January 12, 2006
Thank You
Thanks so much to everyone who hit the PayPal button to help me out with Iraq expenses. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.
I hope to be heading over there in a couple of weeks. At this point it depends on how complicated the visa process turns out to be. So far the information I have is a bit contradictory.
If anyone has travel advice gained from personal experience in Northern Iraq, please feel free to leave it in the comments.
Posted by Michael J. Totten at January 12, 2006 08:13 AMMichael, here's a civilian blogger who's been there. Check out her Nov archives.
www.literalthoughts.blogspot.com
She also mentions you in some posts, and you're on her blogroll.
I think she's totally fascinating.
Posted by: Maggie45 at January 12, 2006 08:30 AMThanks, Maggie.
I know Kerry, and she is extremely helpful.
Posted by: Michael J. Totten at January 12, 2006 08:52 AMHow entering via Turkey? Or would it be easier enter via Kuwait?
I remember some kid from Florida ended up in Iraq, so it shouldn't be too hard.
Posted by: Niraj at January 12, 2006 09:10 AMMichael,
A guy who travel blogs from around the world entered Iraq from Turkey in July of 2003 at Silopi(sp?)/Dohuk side of Turkey at the Iraq border by simply befriending some locals who got him on a bus (taxi bus).
His adventure are chronicled here.
http://www.hobotraveler.com/2003_07_27_archive.html
I might also be able to get you in contact with some folks who I keep in touch with in Mosul who go by the title 'The Men of Letters'.
maa salaama! (go in peace! i think :-)
Posted by: Natasha at January 12, 2006 09:18 AMAhh good, Michael. :)
Posted by: Maggie45 at January 12, 2006 10:21 AMSo what will you do with all of the donation money that you received for the Iraq trip if you don't sort out your visa and you never end up going?
Speaking of visas, I noticed that you seem to go on "visa runs" every month. However, you can renew your visa for up to 3 months at a time at the Security General headquarters, across the street from the National Museum:
http://www.surete-generale.gov.lb/english/english.htm
The real thing to do would have been to get a 6 month multiple entry tourist visa back in the States ($70), but too late for that.
Amy,
I'll get the visa and go. There is no reason the government will deny me one. It's only a matter of timing.
Posted by: Michael J. Totten at January 13, 2006 04:26 AMAmy,
I'll get the visa and go. There is no reason the government will deny me one. It's only a matter of timing.
Posted by: Michael J. Totten at January 13, 2006 04:28 AMhey michael, lebanon isnt on the paypal list :/
cant use it.
