When my wife and I travel, we come across many nice people, some of which we have befriended and been friends for many years.
In the photo below, is an Iraqi farmer I came across when hiking in the mountains North East of Soran, Iraq. He was herding his goats and was all alone up in the mountains. Mostafa was a very nice man and so genuine. My friends and I sat down and shared food and water. The location was close to here. That’s his donkey, I just sat on it for the photo.
The landscape looks great, @TheEagleEye . Very beautiful.
Does that donkey sleeping while you ride on top of it?
The landscape is beautiful @iorikun301 and was so quiet. It was far away from traffic. I didn’t ride the donkey, just sat on it for the photo. Donkey’s just look asleep but they do have eyes open. Thanks for your message.
Oohh… I’ve tought that the donkey is sleeping, @TheEagleEye . Ahahaa… my bad… 
Hi @TheEagleEye ,
Seems you enjoyed well with him. How was the climate there? Was it hot or cold?
Such a cool story and experience, @TheEagleEye !
I bet farming/shepherding can be lonely and he was glad for the company. Were you on an extended multi-day hike or just a day hike?
I liked meeting him @Tushar18 although couldn’t communicate well as he spoke Kurdish. I speak English and a little Arabic, so it was difficult. Hand gestures, facial expressions can do well in instances like this.
It was very hot and we didn’t get to our planned destination because of that. Lucky for us we didn’t go to our planned destination as we were told later that there are landmines up there left over from previous wars.
Yes @JordanSB it can be very lonely and farmers like him can spend several days moving the goats. The farmers camp under the stars and have menial amount of food and return to lower ground mainly to get water for himself and the goats. It was a day trip for me and some friends although we were in Soran for 3 days and Iraq for 7 days in total. We didn’t get to our planned destination which was the summit which is the border if Iraq and Iran. It got too hot so we decided to return to the town although we still did a good hike. Lucky for us though that we didn’t go any further as we were told later that there are landmines left over from previous wars. It was a good thing we turned around.
Amazing @TheEagleEye … Interacting with someone who doesn’t know your language and you also don’t understand theirs is a real fun & challenge. 
Hi @TheEagleEye ,
I think that’s the wonderful part about living in another country- you have the time/opportunity to get to know and meet the locals. When you are holidaying, you get a taste, but it isn’t quite the same. What a wonderful experience for you and your wife. Just curious, were you able to communicate with this farmer?
Thanks for message @JustineE . We communicated but if we understood each other as far as I know. We spent about an hour with the farmer. Where I live I manage to understand and I can communicate in Arabic a little but not fully.
