dressed to impress and pictures were taken (I know years down the road, these pictures will be shown to our children, as we remind them of history—and say “this was the day after Chemical Ali got his punishment”) .
Students who I had never noticed before were in Kurdish clothes or wearing a Kurdish symbols including flags, bracelets, and the ‘Jamadani’ which was around the neck of many girls.

Young people were celebrating a phenomenal event where, the punishment of the guilty hands behind the cleansing and genocide against Kurdish people took place. The event was symbolic, as from this day forward, Kurds know they cannot be hurt or by anyone because of their Kurdish identity.

What makes the event so close to my heart in particular is the fact that I visited Halabja various times and the images have remained in my mind. I walked on the roads that innocent children died on. Sitting by the cemetery, the emotions and thoughts that provoke out of one’s mind is sorrowful.

Despite the celebration, the wound is still deep. Despite the smiles, the tears are still there. Despite the songs, our woes are still loud.

Young people will remember the innocent blood of the young children, the old fathers and the mothers of every household. And it makes me smile and be confident for the future of Kurdistan when I see young people so attached and devoted to their nation.
I am proud to be living a day like today.


Above: A lasting picture that will hold deep memories for years to come.

Univeristy of Kurdistan- Hawler students, celebration for the execution of 'Chemical Ali'

The Kurdish Yapragh (Dolma)

Above: The guys in our department trying to get the first taste

If you are well acquainted to the Kurdish culture you would know that there is nothing that makes Kurds happier than a large pot of Yapragh (otherwise known as Dolma) or Bryani.

When exam season arrives, students become stressed and essays and assignments seem to be never ending what makes a group of Politics Students smile?! Food—not just any food, we are after all talking about Yapragh!!


I must admit even for less than an hour sitting on the grass around a bunch of newspapers and a large plate of mouthwatering Yapragh with discussion and jokes with colleagues is one of those times where memories are everlasting.
Large get togethers are a vital component that keeps the Kurdish culture vibrant and alive.

In large family outings or in celebrations such as Newroz usually the women begin the big grocery shopping the night before, and wake up early the next morning to prepare the dish and place it on the stove until they leave the house when it is wrapped in towls and cloth to keep it warm for the hungry tummies. The mixture is wrapped in vine leaves or other vegetables. most of the time and is made differently in each household. No matter how it is made Yapragh among Kurds is a respected dish nad must be tried if you ever visit the region.


Above: Kak Aso helps bring the heavy pot to the Uni garden

(pictures- Thanks to S. Ibrahim for the Yapragh made for our colleagues in a time when we were all worn out and stressed.)

Meet Haji Salaha Rash

Above: Salaha Rash and group of friends who dig graves for free in their spare time, just to help the local community.

I was at the Globe newspaper last week, and met with reporters and journalists who work for the same paper. One of them had a very interesting story that I wanted to share with those who read my blog.

Not long ago I wrote a piece about Mam Najat who looks after mentally insane people voluntarily, now meet our new friend Haji Salah (56 years-old) who in his spare time along with his group of friends dig graves to help families who have just lost their loves ones.

Haji Salah does not mind whether you are Muslim or Christian, he does not mind if its early morning or late at night, he is ready to leave his family at home and voluntarily help people in their darkest and most stressful hours... (I must emphasize this is all for FREE).

For eight years now, Haji Salah (or as locally know- Salaha Rash) and his team of male friends have been digging graves. They have all the basic equipment they need. One must not forget that some families are confronted with financial difficulties as the mourning ceremony for the passed away loved one may cost a large sum of money-- to have the grave dug for free helps them, even though in a small way.


Salaha Rash

There are many Kurds who do a lot of good for their community, but not much light is shed on them. I was introduced to a person last week who gives his spare time to a group of children on a busy street, during school hours he helps children cross the road. Simple things, that make great differences. All these depict one important picture about Kurdish people- they are ready to help at any cost.

Meanwhile, Haji Salaha Rash, wants eveyone to know his phone number, so they can call him when ever they need a grave to be dug for free...


* Please note: All pictures were taken by a reporter/ Journalist in Kurdish Globe Q. Khidir

2010 through the eyes of Kurdish girls...

Like young woman in all corners of the world, Kurdish girls too have dreams and ambitions for the upcoming year. A group of friends shared their thoughts and dreams with me:



Lara Aziz“For this New Year, I wish that I'll succeed at school because I want to be accepted in a Medicine school in France. This is my biggest wish for 2010, and I will do my best to make it come true. I want to prove that Kurdish Girls are smart and they are able to have a big career.”




Narin Bahat“I feel that 2010 is going to be wonderful; I will be able to discover many new things around me and make new communications. I expect more political, economical, educational and social developments in Kurdistan. I hope to see so many happy, optimistic and excited faces on the streets.”




Ashna Sharef “First of all I hope to witness an end for women’s inequality and pain in the entire Kurdish society. And for myself, I hope to graduate and become an active member in Kurdistan and help to develop this beautiful nation.”




Reveen Muhammed“I wish Happy New 2010 to all the people in Kurdistan, I hope that this year will bring joy, peace and prosperity to all Kurdish people and I want to see Kurdistan flourish more and more in 2010. My dream is to become a painter as I have a passion for art, I wish to continue this passion into the next year as well.”

A Brit in 'Jli Kurdi'

My new British friend makes Kurdish clothes


It was an entertaining experience, when Jessy, 14 from the UK came to spend the Christmas holiday in Kurdistan with her grandmother who happens to be working here. It is her first time in the region, and the first thing she wanted to do was buy ‘Jli Kurdi’. We bought the material, went to the tailors and the second day this is what it looked like on her.






So proud of our culture!!
I am so glad that foreigners enjoy the experience of staying in Kurdistan, and it makes me proud and happy to have young people from the developed world come and be our guest!

Kurdish Santa!!

Ho! Ho! Ho!



It is Christmas day once again, and the atmosphere in Erbil demonstrates just that!!
Ankawa is primarily known to be the Christian suburb in Erbil, but Muslims and other groups make their way to Ankawa in the evenings just to enjoy their time and get into the season’s fun spirit. The streets all over Erbil, and Ankawa in particular, are brightly decorated, at night the city sparkles with light. Text messages are going though with both ‘Merry Christmas and a happy New Year' and Muslim Kurds are visiting their Christian friends to wish them the best.

What is amazing about living in Kurdistan is that we all celebrate special occasions together, a Muslim myself, but I am in the Christmas mood and spirit. The other way is also true, when Jezhn comes we celebrate with our non-Muslim friends.
I know Muslim Kurds who have put up a Christmas tree in their house- “it’s for the mood of the season” they explain, “and the New Year”, now that is acceptance and co-existence!!

Many of the shops and malls have been selling Christmas decorations since for the past month or so. The shops are all decorated, and it is not rare to find a Christmas tree in almost one in every two public places you may visit.

I just wish Santa came to our house too :( and that some snow falls to complete the feel.



* Picture from M. Kurdi -- Majdi Mall in Erbil, on Christmas day

Breakfast of a KING in Kurdistan

There are often the simple things that we do not normally think of when we are home (but miss them a lot when we leave… even for a few days) one of those is the first meal of the day- breakfast!! No matter how rich or poor you are, I believe every Kurd has the breakfast of a King.


Not much of breakfast fan myself, but whether you are in the city, or the village (even better) breakfast has its own unique taste.
The yoghurt is fresh, and no matter how much yoghurt you have tasted, the one in Kurdistan has a completely unique taste. Believe me, I am not much of a fan when it comes to dairy products, but this is something that one must try when coming to the region. Now just imagine that perfect tasting yoghurt with freshly baked bread to dip it in- from the bakery to your plate. Warm, soft and has a special scent to it.

If you are in the village and prefer eggs for your early morning meal, than it comes from under the chicken to your plate (that does not sound too ‘nice’ but for those egg fans out there, I guess fresh eggs must taste better than the usual ones). For those who like Milk, then it’s from the cow to your glass (not too sure about the health risks there!).

The bread in the village comes in extra large size, but it is also very slender, it dries and then dampened with water a few minutes before any meal. Within minutes, it is soft and ready to eat.

Not long ago we stayed at the Mergasoor village for few nights, I must admit, the honey came directly from the bee hives. And as for the tea… you ought to ask for more- that is all I can say!

So no matter where you are in Kurdistan, city, village, home or the local restaurant; you are sure your day will be a delight, as every morning you will wake up to a breakfast of a KING.

When a Brit buys 'Jli Kurdi'

Coming soon.....

My time spent behind bars

My journey in Erbil’s women’s prison is one that will remain with me for a long time.



I first went to the female’s prison with START Social Development Organization for the Jezhn (Eid) occasion where we gave the women in the women’s shelter and prison some gifts, as it is also the annual campaign of ‘anti-violence against women’.

For the second year now the event has become an annual weeklong celebration, campaign and activities held by government and non-governmental organizations in the region. It is a time of year where major focus is dedicated to women in the Kurdish Society, and it was through this that I met the most vulnerable women in our society- those who are in shelters, because they are under threat from violence and women in prison, the majority of whom have ‘supposedly’ committed a crime.

As for the women in the prison, I had a chance to speak to a few of them individually, when I left I knew this was not the last time I’d set foot into the prison. Less than a week later, (in fact less than two hours ago) I was back there, but for a different purpose. I knew some of the stories had to be listened to and written for others to read and realize what there is hidden ‘behind bars’.

Each story is a tragedy of its own, each women with a story and each case can be turned into a novel of its own. Some are victims, and others guilty. I realized most of them do not belong in the prison but maybe in a shelter where they can be kept safe, I also learned a group of these young women were not guilty of committing crime but they are victims of ancient cultural traditions that remain in existence in some areas of the region.

I must admit I was proud to see the good food they are offered on a daily basis, they have air-conditioning and heaters, television and bunk beds to sleep on; but at the same time there are many things lacking such as sufficient number of professional staff. Unfortunately, many people do not realize the importance of working in such places. Many of the women need to have workshops to keep them busy and others classes for reading and writing.

One thing I found fascinating was for one second that I was in the prison I did not disrespect or judge any of the women as criminals, in fact the respect and love they received from me was like any average women I see in my everyday life, because I was sure that behind every crime and every story there was a deep reason and regret. Today I realize I was correct.

Read the next issue of the Kurdish Globe for an in depth report of life for women behind bars.










START Social Development Organization: www.startssdo.org
Women’s prison in Kurdistan
Erbil prison

Najwa Karam lands in Erbil

After much security barriers and question and answers finally got through to the Diva. After more than hour journey of patience she was behind a blind wall in the VIP section of Erbil International Airport just before 6 PM this evening.
She was sitting calmly on a majestic chair, with a surprisingly humble voice (taking into consideration the singing voice she possesses). From firsthand experience I can say she definitely has sweetness about her and has a rather friendly presence.
She did not provide a press conference although she did express her delight to be in Kurdistan, in exact words she said “Erbil el Habiba”, or the ‘beloved Erbil”, she also hoped her visit will open doors for other artists to also visit the region.
I had no opportunity but I wanted to ask her about her roots and background, as some argue she has Kurdish blood within her, and the fact that her husband was a Kurd. It would have been to see what she says regarding the secret of why Kurds seem to like her so much.

Generally, personally I think she is one of the greatest Arab voices there is, and if there is any Lebanese artist that I respect it is her, simply because of her music, choice of songs she sings and more importantly behind the pretty face is a strong personality!!

* all pics were taken by Sazan M. Mandalawi

Najwa Karam in Kurdistan!!

A lot has happened in the region (Especially Erbil), but it is all good news and development taking place as usual. The latest hot gossip is about the renowned Lebanese singer Najwa Karam, the reality is that this is no gossip and she is actually coming to Kurdistan to hold two concerts in Slemani and Erbil on the 3rth and 4th of December.

She is one of the Arab singers who has many fans in the region, some assume she has Kurdish blood in her. Posters, television and radio commercials and the newspapers are bombarded with adverts of the BIG event that people are all eagerly waiting for. I for one, am counting the days until she finally arrives—it will show to the Arab world just how welcoming and warm Kurdish people are.

I have no doubt she is better than many of the well known Iraqi artists who have not set foot into the region after the fall of the regime to hold any concerts.

Halloween in Kurdistan

…and so Kurds go trick or treating!!!.



October 31— Yes Yes Yes!!! it’s Halloween!! The ‘Halloween’ culture is pretty new here but somehow popular, in some suburbs children actually go around asking for sweets and treats… gradually the occasion is becoming familiar with the people here, especially the children.

The kids in Naz City seem to be well aware of the night and collect bags of lollies from each building; I can imagine how sick they feel now with all the candy.
For the first time, I celebrated Halloween last night with AKFA (American Kurdistan Friendship Association)—it was a very memorable night full of smiles and laughter.
I had my own scary Halloween trying to find the venue—in the dark driving through the ex-Korean/ ZAYTOON camp is not fun at all, but it was all okay in the end and we managed to find our way through.




(Above: the judges in a secret discussion to give the names of the winners for the best pumkin)

Once there, the nice food (frankly, anywhere when rice and meat is not the only option the food will surely be nice) and the friendly people made the evening extra special. There was prizes for the best dressed, and the best pumpkins as well. Did not participate in either one of the two—my artistic side is… let’s say not so good!!


Another eye catchy incident was the number of American men in Kurdish Clothes; I must admit I found it so attractive. Harry Shoot and a few others were in the traditional Kurdish clothing, it showed their love and respect to the Kurdish Culture—another proof that there is a close friendship between Americans and the Kurds.



Meanwhile I will continue to indulge in my much loved Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter- candy in a crunch shell. Not from here. Sneaked a small pack out from the American troops… I don’t think they’d mind.

Trick or treat?? – treat for me…


Happy Halloween!!


(This was written two days prior to being loaded on the BLog, because of lack of net access) :) -- no harm done!!

My morning with local Kurd who takes care of 60 mentally insane men

Yesterday was another of those influential days in my life back in Kurdistan that I won't forget . You know, one of those days that you consider a turning point in your life—or rather a day where you keep turning in your bed and can't get to sleep, only thinking  about what you saw earlier on. I will definately view the world from a different perspective... I hope you will too. Our society does not always have a good or respective view towards a group of people who are marginalized, but I hope this will open our eyes and widen our understanding to accept people who are... different, but they have feelings and emotions; they too, need love and attention just like you and I.

Above: At my arrival, I see this mentally ill man sitting a few meters away from Mama Najat's chaykhana (teashop), he later tells me that this is one of his special 'children'. This one was a teacher, but under the Saddam regime he was tortured for being a Kurd, he went through a very difficult time and when he was set free, not long after, he became, as Mama Najat says: 'crazy!' -- mental retardation or in Kurdish slang he has become "Shet".

I have been in a chase to find this man for over seven weeks, I received a phone call early in the morning of where he might be located and in less than an hour I was there.
As you can see from the pictures, for certain reasons I was asked not to leave the car (by Mam Najat himself), although the pictures were taken outside.


Mama Najat, a Kurdish man and owner of a small teashop takes care of about 60 mentally impeded men. He provides them with their medical requirements, food, and even shelter if they need.

Mama Najat’s personal financial status is low—his income comes from the small teashop he has owned for so long—as he says, half of what he earns is spent on the men he looks after and the other half for his own 12 children at home.
Whilst I was there he had taken one of mental patients to the doctor for a surgery in his stomach, not only did he pay for the procedure but he took this patient, stayed until after the operation and then brought him back to the room in his teashop where they all stay.

Above: A room just behind the teashop, where the men can stay, this is a picture of one the men who he takes care of (this one just had an operation).

How many people in the world commit to this job…?

“I was sixteen, when I sold tickets for people who came to see movies in the Sirwan Cinema, years later I bought the chaykhana across the road, then added a television, a video and brought films on video tapes. All sorts of people came to my chaykhana, even the crazy people” he begins his story, “those who were poor I gave them food, and cared for them. There were a lot, many of them died, and the rest are here with me.” Mam Najat tells me his story, as I sit and closely observe the facial features of this man....

“In 1994, when the situation was very unstable politically and economic wise, I would come to open the shop in the morning and sometimes there was more than 40 of them at the door waiting for me.”

Mama Najat’s concern and thought towards these mentally insane men has touched his life in many ways. “When I sleep at home, my mind is with them, I wonder where each of them is spending the night; if it rains, I worry about if they are cold, do they have shelter? I ask myself, is someone hurting them? Are they feeling secure…? These are all thoughts and questions that haunt me till I see them in the morning.”

Above: Mama Najat in his small teashop-- he puts old films for the locals to see.

He sees in these mentally unstable and insane people an individual who deserves to be respected. They are marginalized people who are discriminated against by society, and often not even considered to be "normal humans" but are refered to as‘shet’ (crazy). Despite the difficulty he has endured in his life, he is constantly laughing and smiling. As he speaks, I learn this man is far from the globalized world, he is not doing this for his own benefit, with no thought of an award or recognition, his hopes and dreams is for these mentally impeded men to have a place and food to eat every day, after he dies.

Above: Mama Najat in his humble teashop-- his life revolves around making tea and looking after mentally affected men who are insane,

Posing to take some pictures (Below), Satar, one of the mentally impeded men spends time with Mama Najat, he smiles for the camera, informing me that he wants a wife, in Kurdish he remarks “zhnm awet”. I wish I can assure him a wife and provide Satar with some happiness.

Words can not express the feelings and emotions I went through in my journey to meet Mam Najat in person after I had read a four line "DID YOU KNOW" section about him in one of our local magazines, I am so proud that we have Kurds with such a heart. These days, people do not look after their mentally impeded brother or father. These are total strangers for Mama Najat- an outcast in our society, but for him, they are complete individuals...



Please take note that these pictures are taken by me—they are just to see and not to be used for other purposes- Thank-you

Rainbow in Hawler

So many people wing and whine when Erbil is dusty, yet no one speaks when it rains, and the weather is beautiful—two days ago it was unbelievable, actually it has been for the past week or so-- even saw a rainbow—luckily mum took a few pictures, knowing there is nothing I enjoy more than rain...

The view from the balcony was breath taking; it was very cold but with a gentle breeze; fairly strong rain refreshed the atmosphere… and continued for a while.

Back to Uni

As the curtains to the study year 2009/2010 open, it is only normal I write a special blog about the University of Kurdistan- Hawler (UKH). It is exciting to know once again we can wake up every morning and leave home to go to see out bigger family.

Indeed, we are a big family at UKH, because there are not many students it is always the same faces, personalities, groups and even the same tables in the cafeteria. Going back to see students and staff is always an experience that is cherished close to the heart.

What is unique about UKH is that the culture inside the Uni is different to other governmental universities in the region. It is an open minded culture; students are free to practice their views and values. UKH is the only governmental English teaching university in Erbil, whilst all the staff are foreigners and have completed their degrees in countries such as the UK, Australia and the US the students are a mix of Kurds and other ethnic and religious groups present in Iraq.

I am sure ten years down the track I will see many of our current students with high qualified jobs and they will be change makers in the Kurdistan Region and wider Iraq.

They are all individuals with dreams and ambitions in life- this is what makes UKH different. Looking at my peers each person is inspiring in their way; you can learn something from each of them. They are all individuals capable of great accomplishments.

As for me, my emotions are mixed, I guess once we have set foot in the final year it all becomes reality; it was only yesterday when we were first year students; now we are ‘last’ year students. I begin to think of the next step ahead, not only the intense studies and stress of the next two semesters but also what will follow the 9 months.

We will be the first lot to graduate from UKH, and the first lot of students in Iraq to graduate from an English teaching university.

Not long ago I was in primary school dreaming and thinking when will I ever get to Uni, and here I am today setting foot into the final year… Dreams do come true.
I am so glad I had the chance to study in Kurdistan—in a culture and environment of my own kind. I wonder if I studied in a foreign country- I wouldn’t have been able to fit in and be involved as much as I am here. For me, it is a privilege to be a student at UKH- I am confident I am receiving education of good standards, I am enjoying my time being a student and more importantly I am in a position where I can look for a bright and open future ahead.

Meanwhile all our focus is to get the best possible results this year, make the most of our time and … think of the graduation!!!!!!

Kurdish Village girls

I had the honor to spend the Jezhn break in Mergasoor and visit areas close to Barzan; having spent all my life in a city, and never living a village or country life I came to realize just how ‘girlie’, frail and delicate we, the city girls can be.


Apart from the house work of running around cooking and cleaning for the guests who continuously walk in and out the house, these women also do the men’s work in their small farms or look after the animals, if they have any.

I was proud of the fact that I can cook rice, eggs and potatoes, after what I have seen I feel foolish and… let’s say not so proud.

We were invited for dinner at one of the local houses-- in the two hour span they knew we were going to be their guests that evening the girls had cooked all the difficult foods that Kurds have-- including the dreadful Yapragh. We (the city girls that is) on the other hand, with two days before hand notice and following cooking methods on a few cook books other than the salad nothing seems to turn out right!
One thing that amazed me the most is that if these people had a dish washer it will not wash the dishes as clean and as fast as young women can.

Meal after meal, the girls tuck their long Kurdish dress under the rope on their waist, pin the sleeves on their shoulders and wash the dishes better than three working dish washers. Then there is us, the pitiable city girls- wash the dishes one day and go on about it for the next two days. Did I mention one person uses the detergent and another washes it away with water, and usually a third person would also be helpful to remove the wet dishes from the rack so it gets out of the way.

In the city, in almost every second street there is local salon-- and I assure you they make better money than many businessmen in Erbil.


Whilst we are all about makeup, dying our hair with multiple colors and now even manicures are becoming popular. The village girl on the other hand, needs no layers of foundation as her skin is naturally smooth, she posses the natural beauty that looks more dazzling because of the natural environment she grows up in. Her hair does not need to be dyed in three different colors to look good, because the natural Hanna she uses gives extra shine and strength to her already eye-catching long black hair.


A typical girl who has grown in the city would most likely be well educated and go to a university. This does not undermine the intelligence of a village girl, who from life’s experiences—something you cannot gain from reading thick books and highlighting all the important details.

Show a city girl a cockroach and she will scream her lungs out- literally. On the other hand, the bravery a village girl posses is immense, she can confront a wild animal to protect the family’s herd of sheep.

Finally, village girl or city girl? You be the judge, but keep in mind even though they may not go to the best English speaking universities or might not be involved in the train of globalization that is apparent in city life; a village girl in Kurdistan is a young woman that must be respected and admired in her own rights, because if not worse, we are certainly not better than she is!

Jezhn is here!!

Jezhntan Pirozbet!!
Happy Jezhn/ Eid




We broke our last fast today and it was officially announced on national television that tomorrow is Eid-el-ftr or Jezhn—in Kurdish!


Had a chance to drive around Erbil with mum late this evening, the atmosphere and spirit of the Jezhn festivity is evident around Erbil. People all appear very excited, music in the cars, people dressed in fancy clothing, people running around for last minute shopping, mothers planning the food for early morning, little kids excited for the Jezhnana and most importantly the spirit of giving and sharing is what I most appreciate about the Kurds during this special time.

Last night it rained in Erbil and the weather is SUPERB—a great welcome to the Jezhn celebrations, so happy to be living here and experiencing this wonderful occasion. Living years away from home, we never really noticed what Jezhn was or even felt the occasion—it was no different to any regular day.

Finally, happy Jezhn to all—for all those living abroad, I wish that next Jezhn you can celebrate back home in Kurdistan(weather you like it or not—hhhh)

09/09/09 at 09:09 PM

09/09/09 at 09:09 PM



I had to blog today, for only two reasons, because it is a very special day- this day will only happen once in a life time and I was so glad to be living it..!!
I made sure it was special and unforgettable, as I went for a blood test—needed some check ups and I had been horrified for weeks until finally I made the decision to go, I could not dare have a test in Erbil’s Medical Road (share3 atuba) so instead I went to the new MDC (Mediya Diagnostic Center) opposite New City in Hawler. And boy am I glad I made that decision..

I admit I am a baby when it comes to needles but I made it through without a scream—(but some tears) the important point is that I am so glad that there is such clean medical center in Erbil, that you feel confident going into, knowing you will get what you want and you will be looked after very well.
I felt I was in Australia or any other developed country in the world. The place was very clean and tidy, the people were very nice (most of the staff were females) and the medicine and materials needed for the tests have all been imported from overseas.

Guess what?? I even got my favorite caramel chocolate once I was done giving the blood samples.
Once again, there is no place like home, no place like Kurdistan!!!
P.S I am getting my pet squirrel from Mandaly later this week, so follow up for pictures and a blog entry on that. Already excited, even though I have never had a pet squirrel before!!


(hope I can make another entry on the 10/10/010 at 10:10 PM) we shall wait and see..)