"Summer is High Season Travel to Baghdad- the planes are booked"

Yes someone actually said this to me. In fact I have it in writing from a travel agent in Jordan. There are so many things wrong with this notion. No one wants to GO to Baghdad and if they do- they don't want to GO in the summer. Right now- it is 115 degrees. So I am thinking the 'high season' travel is LEAVING Baghdad- as people have been doing in droves since the war.

"Do you have Nescafe" (aka instant coffee)

This statement was made at a Starbucks!!!!! The barista grinned and said politely "we have fresh brewed coffee" The woman declined and walked away. Here in the middle east- we are forced to drink Nescafe as there is a lack of good starbucks coffee. When presented with an opportunity for fresh brewed starbucks OR powered coffee- I would choose the fresh brewed in a heartbeat. Yes- we also drink Turkish coffee- but only if you like Cardamon and your coffee as dark and thick as oil.

My all time Favorite....
"We need an HIV test in order for you to leave the country"

Apparently Iraq doesn't want anyone taking AIDS with them when they leave. Actually one of the exit visa clerks got it backwards- the AIDS test is for entry - not exit. Legally- you can take AIDS out of Iraq if you want. Yes- there are stringent rules for exit of Iraq- you have to have an exit visa. You can't just decide to leave-- that is of course if you can get a departing flight :)