ARRIVED IN KURDISTAN, PART 2 – ON THE GROUND IN NORTHERN IRAQ

After Chacker and I helped to get the young Iraqi driver and his tanker-truck turned around, we both got back into the Taksi to make our way on to Dohuk. I could tell that morning was breaking right away because of the brisk morning air. It wasn't uncomfortable, however, to me in my short-sleeved shirt, nevertheless, the morning air was cool.

On our way now toward Dohuk, Chacker and I engaged somewhat in some 'small talk' and within thirty minutes or so, we were pulling into the parking lot of a small Kurdish-owned 'Cafe' Resturante' which was all well-lighted, I thought, for this early in the morning. I quickly made my way back to the rustic 'outside toilet,' which was nothing more than a tin-covered small building - one for men, and another one for the ladies. I hurriedly had my "morning break," washed my hands and went to meet Chacker inside
the resturante'. That isn't the correct English spelling of it, but that is the way it is "spelled" here in Iraq; or, at least, some places.

I told Chacker I was not hungry at all ~ "I was just tired and sleepy!" He insisted that I have at least something - he was buying and he thought I should at least eat something! He advised me to go over to the "Kitchen," and see what was being 'prepared' for the day ~ I did. What I saw was a huge pot, about three to four feet in diameter with a lid on top. It was a stainless steel pot, with the fire well-lit beneath, and as the cook raised the lid to reveal to me what was inside, I saw what looked like a huge pot of 'Chicken soup.' The "soup" contained small pieces of chicken, onion, salt and pepper, and, perhaps some 'other spices and renderings,' unbeknown to me. I said, "Okay, I will take a bowl of that!" And with that also came some sliced cucumbers and tomatoes, and tiny-sliced white cabbage, a bottle of water and some freshly made hot bread. I ate all that I could, and left very little on my plate. After the meal, of course, we had a cup of hot Tea.

The soup was very good, and as I commented on the meal to the waiter, Chacker was smiling and very pleased that he could 'treat' me. I have learned through the many times that I have been back to Kurdistan, and for a few times I've 'tried' other Taksi drivers, that experience teaches me that Chacker is at least one of the "Best!" He is dependable, on time or earlier, he is a safe driver, and he always get's me to the place I'm going 'On Time!!' AND ~ He always knows where Motel Bani ("Bonnie") is. That is very IMPORTANT to me! One time I got lost in Dohuk, and couldn't find Motel Bani on my own; and the Taksi driver charged me more money because it took longer to find Motel Bani.

Eventually, we found the Motel and I was very "Happy man!" Since then, I've just decided to just stay with Chacker and do my 'long-range Taksi service" with him. His price, too, is very reasonable. It really seems to me that there is a 'special bond' between Chacker and me. He trusts me and loves me, and I feel the same toward him.

One night well over a year ago, I had called him to 'pick me up at Motel Bani,' at midnight ~ and he was there ahead of time. I needed him to get me to Erbil International Airport in the early hours of the morning so that I would NOT miss my flight back to Frankfurt. On the way to Erbil, a lot of road construction was being done, and Chacker had to leave the main roads several times ~ wandering back through the hills and vales between Dohuk and Erbil.

During that process of 'wandering,' I was "wondering" about him ~ IF he really knew where he was going! Was he lost? Confused? It seemed to me that we had jumped ditches and holes with the Taksi. I was somewhat "nervous" that night, to say the least. Meanwhile, we made it back to the main highway and very soon we were outside the gate at Erbil International Airport. That night taught me that Chacker was truly "My friend." He endeared himself to me more that night, because he proved to me that he would "go through difficult places" ~ If he had too ~ to help me get my task accomplished.

As we finished our early morning meal this particular morning, we loaded up once again to make the last part of the journey to Dohuk. By now, it was 5:30 in the morning and it was daylight. As we pulled out of the graveled parking lot of the resturante,' I noticed the pretty green pasture across the highway in front of us, and particularly the greenish colored mountains. I commented on them to Chacker, and said, "Well, I guess you've had a very good Spring of rains - huh Chacker?" He said, "Oh, Yes! We had lot of rains, Mister Charliss. The fields are all green, and the mountains are getting greener, and all the flowers are coming forth." I replied, "Yes, I can see! Thanks to God for all the rain!" He said, "Yes, Thanks to God!"

I relaxed along the way into Dohuk, and Chacker competently drove on. Before long, within about forty-five minutes or so, we pulled up in front of Motel Bani. It was nice once again to see the 'Bani.' This motel is owned by a nice Kurdish man, who
at one time was a member of the Pesh merge ~ the military arm of the KRG(Kurdistan Regional Government). Both he and his father fought for years against the Saddam regime ~ his father for more than thirty years! They both were born in the Bani district of Northern Kurdistan ~ just over one of the mountains here which faces the Motel. When this Motel was completed in 2005, it was affectionately named for his home district, and is therefore known as 'Motel Bani.'

After Chacker unloaded my luggage and baggage, and I paid him for the trip, we embraced and shook hands, and I asked him to please check on the wrecked tanker-truck and the young Iranian driver when he arrived back to Erbil. He said that he would be "happy to do it."

A few days later I called him to see if he had found out anything about the driver, and he said that he had found out that he was yet in the hospital with a broken leg, a "bursted" kneecap, cuts and bruises all over his body and a head concussion. He further said that he had found out that "he was improving, and expected to survive and be okay!"

I said, "Thanks to God! And, thank-you Chacker for finding out for me. That really means a lot to me. Thank-you very much!" Chacker replied, "And, thank-you Mister Charliss for praying for him. He really needed that prayer." And, I said, "No problem, Man! NO problem at all!!

Since then, I continue to make my "contacts" with former students and friends here in Dohuk. I've had my first meeting with students at the Kurdish American School, and more than 85 showed up for the first meeting.

Today is Friday, and it is a holiday in this part of the world. The day has been rainy and cool outside ~ a wet, somber day. Not much to do, and for a while I've had 'Internet access,' so I thought I'd better do some writing. At least, it connects me with the rest of the world, especially that part of the world I am more familiar with ~ which I call home ~ Texas ~ a very good 'part' of the good 'ol USA. I miss home and family, and friends. But, while I am here in Kurdistan I will devote myself to Teaching American English, and making new relationships ~ while building upon those I've already established.

And, that's not too bad ~ at least for the time being!