I know, I know. Long time no see. My excuse? Hungry. Let’s be fair you feel as though this city closes down during the month of Ramadan, particularly in July (we reached a lovely 50 degrees!). I find it weird how you call someone at 3 pm and they’re asleep. Yes, people sleep during the day and stay awake all night–of course the exceptions are people like myself. They call us mrishk*. This reminds me I should write about nightlife in Erbil. I promise I will.
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| Erbil night life for families |
Soooo….
Are you asking what to do and where to go in Erbil? A few days ago I took some relatives to Shanadar Park, and I must admit one of my favorite places is definitely the Shanadar Cave. If you haven’t been… GO!! Now. Tonight.
It is one of those places where you can do a few things, so it can serve the taste of different individuals. There are a few nice seating areas where you can have a drink (I mean chai –tea– juices and other soft drinks, non-acoholic) some ice cream and gather with a few friends well into the evening. I think they also have fast food though I have never tried it. My little hint for you is have a seat by the fountain, you will love it! (if it is turned on)
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| Seating/ food area – enjoyable place in Erbil |
The Shanadar Cave is in the Zagros Mountains, however, a ‘fake’ version is in the heart of Hawler (Erbil) the beauty of the cave in Erbil is that the inside is turned into a gallery, almost like a tourist-souvenir place. I love it, because it supports local artists and it becomes a place for their art work to be seen and purchased.
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| Outside Shanidar Cave in Erbil |
You can get post cards, little bits and pieces with the Kurdish flag, key rings etc. if you are a traveling you might want to pass by since they do sell some handmade souvenirs as well (postcards just under 50 cents, key rings around $3).
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| Kurdish souvenirs, handmade |
I really love the atmosphere inside the cave, and the idea of turning a cave into a gallery. You can actually go on top of it as well, the view from there is reallllyyyy nice. Hang in there, I have pictures!! (Loyal blogger. Don’t thank me)^
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| Inside the Shanidar (or Shanadar) gallery in Erbil – Kurdistan |
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| Shanadar Cave – gallery |
Let me show off a little bit. My good friend A. R. has an amazing piece there, if you are interested to have a look or even better purchase it. It highlights a strong story of the struggle of women.
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| A.R. ‘s painting! |
Make sure you take the stairs outside, by the waterfall, and climb the top of the cave, where is a nice view and a seating area too. A rather calm atmosphere!
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| Top of the gallery |
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| Shanadar park at night – Erbil |
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| Entrance |
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| Love this area |
So go to Shanadar Park, enjoy your time and let me know what you think of it.
Sometimes in a small city that is just growing and developing we have no choice but to find amusement in the simplest of things!
Until next time
Khwa Hafiz
* Kurdish word for chicken.
^ I progressed from a BlackBerry to a Samsung S4 (I think I got that right) thanks to S.K. so I would like to think my pictures are a better quality. Lazy blogger who needs to learn to use a professional camera soon.
My Nest in Kurdistan 
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