A Swedish Motorcycle’s Diary in Iraq, Not Iran

Baghdad — From north of Sweden, near the arctic circle, Kristina Lindström, known affectionately as “Krikko” to her followers, embarked on an extraordinary journey on two wheels that led her to Iraq.

At 33, the intrepid traveler and YouTuber has turned her passion for adventure and motorcycles into a lifestyle, journeying across continents to explore the unknown. Her latest venture unfolds across Iraq, a country she chose over Iran, inspired by tales from fellow travelers and a desire to challenge media stereotypes.

In an interview with 964media, Lindström’s explained how her adventure began in 2016 with a modest $200 motorcycle trip across Vietnam. “After that, I wanted a bigger challenge,” Lindström recalls, setting her sights on a journey that would demand five years of savings and planning. Her new vehicle, a Honda Transalp XL650V 2005, “known for its reliability and ease of maintenance worldwide”, has carried her through Sweden, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and now Iraq – her seventh country on this trip.

Arriving in Iraq at the end of January, Lindström’s route has taken her through Zakho, Duhok, Amedi, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Kirkuk, Baghdad, Karbala, and Najaf. Each city offering a unique glimpse into the country’s history and culture. Yet, it’s the Iraqi people’s warmth and hospitality that has left the most significant mark on her. “I get so overwhelmed by all the kindness I receive. We [Europeans] have a lot to learn from you regarding this”.

The journey has not been without its challenges, particularly the bureaucratic hurdles encountered while transitioning from the Kurdistan Region into Federal Iraq. A week of stress and uncertainty nearly derailed her plans, but persistence led to a resolution. Yet, it seems that the highs overshadow the lows, with Iraq’s culinary delights and the hospitality she received. “I never really liked dates until I tried it here in Iraq. It’s another level than the dry boring ones in Sweden,” she jokes. The other dish that she is amused by is “Masgouf” or grilled river fish.

Choosing Iraq over Iran was a deliberate decision, driven by curiosity and a desire to challenge preconceptions. “I knew nothing about Iraq. I only saw  bombs and terror in media. But I knew that Iraq was more than that, and I wanted to explore it myself,” Lindström reflects on her decision.

This choice not only allowed her to experience the country’s beauty firsthand but also to forge lasting friendships and memories she says.

Lindström plans to continue her journey through Kuwait and Saudi Arabia before returning to Sweden, where she aims to share her experiences and inspire others, especially women, to embark on their own adventures. “Life’s greatest rewards lie just outside your comfort zone,” she says, emphasizing her mission to inspire and challenge cultural prejudices through her travels.

As Lindström prepares for the next leg of her journey, her message is clear: “Follow your dreams, believe in yourself, and don’t give up.” Her motorcycle diary in Iraq, not Iran, is a testament to the transformative power of travel and the bridges it can build between disparate worlds.