ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The owner of a restaurant in Duhok province offered free meals and accommodation to a German tourist for several days earlier this week, impressing the worn-out foreigner who had just arrived in the Kurdistan Region after biking from Turkey.
Alexander Stefanutto entered the Kurdistan Region last week. After trying to find a place to take a shower, he arrived at Khalil Gawdani’s restaurant in Duhok province’s Shekhan district. After having a meal, he asked if he could use the shower.
Instead, the owner offered him free meals and lodging for four days.
“He said he wanted to take a shower because he was worn out. I said okay, and showed him the shower. He took a shower and I later showed him his bed. After hearing this, he was surprised and delighted,” Gawdani told Rudaw on Monday.
The tourist was impressed by the hospitality of the people of Kurdistan.
“They give me love. They show me love. They show me respect. They show me [a] familiar atmosphere. They handle me like a brother, like a part of the family - the rice, the chicken, salad wow!” he told Rudaw.
The tourist’s journey does not end here, with his next destination being Iran.
Updated at 6:50 pm