While I certainly didn’t go backpacking in Iraq to get drunk, it was pleasing that I was able to relax and enjoy some ice cold beers in some really really good bars while touring the northern part of the country, Kurdistan. All bars are safe to drink in, all friendly and they serve alcohol – Read more about Thirsty Thursdays: Top 4 Bars in Kurdistan, Iraq[…]
I recently had the pleasure to stay in the superb Abraham Hostel in Jerusalem, Israel. Having stayed in a load of hostels down the years, it’s my duty to inform you that this was one of my favourites – this place ROCKS! In fact, don’t even consider a visit to Jerusalem without staying here. My Read more about Abraham Hostel, Jerusalem: Easily the Best Hostel in Israel[…]
When life takes you to a place as unique and magnificent as Amadiya in Iraq, you might just need to pinch yourself and check it’s all real. It was. After getting an Iraqi Kurdistan visa on arrival at Erbil airport and touring the northern part of the country, it was time to check out Iraq’s Read more about The Ancient Mountain Top Village of Amadiya, Kurdistan, Iraq[…]
Religious buffs the world over flock to the Israeli capital city of Jerusalem. Inside this bustling city are tons of sights to see, old and new, Jewish and Muslim, Israeli and Palestinian. Politics aside, I headed on the Holy City Tour while based at the Abraham Hostel nearby. What’s so Unique About Jerusalem’s Holy City? Read more about Jerusalem Holy City Tour, Israel: Top 5 Sights[…]
Iran will throw more surprises at you than your expectant heart expected. What you experience when visiting Kandovan cave town is a place peculiarly similar to Turkey’s Cappadocia yet so quiet and untouristy and blatantly without the same commercial appeal. There are still currently no buses that run to Kandovan Cave Town!! Making it an Read more about Backpacking in Iran: Visiting Kandovan Cave Town near Osku[…]
I’m in Iraq for 10 days touring the northern region of Kurdistan. The place is bereft of tourists for the most part but brimming in optimism and enthusiasm. After what Kurds and Iraqis have been through the last 30-40 years it’s no surprise that they are enjoying their freedom. Or at least what freedom they Read more about Friday’s Featured Food: A Kurdish Feast in Dohuk, Kurdistan, Iraq[…]
Iraq is still a relatively new backpacking beast, and once you’ve read this you will realise how simple it is to travel to Iraq. While hoards of youngsters head to places like Thailand, Germany, USA and Cambodia on their adventures, not many are tempted by Iraq. And why not? (It must be the media…) Hopefully after Read more about How To Get an Iraqi Kurdistan Visa on Arrival at Erbil International Airport[…]
The power of world leaders and political figures is something you get used to as a global backpacker. While I’m not often the best person to ask about world affairs, I have studied politics and I grew up in Northern Ireland. Through my years of backpacking I’ve seen the mausoleums of Artigas, Ho Chi Minh, Read more about Visiting Yasser Arafat’s Tomb in Ramallah, Palestine[…]