Patrick Treacy Iraq Travel Blog

09/11/2024

As the Cold War wound down almost four decades ago, a top adviser to the reformist Soviet leader, Mikhail S. Gorbachev, warned the West, “We are going to do the most terrible thing to you. We are going to deprive you of an enemy.”

In the celebrations of the triumph of Western liberal democracy, of free trade and open societies, few considered how disorienting the end of a binary world of good and evil would be. But when the spread of democracy in newly freed societies looked more like the spread of divisive global capitalism, when social fracture grew and shared truth died, when hope collapsed in the communities technology left behind, a yearning for the certainties of the providential authoritarian leader set in. The curious resurrection and resounding victory of Donald J. Trump amounted to the apotheosis of a long-gathering revolt against the established order. (NYT)

21/10/2024

Aesthetic Awards Ireland 🇮🇪 2024

09/07/2024

08/07/2024

Travelled on to Kashgar, an ancient oasis city located in the western Uygur Autonomous Region of Xinjiang, China. It sits at the western end of the Tarim Basin, surrounded by the Pamir Mountains, making it a significant historical and cultural crossroads on the ancient Silk Road. Kashgar has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. Historically known as Shule, the city was a major trading hub on the Silk Road, linking China to the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe. This strategic position facilitated cultural exchanges and the spread of goods, ideas, and religions, including Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity.

08/07/2024

Just returned from Northern Pakistan where I helped install water pumps to provide clean water to communities. Clean water is crucial in reducing diseases like cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, and typhoid, which are prevalent in areas with poor water quality. Access to clean water not only improves personal hygiene but also reduces the spread of infections, benefiting overall community health. Particularly, pregnant women and young children are vulnerable to the effects of contaminated water. Providing clean water enhances maternal health and decreases child mortality rates.

21/04/2024

Early brekkie then a 2.5 hour drive to Sialkot where our project partner carries out their works. We will fund a pop-up clinic for a remote mountain community who has no current access to health care. This pop-up clinic will bring doctors and nurses into the community and treat all the ailments they can, for free, to the community. After witnessing the amazing work these guys do, we’ll have a local Pakistani lunch with the community and make our way back to Lahore for the evening.

21/04/2024

Epic adventure and the trip of a lifetime awaits across beautiful Pakistan, exploring untouched nature, meeting some of the friendliest people on Earth, and learning about traditional life along the borders. Starting with a signature giveback projects in Sialkot, I’ll fly high into Kashmir to breathtaking scenes. Then, travel overland through the Karakoram Highway, deep into the Himalayas, through the Khunjerab Pass, the highest border crossing in the world, and on to adventure in Kashgar and discover the fascinating city of Urumqi, China. This project is partnering with a local NGO in the city of Sialkot to help install water pumps and toilets so that villagers can live in hygienic conditions.