Originally Posted by
pycut
Thanks for one of the best TR's I've seen here! You really captured the human aspect of the area, IMO.
I last travelled to Syria in 2012, just before the serious troubles kicked off (there were just protests at the time), and Erbil in nothern Iraq shortly afterwards. Fascinating region with extremely hospitable people.
I'm planning to return to the same area soon. May I be so indiscreet as to ask what kind of expenses you had for the trip, as in fixer and on-the-ground expenses? I'm just a tourist who likes to see the things up-front for myself, so I don't have a big professional budget that the news fixers charge, and I'm wondering if you were able to find anything more suited towards private travellers. Thanks!
Thank you,
pycut
. I am jealous of the people who have visited before the civil war. 2012 must have been right before everything went real awry(?).
My fixer had worked with other photographers in Syria previously and whose work I had seen, and hence I was confident in using his services for the trip. His services were not cheap, but this was something I didn't want to skimp on given the circumstances. There are apparently cheaper fixers available, but not as knowledgeable or with similar contacts, and more importantly (given the risk of being sold to kidnappers etc.), a good, verified reputation.
Originally Posted by
mustang281man
Wow. That was an extremely interesting and eye opening trip report. I definitely learnt something from your report. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks,
mustang281man. Just off to the airport in a few hours for another getaway, this time a little more normal though
.