Changing Party Scene: Baghdad Year 1
- By: frankpix
- Created on: 11/24/2009
- Rated By 1 Users
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So what does one actually DO in Baghdad? It’s somewhat different for those who live in the International Zone (IZ), and those who live outside.
For those in IZ, it is possible to take spin classes, yoga, go to salsa lessons. It is also possible to attend bi-monthly meetings of the Baghdad Cigar Aficionado Club (I have to confess, I went to one).
How could I not go? It was outside, Saturday evening, at the pool I go to on Fridays. This time, instead of tattooed bare-chested hunky young men, there were middle aged pot bellied men (mercifully fully clothed), smoking an absolutely ENORMOUS cigar. They were either in uniform, or wearing the security uniform: khakis and blue polo shirts.
The head of the group was standing at a mic (there were at least 40 men there, a handful of women), talking about the stogie they were smoking in similar terms to wine. “A soft nutty flavor, with a hint of pepper….”
I went with my best gal pal Joanna (a tall and lovely London solicitor, out here working for private legal firm which helps businesses negotiate Iraqi legal requirements).
Our main reason for going, aside from curiosity, was to snag one of their shirts: which had a great emblem, but is sadly made of rather icky nylon fabric.
Aside from riveting social events like that, there is the usual round of parties.
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