Mesopotamian Marshes

After departing Najaf, we had a real treat exploring the marshlands in the southeast of Iraq. Fed by the Tigris River, it is an area of some small towns that make their living off of the marshes and those Iraqis that still live on the mud islands surrounded by reeds, water buffalo and endless winding waterways.

After a nice ride in our narrow shallow bottom boats, we ended up at a private reed constructed home for a traditional breakfast of sweet water buffalo cream topped with a syrup made from dates and sesame seeds. Flat bread, of course, and tea. (There is also a buffalo milk string cheese that was quite sour tasting)

Saddam drained the marshes as his opponents found it a good place to hide. Sadly it decimated the population of both people and wildlife. Shockingly we saw almost no water birds.

After another more extended boat tour and a song by our guides, we ended at a more architectural reed building for a fish lunch. The preparation was similar as it was in Baghdad with the carp but we 'think' this something more like trout.

It was a big surprise to actually this area and remarkably chill way to spend a day.

(A couple small points, yes we were all give the black and white scarfs for sun and water protection. And yes, I am wearing Anglers Club Billfish Tournament t-shirt, courtesy of Scott Allan)