Kurdistan: Day 15, Akre to Dohuk

The rolling green hills have opened up to a flat plain and some very nice tailwind. However, it's definitely been one of my most uncomfortable days in terms of the standard of driving. I wish I had a mirror today on these narrow roads.

Rather interesting to come within 30km of Mosul, one of the most dangerous cities in the world, especially after hearing about multiple bombings there that day. No matter, it doesn't seem like much trouble from Arab Iraq will be getting through the multiple checkpoints into Kurdish Iraq.

Halfway through the day, the road splits. One for Dohuk, and the other is a more direct road to Zahok which the trucks all use, and is flatter. Take the road for Dohuk, no matter what. It's much wider, much safer, a much better surface, much more scenic, and a little more difficult over the hills.

It was nice to meet some travellers at the hotel that night, a couple of German guys who had come specifically to Iraq and were trekking around a little bit. They shared very funny story that night of a bus ride that took them out of the massive US army Kurdistan checkpoint and a little too close for comfort to the disputed city of Kirkuk. It seems that neither Kurdish soldiers nor American soldiers will prevent you from entering Arab Iraq, even accidentally!