Bree

The reality of it is this, never judge a place or the people only by what the media tells you. ✨ Before traveling to Iraq, I had no idea what to expect. Out of fear, my friends and family asked me all these questions, and I just replied, “I’m going to see for myself.” I knew my friends were hosting a group trip and have done so several times before so I went for it. What I learned changed my perspective and my life forever. 🫶🏽🇮🇶 __ #iraq #mosul #roadtrip #middleeast #iraq_kurdstan #kurdistan

This is IRAQ 🇮🇶✨🫶🏽 Just made it home after the most memorable 10 days. It was a trip that changed my life… I was warned that Iraq would make its way to becoming my number 1 favorite country, and everyone was right 😭. Indescribable is the word that comes to mind when I think about my experience. Just like many of us, I grew up believing everything I was fed through the media since I was a child, and once I saw my friends share their trip to Iraq, I decided to go and see what it was like for myself. And within the first day, I found myself welcomed by the people, given food, and warm embraces. I cried as a family held their hands to their hearts and welcomed me to their country and were so, so, kind. One of the greatest gifts travel has brought me is education, awareness, and a new way of seeing the world. I can’t wait to share so much more of my experience with you. Stay tuned. 💫 __ #iraq #iraqtravel #middleeast #middeleasttravel #roadtrip

I was told to never travel to this country… Girl, was I wrong! #iraq #middleeast #travel #bucketlist

I had so many of you guys asking questions about this Mosque, so here’s a look at how we gained access to the Imam Ali Shrine and everything you need to know about it. 🕌💫 This is the shrine of Imam Ali, the burial site of one of Islam’s most important figures. The mosque welcomes all, but as a woman you must dress modestly and remove makeup. Originally built in 786, the golden dome and towering minarets were crafted in the Safavid era — and later gilded in pure gold in 1743. In 1991, Saddam Hussein’s forces stormed these sacred walls during a Shia uprising… massacring those who sought refuge inside. Cameras are not allowed but phones are fine however if you take your phone out in the shrine itself a man or woman with a long feather duster will tap you to put it away. It was powerful being inside, so many people wanted to touch the shrine, and were crying, and praying. Each year, over 8 million pilgrims walk these grounds — a number that’s still growing and expected to hit 20 million in the near future. It was honestly one of the most breathtaking buildings I’ve ever seen in person 🥹✨ __ #iraq #travel #traveliraq #islam #shrine #roadtrip #middleeast #beautifulplaces #beautifuldestinations #wonderfulplaces #wonderlust #arabic #travelinspo #inspired #bucketlist #offthebeatenpath

Think it was worth it?! 😳 On day 5 of our trip we made our way out to the ruins of the the Great Mosque of Samarra built in 851 followed by Hatra, a UNESCO-listed Parthian city… what a day! Stay tuned for more of our Iraq trip to come. ✨🌙🇮🇶 Drone shots: @jerometraveller __ #iraq #travel #middleeast #mesopotamia #fyp

Can’t believe I made it! 🤯🕌✨⛰️🌙 Drone shots: @jerometraveller Interior mosque: @Elona __ #iraq #travel #travelinspo #bucketlist #beautifuldestinations #sheisnotlost #earth #wonderfulplaces #middleeast #islam #mosque #offthebeatenpath #inspired

Iraq took me by complete surprise 😳 #iraq #earth #middleast #fyp

I was told it was just desert and ruins 😱 Harry Potter vibes, Iraqi symphony?! Day 3 and 4 in Iraq 🫶🏽 #iraq #travel #middleeast #bucketlist

I was told women should NOT travel to this country… day 2 in Iraq! #iraq #middleeast #bucketlist #travel