Sawasdee khrap! (if you are male) or sawasdee kha! (if you are female), meaning hello! Are you ready to embark on an adventure to the land of smiles? Thailand is the perfect destination for relaxation, and cultural exploration (and my favorite food!) . Join me on a journey through some of Thailand’s most beautiful places, breathtaking beaches, and islands. My 8-day island hopping itinerary is designed to share the best of what this amazing country has to offer. And don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a handy Thailand packing list you can copy to your phone. Let’s hop into the magic of Tha ..read more

Hello?… Traveling to a foreign country can be an amazing experience, but what do you do when you don’t speak the local language? The language barrier can be a significant challenge! But with a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can still communicate with people even if you don’t speak their language. When I moved to China I couldn’t speak a word Chinese (mandarin!), and most Chinese folks I met in Beijing could not speak English. Somehow, I managed to find a house within two weeks, was able to buy food and get a taxi. I was even able to get a Chinese bank account and use public tra ..read more

Take a hike! ? When you think of hiking destinations, Iraq might not be the first place that pops into your mind. But hold on to your backpacks because the northern region of Iraq, also known as Iraqi Kurdistan, has incredible hiking and photography opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Let’s go off the beaten path! Table of Contents Why go Hiking in the north of Iraq? There are many reasons why hiking in Iraqi is an incredible and unique experience! Diversity of landscapes What I love about the mountains in Iraqi Kurdistan is the diversity of landscapes and how they surprise me every ..read more

I lived in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, for two years, and I got to know many locals, their habits, and their customs and traditions. In this article, we’ll look at 12 fascinating and positive Kurdish customs and traditions about the Kurdish people that you probably didn’t know! Most of them really surprised me (especially number 10!). Table of Contents Quick introduction to the Kurds The Kurdish people are an ethnic group native to the Middle East, living primarily in the regions of Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey. The Iraqi Kurds make up a large portion of the Kurdish popul ..read more

Dubai is a peculiar place. Is it the most authentic and culturally rich city? Probably not. But! There are definitely some things to really like about this place. This article will explore 14 reasons to fall in love with this fascinating city in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai. Table of Contents The Wow Factor Wow! was my first thought when we arrived in Dubai. Dubai has mind-blowing architecture, a mix of insane skyscrapers and traditional Arabian architecture, and famous attractions like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina. Surrounded by these immense buildings, you feel like you’re on ..read more

Rawanduz, a town in Iraqi Kurdistan, is a true gem and Iraq’s best-kept secret. Honestly, I couldn’t believe my eyes when we arrived in mid-March. Is this Iraq? It looked a lot more like Switzerland or Austria, but definitely not Iraq! Rawanduz is a picturesque mountain resort located near the borders of Iran and Turkey. Next to the town, you can’t miss Rawanduz Gorge, which is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States. It’s a surreal image. In this article, we’ll explore Rawanduz, how to get to the best spot to visit Rawanduz, things to do, and ho ..read more

Welcome to the most important event of Iraqi Kurdistan, Newroz! Newroz is a special celebration for the Kurdish people. It happens in springtime and marks the start of the Kurdish New Year. It’s a time when Kurds come together to celebrate their culture and history. Newroz has been celebrated for a long time and has a lot of meaning for Kurdish people. I have lived in Erbil for two years, so of course I had to attend this special event. In this blog post, I will share all the ins and outs of traveling to Akre during Newroz, the most prominent Kurdish celebration. Table of Contents What ..read more

Choni bashi! (“Hello, how are you” in Kurdish) I was thrilled to visit the Erbil Citadel during my time in Northern Iraq. This ancient fortress, located in the heart of Erbil, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world! It’s a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply experiencing the unique culture of Kurdistan and the Middle East. The Erbil Citadel is an impressive area with its towering walls and architecture. Locals told me that the citadel has been inhabited for over 6,000 years and has been home ..read more

Considering going to Iraq? It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Iraq is a country with a rich history and culture, a relatively low cost of living, and a warm climate. Two years long I’m living in Erbil which is the biggest city in Northern Iraq  and also the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. living in Iraq offers many advantages and also some challenges. In this article, we will explore 22 pros and cons of Iraq regarding living and traveling in this fascinating country. Table of Contents What are the Pros of Iraq? There are many pros of traveling and livin ..read more

Long-haul flights. Who enjoys them? They can be daunting, especially if you’re not properly prepared. However! with these expert tips, you can make your long-haul flight more comfortable and enjoyable. After a countless amount of international flights and intercontinental ones I’ve compiled these tips for long haul flights.  Free Long-Haul Flight Checklist Send it to me! Table of Contents Long-Haul Flight tips: Checking in An important part of the journey is checking in on time, online. Usually 24 hours before departure it is possible to check-in online and choose your seat. S ..read more