You're not the only one.

This is a brilliant report. I really, really like the opportunity to see a little bit of what's happening on the ground.

I think he probably will at some point. Stunning - top that SFO777 :)

Thanks, mentor of monty:). Yes, Canon makes pretty sturdy gear and it thankfully came back all ok:).
Cheers, aidy:).
Thank you, Gardyloo:). Seeing the resolute civilians as they dealt with the situation as best as they could was very inspiring too.
Many thanks, rittenhousesq:). Yes, the sit down and chat with some tea is an important part of the hospitality. I was starting to get addicted to the sugary caffeine fix by the end too:)!
Thanks, calvinoeh, glad that this write-up and photos is appreciated:).
Cheers, CatchThePigeon:). It was great to explore the complex political and cultural factors at play in this conflict.
Many thanks, ChiefNWA:). I had been following the conflict since it began, but it was quite enlightening to delve more deeply and experience a part of it first-hand.
I have some options for publication, but the trip was primarily for me personally. Jan has been to Rojava multiple times and hence built up quite a ‘rolodex’ of contacts which allowed good access to the various places.
Many thanks, gmitchs:). Yes, the risk of doing business in some places in the middle-east can be too much, especially with the instability and lack of strong government. Hopefully Rojava can become more stable and a relatively peaceful place now, like Iraqi-Kurdistan over the border.
Thank you, jacobac00, it was am amazing journey too:).
Thanks, mkjr:). Yes, was quite eye-opening to see the their efforts to control and govern. And the boy was happy to simply go to school again, to learn and be with his friends.
Cheers, x1234:). Curious maybe, but not brave:).
Thank you, greg99:).
Thanks, cyclogenesis:). Yes, the famous YPJ fighters were very brave and inspiring, fighting alongside their male counterparts.
Thank you, JohnnyColombia:). My next trip definitely won’t be to the moon, but the mud volcanoes near Baku looked like they were from another planet:).
Many thanks, Madone59:).
Thanks, chongl, hopefully some more journeys coming shortly:).
Thank you, goodeats21:). Yes, it was good to go more in-depth and see the human side as well as all the fighting.
Thanks, Fredrik74, yes, from the towns to the frontlines, it was very interesting to see it all in person.
I’m sure SFO777 already has his ticket booked:D.

Thank you, farbster:). Yes, not too many other westerners in this part of the world at the moment.

It took quite a bit of time to organise, both from my side and from Jan my fixer. It all worked out in the end though/

I think there's some ethical concerns when overpaying for meals etc. It can cause inflation for the locals which is not good. They are quite proud people too so charity like that is not too well accepted.

Communication is not too good, i.e. internet or postal so getting a photograph back to them would be difficult.

Another amazing and daring adventure. Thanks so much for sharing. The inclusion of maps further boost my comprehension of the story. This beats the x?x? out of reports on EY Apartment, showers in the sky reports.

About the above quote: You hit it right on. For most (some) of us (myself included), sometimes our "compassion" obscures our sensitivity of those issues you raised (my bold).

^^

>DanielW..joined just to say thanks for an incredible piece of writing. Have followed the goings on in the area daily on #ypg since the dark days when it was looking like Kobane would be lost. Your report with its great pictures has given it all a new meaning..so thanks for sharing your experiences.

Such an engaging TR. An awesome read and puts so much colour into the bleak news reports we see and hear.

Thank you so much

Another terrific trip report! Although think it was the first time have had to have additional websites open as read your trip report: Google Maps and Wikipedia. Had to attempt to understand borders, organizations, groups, etc. as you discussed them in your TR.

As usual you took amazing photos.

Thank you, allset2travel:). The maps helped to understand where I had been, and the strategic relevance with regard to the border and the ISIS areas.
I have managed a shower in an aeroplane yet, although its a fair way down my bucket list:).
Yes, a foreigner being liberal with money is not maybe the best thing to do in a dangerous country!
Many thanks, ekon:). Yes, it was interesting to see Kobani after the siege, and how it was slowly getting back on its feet. And welcome to FT:)!
Thanks, Jonobigblind:). Yes, despite the bad stuff, a lot of good stuff is happening there too.
Thank you, bowdenj:). Yes, google maps and Wikipedia were very helpful to see and understand the situation and the different areas of control. Interestingly, it’s been reported that ISIS has lost large chunks of territory in Syria, but it should also be mentioned that almost all of these gains are due to the Kurds, not the Regime or other rebel groups.

This was amazing. One of the best pieces of visual journalism I have seen this year.

I was so eager to read more and disappointed after page 2..this is like in the movies but real..thank you for bringing this to us who cannot be there (even if we want to !!)
This is why life is worth living for, and your trip is one of the proof for that ^

Any pictures of the flight from Doha to Erbil?

DanielW, thank you for the trip report! As always, it was not just interesting, but informative and I feel like I really got a glimpse into a life rarely seen. Must have been a hell of an adventure!

I hear Donetsk and Luhansk are very nice this time of year, in case you are looking for more edgy places to go to :cool:

I am halfway thru this report and felt the need to say that this is an amazing report. The level of detail and education is simply second to none. Now I need to finish this report and dive into your others.

Thanks for sharing....

Wow I am in complete awe. Thank you for another brilliant trip report. By far the best one on FT. I am a huge fan of your writing and photography. Thank you so much for all that you to do to bring these stories to life for us. Safe travels. :)