First Impressions of Baghdad: A Journey with World Nomac

When it comes to adventurous travel, Iraq has often been portrayed as a destination for the bold and curious. World Nomac, a well-known travel YouTuber, recently explored the streets of Baghdad, Iraq's bustling capital, documenting his first impressions. His trip offers valuable insights for travelers interested in venturing into this historical city, despite its challenging reputation.

Arriving in Baghdad: Navigating the Streets

World Nomac’s journey in Baghdad began with the chaos of local traffic, where military checkpoints and armed vehicles are a common sight. Despite the intimidating environment, World Nomac emphasizes the kindness of the locals. From trying to communicate with taxi drivers to navigating using Google Translate, he quickly learned that getting around Baghdad requires a bit of patience and flexibility.

In one of his first moments in Baghdad, he comments on how almost every few blocks, one encounters military vehicles and armed personnel. Despite this, the warmth of the people he met along the way left a strong positive impression.

Experiencing Baghdad’s Modern Side

During his exploration, World Nomac visited Beban Coffee Food, a popular spot among Iraqi locals and travelers. The modern café's ambiance surprised him, showcasing a different side of Baghdad that contrasts with the usual perceptions of the city. The café’s design, modern aesthetic, and high-quality service left a lasting impression on him, illustrating that Baghdad is not just a city of old traditions, but also a place embracing modernity.

At Beban, he savored local flavors, including shisha (hookah) and Iraqi dishes, commenting on the fantastic taste and warm service. This experience gave him a glimpse into Baghdad's vibrant and evolving café culture.

Baghdad's Bazaar: An Authentic Market Experience

No trip to Baghdad would be complete without a visit to one of its famous bazaars. World Nomac ventured into one of these bustling markets, where he encountered vendors selling everything from fruit to leather goods. He even had a humorous interaction where he purchased a police wallet, joking about how it might raise suspicion when he returns to the U.S.

The chaotic but lively atmosphere of the market gave him a true sense of the everyday life of Baghdad’s residents. While the city’s military presence was evident, the market thrived with energy, with people buying and selling goods, bargaining over prices, and exchanging stories.

Humorous Moments and Unplanned Adventures

World Nomac’s journey through Baghdad was not without its surprises. In a humorous twist of fate, while chatting with locals at the bazaar, a bird flew over and left its mark on his head. This unexpected event added a lighthearted touch to the experience, and despite the discomfort, he couldn’t help but laugh at the situation. The locals quickly helped him clean up, displaying their hospitality and willingness to assist visitors.

Another memorable moment involved navigating the chaotic traffic on foot. Baghdad's streets are known for their disorderly driving, and crossing the street became a challenge. World Nomac described the experience as a “real-life version of Frogger,” dodging cars and hoping for an opening to cross safely.

Engaging with Baghdad's Friendly Locals

Throughout his journey, one thing stood out the most to World Nomac: the hospitality and friendliness of the Iraqi people. Whether it was a friendly exchange with a vendor, locals offering directions, or even casual chats in broken English, the warmth and generosity of the people consistently impressed him.

He also encountered two locals, Ahmed and Hassan, who invited him to visit their homes in Babylon. This gesture of kindness left a profound impact on him, illustrating the strong sense of community and hospitality that defines Iraqi culture. Although he was unable to accept their invitation due to his schedule, the offer was a testament to the generosity of Iraqis.

Technological Challenges: SIM Cards and Connectivity

One of the challenges World Nomac faced in Baghdad was setting up a local SIM card. Unlike the more flexible system in Kurdistan, purchasing a SIM card in Baghdad required identification, including a passport and other personal information. After a few failed attempts, he was finally able to purchase a SIM card at a licensed shop. This experience highlighted the differences in technology access between regions in Iraq, but once connected, he was able to share his adventures with the world.

Overcoming Preconceptions: Baghdad’s Safety and Progress

Before arriving in Baghdad, World Nomac admitted that he had concerns about safety, which were largely influenced by media portrayals of Iraq. However, after spending time in the city, his perspective changed. He noted that while there are still visible remnants of conflict, Baghdad felt safer than he expected. The military presence and checkpoints, while imposing, are in place to ensure safety, and the people of Baghdad go about their daily lives despite these precautions.

He reflected on how the city is steadily moving towards peace and stability. With ongoing improvements in security, infrastructure, and tourism, Baghdad is transforming into a more accessible destination for adventurous travelers.

Final Thoughts on Baghdad: A City of Resilience and Hope

By the end of his trip, World Nomac expressed gratitude for the opportunity to explore Baghdad and interact with its people. Despite the initial nervousness about visiting a city with such a complex history, his experience in Baghdad was overwhelmingly positive. The blend of ancient history, modern development, and the resilience of its people left a lasting impression on him.

For travelers considering a visit to Baghdad, World Nomac’s experience offers reassurance that Iraq’s capital is not only safe to visit but also full of culture, history, and friendly faces. While it may not yet be a top tourist destination,

Baghdad’s evolving landscape makes it an exciting and unique place to explore.

You can watch World Nomac's full experience in Baghdad through the video on YouTube via this link: First Impressions in Baghdad, Iraq - YouTube.