Enjoying a conversation with poet Mohamad Omar Osman - Sulamaniyah, Kurdish Region of Iraq

February 20th 2013
“If you go to Kirkuk, you will be shot,” came the glum assessment from any Kurdish man who spoke about the infamous city a mere one hundred kilometres south of Erbil. If English was not spoken, then the responder would instead clench their hand in the shape of a gun and pretended to fire imaginary rounds into my chest. The message could not be clearer. Not that I ever intended to visit Kirk ... read more

Middle East » Iraq » North » As Sulaymaniyah

Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq was occupied by Britain during the course of World War I; in 1920, it was declared a League of Nations mandate under UK administration. In stages over the next dozen years, Iraq attained its independence as a... ... read more

15th March 2013

Anastasia78
Anastasia78

What an encounter!
At first glance it appeared you were talking to Albert Einstein... I really enjoyed reading about the chance meeting with the poet and how you took full advantage of the moment. Made me wish I were there. Great blog. I always feel I've learned something AND been entertained when I read your work, so thank you!

17th March 2013

The Travel Camel
Shane Dallas

A brush with fame
Thank you for the kind comment! Someone else who saw this photo thought Mohamad reminded them of Omar Sharif.

Kounila
non-member comment

Awesome Shane!
Read this and liked it Shane! I felt that I was there with you witnessing all the details! I will keep coming back for more blog posts! Nice meeting you in Malaysia!

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