JJ TO THE RESCUE - GREAT ADVICE ON HOTELS IN BAGHDAD

JJ TO THE RESCUE - GREAT ADVICE ON HOTELS IN BAGHDAD

The Palestine and Sheraton Hotels are the HQ for all the journalists;

they're right across the street from each other and awesomely defended

(with tanks). The Palestine is $60/night.



But right across from and behind the Palestine is the Al-Fanar on

Abu-Nawas street, which is your best bet. $20/night, breakfast and dinner

included. Rooms available, don't worry about it. Ask the cab driver for the

Al-Fanar.



He should know right off where it is. If he doesn't, ask for the

Palestine or Sheraton, get inside the security cordon there (you don't

have to be a guest of the hotel), and ask for directions (it's less than a

block, and within sight of the security perimeter, so you should be ok.) On

the totally remote chance the Al-Fanar is full, they're very helpful and

can help you find other places. I know there are a couple hotels next

door.



Is it safe to walk around? Well, sort of. Most business shuts down

around 4 or 5pm since that's when the "ali babas" come out, and it's not safe

after that time. Mornings and early afternoons are the safest time of the

day.



Try to arrive then, but the streets bordering the Palestine/Sheraton

compound aren't too bad any time of day (except for aggressive begging

kids). I've walked through a couple areas that, I would find out later,

were

"no-go" areas. I think they were shocked to see a Westerner walking

alone without an escort or convoy--I made sure not to go back that way

though, on the off chance someone got the courage to try something.



Traffic here is complete disarray--try to get some pictures of it on

your way in. People going the wrong way up freeway onramps, every

intersection is jammed, etc.



Thanks from HoboTraveler.com JJ.