Back in lovely Sulaymaniyah in Kurdistan and of course up for a swim. I had heard they had renovated the old Mihrako pool, which I had tried once before and didn't like.The transformation, as you can see, is astounding - the pool is stunning as is the tiled steam room, the two spa pools and a modern sauna.The Kurds' ability to swim hasn't got any better and they think I am amazing (as I am in my own way, but my swimming is a good deal less amazing). Immediately I finish my lengths someone always comes up and asks for lessons. My fame has even spread to the hotel I am staying in, with one of the staff asking if I can teach him to swim. Of course I am goodness itself and always helpful - my parents brought me up well.What has changed is that women can now swim here, as previously this pool was men only. Of course swimming together is too much, but now it is men from 7am to 10am and then again from 4 pm to 10 pm (women get the 10am to 4pm spot). While the Kurds are less conservative than most countries in the middle east, this is a great leap forward. The photos were taken just after the men's session had ended, which is why the pool is empty.Oh and to add to the flag debate, Kurds do think the silver fern on the black background looks like an ISIS flag....
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