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Some countries are ungoogleable… Why is that whenever I google the words “Iraq,” “Africa,” or “Middle East” most of what I see are people famishing on the street, wars and bombings; the image of abandoned spaces and darkness that is almost touchable. This is not the story I got from traveling to unusual places such as Iraq. Let me tell you about the “barbarian” and “poor” country but how self-sustaining its people are. Whether it is selling grilled corn on the street, having a small convenience store or driving a motorcycle, there are no beggars or homeless people like we see here in the United States or other developed countries. Although a lot of times on TV Iraq or the Middle East is portrayed as this chaotic country where its people are fighting each other, trying to escape the country, or women are being abused, I think the social environment itself prevents these troubles. Troubles and chaos have brought people together in the worst times. During my travel, someone asked whether I would prefer to be homeless in Iraq or the US. I chose Iraq. Among the many abandoned-looking places live people who have not yet abandoned their humanity or surrendered hope. Let me tell you about how strong women are and how they came to form women’s groups in times of adversity and neglect. Isn’t this the epitome of feminism filling the west? And have I forgotten how women, like any other man, are expected to excel in math and engineering. I guess social expectation and pressure is not always bad. Let me tell you about the friendliness of Iraqi people and the high religious tolerance in the pit of “terrorism.” The ruins of the Cradle of Civilization but narrations from elders in heart-warming cafes still swarm the public and let even strangers reminisce. How could a country portrayed as the most dangerous zone have people living a normal life like you and me? How could its people roam normally and enjoy everyday life in malls and amusement parks? I think the answer to these questions is how could someone believe that these people are not living a normal life? How could someone believe the ungoogleable information? It is the smiles, the little conversations, the warm and gentle hands of kids; the smell of freshly brewed coffee across the street that made me realize how normal every human is. Normal yet filled with a kaleidoscope of laughter, sadness, tears and happiness. Let me tell you something, behind a TV screen, behind what some governments paint others is a story that has not been fully narrated.