Overwhelmed by all the history

The Ziggurat of Ur
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Much history, but precious little to do other than work and going on the internet... there are some other places of heavy historical influence, but everywhere in Iraq, there are risks involved when it comes to traveling around the country.

This area, in fact this entire country isn't your typical tourist destination, not even close, if you follow any current events at all.

Lots of history in this desert

But if you ever find yourself in this area of Iraq, the Ziggurat of Ur is not to be missed.  Not many places in the world can boast of a temple, still standing after 3000+ years.  Near the Ziggurat of Ur, within about 1000 feet, you'll also find the reconstructed house of the prophet Abraham.  There are also a number of other, relatively anonymous historical sites and ruins in this area.

House of Abraham
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I was here during the winter, which is pretty harsh with the cold temperatures and high winds.  The winter temperatures would go as low as the high 20's in fahrenheit.  Expect a lot of rain during the winter as well, and when it rains, mud seems to be everywhere, and Iraqi mud is pretty thick and sticky like peanut butter.  Summers are brutal, but at least it's a dry heat?  I've heard the temperatures go as high as 120 degree fahrenheit, fortunately I haven't been in a position to verify that.

The people of Iraq are among the nicest I've met.  I can't help but feel for the turmoil their country as a whole is going through, and hope that the situation there becomes even close to peaceful...

In many ways, I won't forget my experience in the Cradle of Civilization.