This week has been a prime example of why people think of the Middle East as a dirty, dusty place.We have had sandstorms moving in, covering everything in their path. People here try to fight the desert by sweeping and washing their walkways every day,…
Working in Kurdistan last year, I would often get frustrated with the electricity situation. We were supposed to have a constant power supply, but nearly everyday the power at our apartment would cut out. Sometimes it was only off for five minutes, other times we…
Following on the heels of Three Cups of Tea, it seems like a great time to discuss the state of the educational system in Kurdistan. During Saddam's reign, the school system in Kurdistan was largely ignored and not well supported (if it was supported at…
On a recent comment posted to my blog, a reader asks if I have seen the documentary "A View from a Grain of Sand" about life for Afghani women. I have not, but it is now on my list. Thank you for bringing it to…
I mentioned in my last post that I spent quite a while chatting up a lovely Kurdish woman at the Dubai airport. She is a perfect example of the openness and friendliness that I have found many Kurds to share.Arriving at the airport much too…
After two days, three delayed flights and an overnight in Dubai, I've finally arrived in Iraq. Though it turned out all the flights were delayed, it would have been nice to know in advance as to ward off the stress of missing a connection. Sitting…
The mention of Iraq tends to bring to mind bombings, warring militaries and religious factions, fighting over oil and a war-torn countryside. But that's not all Iraq has to offer.What we commonly don't hear about are the people of Iraq. There are several sub-cultures living…
The next day, our professor took us up into the hills around the lake (once well clear of the town, we stopped by a nice, dry, sandy patch and set Juan Carlos free). We were heading to a small community which was well-known for its…
Today is the final day to report your weight loss results with the Pound for Pound Challenge. For every pound you have lost, General Mills will donate a pound of food to Feeding America and their network of over 200 food banks. Currently, one in…
For our final class, my teacher and my friend’s teacher were feeling rebellious. The school knew we went out into town for the second half of class, and they had approved it provided we stay in Antigua. But our teachers, after telling administration we were…
Even so, my brain was bursting by the end of the second week and I needed to let it rest. My friend and I took that Friday off and ran back down to Monterrico. When some of the other students in class found out what…
Those were the only two rules I can remember aside from the standard “be home by dinner”, “participate in family activities” and the like- things we wanted to do anyway. Our host mother was an excellent cook and made the best local food we’d ever…
Through The Eco-Traveler blog, Andrea Shearer shares her experiences of international adventure travel, volunteering and SCUBA diving with a commitment to protecting our environment. In the next few months, Andrea will bring her blog closer to home while exploring the natural environment and adventure activities the Midwest has to offer, and will go international again with a volunteer expedition to Nicaragua over the winter holidays. You can reach her at askandrea@ymail.com.
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