My birthday, Anniversary and the Most Important Job

I don’t know if this happen for someone before, but having your birthday, anniversary and getting the most important job in your live at the same day is strange.

Yes, that’s me… this all happened on April 5^th: 

 I was born on April 5^th 1967, that’s normal.. it could happen to anyone… it is an ordinary day.

But........... 

Getting Lost in NYC

The most impressive thing that I noticed in the United States when I got there (and I know that you will find this silly) is the houses and streets numbering (Cods).

I know that Americans take this for granted, but back in Iraq you will get lost in a maze when you trying to get somewhere, you cannot find anything.

I was latterly walking alone in NYC; with just a map in my hand I went to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, 5th Ave, National Museum and the national Park, and I DID THAT WALKING.

Street Sweets for Sale

During my last stay in Iraq I was driving in the capital Baghdad, in the jam of the traffic light of Al-Hurria squire, waiting for the car in front of me move a bit by bit.

While I was waiting, I noticed a young boy trying to sell some Iraqi made sweets called Samsamiyah (made from sesame) to a beautiful girl in her car, the girl did not take the sweets from him and offered him some money just to help him, the amazing thing that he refused and moved away from her car mumbling.

Iraq Still on Embargo

Trying to buy something from the internet was allows a big concern for me, afraid of being scammed or my credit card number stolen. some websites seems to have a special mechanism to detect the location of the visitor, and build their actions based on that.

Within the few times that I failed to buy a product was when I encountered a website that after selecting my item, it gave me this message:

British Cemetery in Wasit

British Cemetery

The British Cemetery is located in the center of Kut city- Wasit province, containing the remains of 450 soldiers who were killed in battles broke out between British and Ottoman during the first world war 1914-1918.

During the old regime time the British embassy in Iraq took care of the cemetery providing services and keeping a guard on their payroll, the Cemetery was a garden full of trees and bushes at that time. Students who needs to study and people who needs to get some fresh air regularly visit this place because of it peace and quiet.

US Visit - Baghdad Airport

Baghdad Airport

It started when Mike, my old friend in the US sent me an invitation to the United States of America, this was a  promise that he made for me to make me see Xmas in the US, see the culture and most important thing is to explore some business opportunities to bring to Iraq.

Yes we want to get rich, why not? Everybody is trying.

The guy fulfilled his promise and booked the tickets for me after completing my Visa he sent them by email, backed my bag and left with a taxi to Baghdad airport. The taxi dropped me about 3 km from the front gate, transported by buses provided by the airport department stopping 2 times for passport check and personal search.

Iraq's Youngest Photographer

Meet Kamar Hashim.. Iraq's Youngest Photographer, he seems like any other ordinary 8 years old child, but he is different from them by a unique gift and hobby.

Kamar is the youngest Iraqi professionals certified photographer, he started when he was 4 years old imitating his father the Journalist, but the child did not stop at that... with is passion he improved his capabilities by asking endless questions and trial and error.

As a result .... Kamar,s photos is considered some of the best in the profession.

See how he takes his photos.