Shanidar and Minare Parks

Shanidar Park

Jon and I had a nice cool evening at the park tonight.

Here are some pictures.

Notice how the name of the park is spelled one way on top and another way above the arch. That's the way it is done here. It's OK, no problem.

The park is named after a mountain cave where ancient remains of pre-historic men from 60,000 years ago where found. Making this part of the Middle East one of the earliest known habitations of man on earth. 

Inside this rock structure was the Shanidar Art Gallery.

 Kurdish Art

This is a picture of Shanidar Cave. I guess it is full of garbage from family picnics inside. They have no concept of preservation.

A cool fireplace inside the Gallery.

A painting of the Citadel 

Tassels

After the Gallery we walked up to a restaurant for dinner.

At this pond the fountains were dancing to the Kurdish music and lights. It was very festive and loud.

The park was filled with lights, music and people.

Up the stairs to the restaurant. When we got here, we discovered that they only served drinks, french fries and hamburgers. So we ordered drinks, french fries and hamburgers. 

We ended up getting lamb-burgers. YUCK!, but that is what happens when you order a meal in Kurdistan. About 40% of the time you get what you ordered and it is eatable and that's only if you know how to order. 

The lovely park and cool evening made up for the sub-par dinner.

Minare Park

On Friday (The Holy Day) after Church, we and Peggy and Walter went to Minare Park which just happens to be right across the street from Shanidar Park.

In the distance you can see the ancient minaret.

This women stopped me to get a picture. She spoke only Kurdish, but insisted that I take a picture with her daughter. Funny

This minaret is all that is left from an ancient mosque dating back to the 11th century. 

Walter and Peggy enjoying some shade with us at the park. It was a warm beautiful day in Erbil.

Just the park

This is how they decorate their cars for weddings. They usually have a giant ribbon that goes from the front of the car across the top to the back also. Very festive. There was a wedding in the park today, but when we asked if you could take pictures they said no.