Interview with Bubly
Date12 March 2026
Mediumborn digital audio file
DimensionsDuration: 1 Hours, 40 Minutes
ClassificationsInformation Artifacts
Credit LineCommunity History Project Collection
Description.1 Audio file of interview with Bubly. He was interviewed by Emmanuel Gezahegne Mitikie on March 12, 2026 in Hartford, Connecticut.
.2 Audio file of interview with Bubly. He was interviewed by Emmanuel Gezahegne Mitikie on March 29, 2026 in Hartford, Connecticut.
Bubly was interviewed as part of the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History's Community History Project discussing moments of change in his life.
.1 Bubly briefly introduces himself, mentioning his origins in Babylon, Iraq, his age, and his current status as a student in Hartford, Connecticut. Bubly recounts his early years in Iraq, his first experiences with travel, and his love for exploring new areas. He describes his journey to Germany for school, a gap year filled with travel, and subsequent moves to the US for college.
Bubly reflects on the value of local exploration versus international travel, noting how familiarity with one's own country can surpass that of locals. He discusses prejudices between cities, the importance of learning about nearby places, and draws parallels between travel and pilgrimage. The spiritual and transformative aspects of journeying, whether for religious or personal reasons, are explored, emphasizing the significance of the journey itself rather than the destination.
Bubly identifies his bike trip from Germany to Iraq as the most significant change in his life. He describes the motivations behind the journey, including the unique opportunity presented by his residency status during Covid, and the sense of responsibility to undertake the trip. The experience provided profound insights into geography, culture, and his own identity, marking a clear before-and-after in his personal development. Bubly reflects on the constructed nature of borders, the intimacy of experiencing distances physically, and the gradual transitions between landscapes and cultures. He discusses how the journey's difficulty parallels pilgrimage, and how the physical challenge fosters appreciation, awareness, and a deeper connection to the places and people encountered. The journey fostered a deeper empathy and tolerance for others, as he witnessed diverse ways of life and recognized the influence of environment on people's perspectives and behaviors.
Bubly shares his observations on cultural differences and similarities across Iraq, Germany, and the US. He notes that people are fundamentally similar in their desires and ways of life, but highlights differences in social categorization and friendship dynamics.
The conversation shifts to Bubly's passion for coffee. He explains his love for coffee's taste, the anticipation it brings, and its role in fostering community and conversation. The interviewer connects this to the pace of life in the US versus Germany, with Bubly noting the faster, more pressured environment in the US and the value of slowing down to appreciate experiences and connections.
Bubly compares the impact of his international school experience in Germany with his travels. He distinguishes between logical learning and emotional internalization, stating that school taught him tolerance intellectually, while travel allowed him to deeply empathize and imagine life from others' perspectives. This openness to possibilities enhances creativity and understanding in all aspects of life. Bubly provides examples of shared spaces in Iraq and Germany, such as street-side gatherings, cafes, riversides, plazas, and lakes. He emphasizes the importance of accessible, open spaces for fostering community and social interaction, contrasting these environments with Hartford, where such spaces are less prevalent and often have financial barriers.
Bubly discusses his academic life at Trinity College, noting the mental separation between the college and the city of Hartford. He describes the privilege and isolation of the campus, the lack of integration with the city, and how this affects his sense of community and belonging. The experience has made him miss more livable, interconnected places where diverse people can easily interact. He identifies structural barriers, such as legal restrictions and differences in opportunity, that hinder integration between international and domestic students.
Bubly reflects on his evolving sense of home, acknowledging that while Iraq remains his cultural and emotional anchor, his relationship with home has become more complex due to his global experiences. He describes how caring for people and places outside Iraq has broadened his perspective, but his definition of home has become sharper, rooted in cultural belonging and responsibility. As the interview concludes, Bubly reflects on his future aspirations, expressing a desire to continue traveling, contribute to Iraq, and build businesses that ground him in his home country. He acknowledges the privilege and responsibility of his experiences and shares a message to his future self, urging him to retain the openness and imagination of childhood.
.2 Bubly begins by reflecting on how travel has been a source of mental clarity, direction, and self-discovery. He describes an innate urge to explore new places. This desire to see new things and meet new people has been a consistent motivator, shaping his approach to life and learning.
The discussion shifts to the decision to leave Iraq at age 17 to study in Germany. Bubly explains his attraction to the International Baccalaureate program and the opportunity to expand his world by meeting people from diverse backgrounds. Upon arriving in Germany in 2018, he faced difficulties related to prejudice and assumptions about Iraqis, especially in the context of the recent refugee crisis. Bubly describes experiencing imposter syndrome, feeling less capable than peers from other countries, and the need to challenge both external stereotypes and internalized beliefs. The school environment, with its international mix and supportive staff, provided space for growth and adaptation, but the process of overcoming assumptions was ongoing and complex. Bubly compares the necessity of having clearly defined opinions in Germany and the US with the more fluid and open-ended approach in Iraq. He recounts a pivotal experience applying for a leadership program in Canada, which helped him realize that his sense of inferiority was unfounded. This internal transformation led to greater confidence and the ability to more effectively challenge stereotypes and assumptions in others, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance in navigating cross-cultural environments.
The conversation shifts to Bubly's ambitious bike trip from Germany to Iraq, undertaken during a gap year. He discussed the initial lack of a fixed timeline, the challenges of securing visas with an Iraqi passport, and how the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly enabled the journey by extending his German residency. The decision to embark on the trip was driven by a sense of opportunity and personal responsibility, with the pandemic's disruptions providing the final push to set out. Bubly describes the practical aspects of the bike trip, including minimal pre-planning, daily navigation, and the freedom of camping. He relied on a mix of camping, staying with friends, couchsurfing, and the hospitality of strangers. Food and money were managed through a tight budget and a fundraising campaign, with support from his school community. The journey was physically demanding, especially in the first month, but became more manageable over time. Despite the challenges, Bubly never felt lonely, finding excitement and rejuvenation in the constant movement and new experiences.
Bubly recounts the countries traversed—Germany, France, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and finally Iraq—highlighting the fluidity of plans due to COVID-19 and border closures. Bubly met many wonderful people on his trip. Memorable border-crossing experiences included skepticism from officials, especially with an Iraqi passport, as well as humorous or challenging interactions. The approach to Iraq was marked by surprise and curiosity from border guards, culminating in a warm and memorable welcome upon arrival in his home country.
The interview concludes with reflections on the transformative nature of the journey, likening it to a pilgrimage that fundamentally changed Bubly's sense of self and understanding of the world. The slow pace of travel by bicycle fostered a deeper appreciation of distance, culture, and the interconnectedness of places. The experience provided insights into societal development, empathy, and the importance of the journey itself, not just the destination. Bubly expresses a desire to undertake another such journey in the future.
.2 Audio file of interview with Bubly. He was interviewed by Emmanuel Gezahegne Mitikie on March 29, 2026 in Hartford, Connecticut.
Bubly was interviewed as part of the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History's Community History Project discussing moments of change in his life.
.1 Bubly briefly introduces himself, mentioning his origins in Babylon, Iraq, his age, and his current status as a student in Hartford, Connecticut. Bubly recounts his early years in Iraq, his first experiences with travel, and his love for exploring new areas. He describes his journey to Germany for school, a gap year filled with travel, and subsequent moves to the US for college.
Bubly reflects on the value of local exploration versus international travel, noting how familiarity with one's own country can surpass that of locals. He discusses prejudices between cities, the importance of learning about nearby places, and draws parallels between travel and pilgrimage. The spiritual and transformative aspects of journeying, whether for religious or personal reasons, are explored, emphasizing the significance of the journey itself rather than the destination.
Bubly identifies his bike trip from Germany to Iraq as the most significant change in his life. He describes the motivations behind the journey, including the unique opportunity presented by his residency status during Covid, and the sense of responsibility to undertake the trip. The experience provided profound insights into geography, culture, and his own identity, marking a clear before-and-after in his personal development. Bubly reflects on the constructed nature of borders, the intimacy of experiencing distances physically, and the gradual transitions between landscapes and cultures. He discusses how the journey's difficulty parallels pilgrimage, and how the physical challenge fosters appreciation, awareness, and a deeper connection to the places and people encountered. The journey fostered a deeper empathy and tolerance for others, as he witnessed diverse ways of life and recognized the influence of environment on people's perspectives and behaviors.
Bubly shares his observations on cultural differences and similarities across Iraq, Germany, and the US. He notes that people are fundamentally similar in their desires and ways of life, but highlights differences in social categorization and friendship dynamics.
The conversation shifts to Bubly's passion for coffee. He explains his love for coffee's taste, the anticipation it brings, and its role in fostering community and conversation. The interviewer connects this to the pace of life in the US versus Germany, with Bubly noting the faster, more pressured environment in the US and the value of slowing down to appreciate experiences and connections.
Bubly compares the impact of his international school experience in Germany with his travels. He distinguishes between logical learning and emotional internalization, stating that school taught him tolerance intellectually, while travel allowed him to deeply empathize and imagine life from others' perspectives. This openness to possibilities enhances creativity and understanding in all aspects of life. Bubly provides examples of shared spaces in Iraq and Germany, such as street-side gatherings, cafes, riversides, plazas, and lakes. He emphasizes the importance of accessible, open spaces for fostering community and social interaction, contrasting these environments with Hartford, where such spaces are less prevalent and often have financial barriers.
Bubly discusses his academic life at Trinity College, noting the mental separation between the college and the city of Hartford. He describes the privilege and isolation of the campus, the lack of integration with the city, and how this affects his sense of community and belonging. The experience has made him miss more livable, interconnected places where diverse people can easily interact. He identifies structural barriers, such as legal restrictions and differences in opportunity, that hinder integration between international and domestic students.
Bubly reflects on his evolving sense of home, acknowledging that while Iraq remains his cultural and emotional anchor, his relationship with home has become more complex due to his global experiences. He describes how caring for people and places outside Iraq has broadened his perspective, but his definition of home has become sharper, rooted in cultural belonging and responsibility. As the interview concludes, Bubly reflects on his future aspirations, expressing a desire to continue traveling, contribute to Iraq, and build businesses that ground him in his home country. He acknowledges the privilege and responsibility of his experiences and shares a message to his future self, urging him to retain the openness and imagination of childhood.
.2 Bubly begins by reflecting on how travel has been a source of mental clarity, direction, and self-discovery. He describes an innate urge to explore new places. This desire to see new things and meet new people has been a consistent motivator, shaping his approach to life and learning.
The discussion shifts to the decision to leave Iraq at age 17 to study in Germany. Bubly explains his attraction to the International Baccalaureate program and the opportunity to expand his world by meeting people from diverse backgrounds. Upon arriving in Germany in 2018, he faced difficulties related to prejudice and assumptions about Iraqis, especially in the context of the recent refugee crisis. Bubly describes experiencing imposter syndrome, feeling less capable than peers from other countries, and the need to challenge both external stereotypes and internalized beliefs. The school environment, with its international mix and supportive staff, provided space for growth and adaptation, but the process of overcoming assumptions was ongoing and complex. Bubly compares the necessity of having clearly defined opinions in Germany and the US with the more fluid and open-ended approach in Iraq. He recounts a pivotal experience applying for a leadership program in Canada, which helped him realize that his sense of inferiority was unfounded. This internal transformation led to greater confidence and the ability to more effectively challenge stereotypes and assumptions in others, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance in navigating cross-cultural environments.
The conversation shifts to Bubly's ambitious bike trip from Germany to Iraq, undertaken during a gap year. He discussed the initial lack of a fixed timeline, the challenges of securing visas with an Iraqi passport, and how the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly enabled the journey by extending his German residency. The decision to embark on the trip was driven by a sense of opportunity and personal responsibility, with the pandemic's disruptions providing the final push to set out. Bubly describes the practical aspects of the bike trip, including minimal pre-planning, daily navigation, and the freedom of camping. He relied on a mix of camping, staying with friends, couchsurfing, and the hospitality of strangers. Food and money were managed through a tight budget and a fundraising campaign, with support from his school community. The journey was physically demanding, especially in the first month, but became more manageable over time. Despite the challenges, Bubly never felt lonely, finding excitement and rejuvenation in the constant movement and new experiences.
Bubly recounts the countries traversed—Germany, France, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and finally Iraq—highlighting the fluidity of plans due to COVID-19 and border closures. Bubly met many wonderful people on his trip. Memorable border-crossing experiences included skepticism from officials, especially with an Iraqi passport, as well as humorous or challenging interactions. The approach to Iraq was marked by surprise and curiosity from border guards, culminating in a warm and memorable welcome upon arrival in his home country.
The interview concludes with reflections on the transformative nature of the journey, likening it to a pilgrimage that fundamentally changed Bubly's sense of self and understanding of the world. The slow pace of travel by bicycle fostered a deeper appreciation of distance, culture, and the interconnectedness of places. The experience provided insights into societal development, empathy, and the importance of the journey itself, not just the destination. Bubly expresses a desire to undertake another such journey in the future.
Object number2024.79.80.1-2
NotesSubject Note: The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History’s Community History Project (CHP) is a public-facing initiative, focused on contemporary collecting, gathering items of the recent past as well as from events happening today. This program developed community historians to identify, document, and preserve their experiences as residents of Connecticut, and to share these experiences during a series of community presentations. The project focused on the theme "Redefining Moments of Change." Conneticans share stories of people or events who have changed their lives or how they have sparked change in the lives of others.Cataloging Note: Digitization and access to this collection is supported by a Congressionally Directed grant through the U.S. Department of Education.
Subject Terms
- Hartford
- People of color
- Oral history
- Interviews
- Oral narratives
- Men
- Iraq
- Trinity College (Hartford, Conn.)
- Hartford (Conn.)
- Impostor phenomenon
- Ramadan
- Travel
- Student exchange programs
- Students
- Coffee
- Germany
- Culture shock
- COVID-19 Pandemic (2020)
- Interviews and Oral Histories
- Born Digital Audio
- Community History Project U.S. Department of Education grant
- Redefining Moments of Change Collection
On View
Not on view
1 July 2025
