Unorganized Kindergarten Class Trip

In the states, one would think
'Okay, we're taking 5 year olds on a trip...let's plan this out, have a meeting about it, inform parents, etc'.
Here in Kuwait it's more
'Send letter home to parents only a week prior, don't inform teachers of anything, except all teachers to know what to do (even first year teachers), and go with it."

I had the most bi-polar first field trip experience of my life. We sent out fliers a week prior (this I was okay with), collected money (no problem), and I was fine until day-of...that's when surprises began happening. I arrived earlier than usual to prepare myself.
At 7:30, my HOD (head of department) comes in and says make sure the kids eat breakfast at 8, we leave at 8:30 (usually they eat at 9). Okay, so I have them write in their journals until then.
7:55--HOD says take them all to the bathroom as well before we leave. Does she realize it takes at least 30 minutes to eat, 15 for bathroom?! Okay, HURRY KIDS...line up! We'll take them to the bathroom first. Of course, the WHOLE KG department is taking their kids to the bathroom. I notice all other students wearing name tags. Wait, are my students supposed to have name-tags on?! No one told me this! Do I have any? My Teacher's Aide says we should have some in a drawer. She manages the class while I check. 9, we have 9 name tags and 20 students going! WTF? Why did NO ONE tell me we needed to make our own name tags. I borrow stickers from another teacher and quickly fill out the students name, KG2 Red, and school.

Okay, they've eaten...went to bathroom...and it's 8:45 with no word from anyone. Did the leave with out us? Another teacher walks by my room: They're waiting for you at the gate! Let's go! Really?! No one told me to head out yet...where to go..NOTHING! Okay, fine- i'll figure it out. Enas and I split the class in 2, I take 10 and she takes 10. We go outside to the buses and Enas is able to get on one bus. The driver attempts to split up my class into other buses. No way sir! I can't have 10 students with Enas and 10 split amongst other KG teachers, I would lose them all! He only speaks arabic, and Enas has to hop out of her bus again to load me and my class in our own.


We get to the IMAX theatre in Salmiya (my first time there, ever). We're in lines...somehow my class is in the front of all and enter in first. Having no idea what to do, they throw 3D glasses at us (remember: I wasn't told what the trip was, what we were doing, nothing) and we are hurried to our seats. Enas goes on one end, I go on the other with our kids in between. Then, the movie was in ARABIC. This is an ENGLISH school, an ENGLISH field trip yet the movie was in ARABIC. I sat there trying to understand what was going on while elephants and monkeys popped out at me in 3D.

Pointless, non-educational movie finished and we were off to lunch. Another hectic free-for-all. We finally maneuvered our class to seats and awaited their lunches. This was what their money went toward--I had 23 students pay for the trip, 20 show up...so boy was I surprised when they didn't have enough meals for my class because they gave "extras" (aka my students lunches) to maids. And then when I grabbed from other teachers extra-bins I got scoulded because those were for the maids. REALLY? My students have no food, but you're going to feed it to the maids who weren't even helping my class?! Give YOUR extra food to the maids. Not mine. I should technically have 23 meals, luckily I managed to find 20. UGH.

Finally, the nightmare trip was over and we were on our way home. Good things field trips for KG only happen once a year...I hope.

Birthday Weekend in Kuwait

My birthday was yesterday, December 2. Typically I celebrate my birthday day-of with family and friends, but being on a Sunday this year I celebrated for a whole weekend. On Thursday I had a gathering at my place, a few friends came over and we played cards (*cough* drank *cough*) and laughed until the wee hours of the morning.

The next day, my Canadian Chef friend here cooked me a dinner of my choice (lamb shepards pie) with a few close friends. The shepards pie was amazing, filled with carrots--peas--and tasty ground lamb and topped with mashed potatoes and cheese. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. And afterwards, she brought out a cake and they all sang happy birthday. The cake, being the most thoughtful part of the meal. She recalled me telling her about an ice cream cake my mom makes me (ice cream with a rice krispie treat bottom) and attempted to recreate it. The result was perfection. Tasting just like my moms', I devoured my piece. 

And...on Sunday, my actual birthday, my Principal came into the room to have my students sing me happy birthday...my Assistant brought me a BURBERRY purse...and my boyfriend made me a recreation of my tattoo idea through 3Dart. I was truly blessed this year to have such close friends that wanted to make my birthday this year even better than any other.

Oh, and have I talked about how Kuwaiti Kindergarteners celebrate their birthdays? Well, they (meaning the parents) like to one-up one another. Meaning, if one student brings toys for all the kids then on their sons birthday they will bring 2 toys for each kid. This has resulted in for my 3 birthday celebration in class so far, my student dressed as Tom from Tom & Jerry--handed out goodie bags to everyone--brought in firecracker candles (which are apparently allowed)--and had a cake large enough to feed 75 kids. I'm concerned for the next birthday...I can't keep eating cake.

American Thanksgiving in Kuwait

On Thanksgiving Day (hmphh...the day I was supposed to be on a flight to Cairo), the teachers and I all gathered together to have a non-traditional-traditional Thanksgiving. What that means is that we at least attempted to get together and be thankful, but we didn't have a turkey...or pie...or mashed potatoes. Instead we had Lasagna (the most amazing home-made lasagna I've had in...hmm..maybe ever) followed by some cake.

I'm sure we would have attempted some turkey, or at least Cornish hens of sort, but our plan was to be in Cairo and celebrate Thanksgiving a week late. BUT due to a last minute plan change--we were eating lasagna and buying (not even baking) a cake. That's not to say it wasn't a very homey-welcoming feel. Being with people you've grown close to, all while they're feeling the same i'm-not-at-home-with-my-family attitude. It's sort of a blessing in disguise.

Oddly, our Canadian friend did the cooking (being the best chef in the group). I'm sad I wasn't home to share the holiday with family, but spending it with friends was a more than pleasant.

Kuwait: 'Winter Weather'

When you visit a desert, the last thing you would expect would be FREEZING COLD weather. However, the winters here in Kuwait are just that. Now, the temperature isn't what is considered cold--it's in the high 60's, low 70's. What's cold is the air. The air has this right-through-to-your-bones type of chill. Being very unprepared, I have been scrounging cheap stores for sweaters, scarves, and jackets.

When I was first told, "It get's cold here...sometimes in the 50's!" I literally laughed in their face with the response 'That's a typical winter for me in NJ/PA, if not COLDER!' But no...really, no. Look who is laughing now as I freeze my ass off in 60 degree weather saying 'WHY IS IT THIS COLD?!' Bundled up in a sweater, with a jacket, and still shivering at nighttime. That's when it's the worst--nighttime. The sun goes down, and the air (not even wind...just the air) is unbearably chilly.

Well, my thought is that it being so open and dry, that once the sun goes down--the cold comes out. Anyway, just take note that when locals tell you it gets cold, they aren't just being babies about the weather. It really does get cold. So prepare yourself.

Side note on weather: Winter also means more rain! I'm not sure why, but 'tis the season for rain. Now, the best part about rain in Kuwait is that people react to it similarly to snow in Nevada. People can no longer drive...walking is slippery...everyone is squeegy-ing floors (since everything is made of tile). It's a miraculous site. Even more beautiful is the rain itself. The sky gets gray, not black with clouds...just gray. The air becomes crisp with an aroma of moisture, that is rare to feel here. AND the thunder/lightning is unreal. It's loud, the bolts are clear and striking. It's a phenomenon worth traveling for. During a real thunderstorm, not just a rainfall, it's unbelievably gorgeous. I saw one storm while at a shisha place, and I tried to take pictures, but obviously the lightning was too fast to capture and other than that it was plain darkness. It's something that you can only experience in person, or VIA high-tech photo equipment that I cannot offer you pictures from. :P

Kuwait 50th Constitution Celebration: world-record fireworks

Seriously, how much better can it get than being in a country that breaks the Guinness Book of World Records for a fireworks display while you're in it?! Happy Constitution Day Kuwait, and thank you for the most beautiful display of fireworks seen across the gulf, EVER!

The Ministry set out and planned this most spectacular event costing nearly (possibly over) 4 MILLION KD. That's roughly 14,000,000 USD. The gulf road from Salmiya to Kuwait City was shut down all day (approx 4.5 KM), causing traffic beyond belief up the coast.

I decided to view the display in Salmiya (across the gulf water) rather than in Kuwait City. I assumed it would be less crowded and more visible. Which, yes...I was right. I had a perfect view, even being 10 minutes late to the show. No one obstructing my view and I was able to sit on a rock wall. The show continued for an HOUR and 15 minutes. Unbelievable. Non-stop fireworks from 8PM-9:15PM.

I think the best part of the commemoration was that afterwards, the Amir made an announcement for NO SCHOOL! Day off for me. :) Thank you, Amir. The announcement appears in text at the bottom of the news...I cannot read it either, but a friend texted it to me!

You can tell they like to party here based on the after-math of the commemoration. On our day off, the girls and I took a trip to Kuwait City (the host of the display) to find the streets FULL of trash, and NOTHING cleaned up. We giggled about how in the US, they would have had everything cleaned up by now. I should've taken more pictures, but I will describe for you the horror we saw. The ocean still had floating firework launches, speaker stands (containing expensive equipment) still stood, and garbage was piled EVERYWHERE. Come on Kuwait, stop napping--start respecting the environment!

only portion of the piles of trash...

Marine Birthday Bash: 237 years strong

First, I am sorry for such a long delay in posts. I've been so busy (in a good way) recently that I have had no time.

Now, each year the Marines world-wide gather--around the same day--to celebrate their annual birthday celebration. This is a ball that commemorates current, past, and future members of the United States marines. And I, for one, was lucky enough to get an invite!

November 2, 2012: the event was at the US Embassy, so no cell phones or electronics unless you have 'special privileges' such as living on base or high-rank. So, I have one picture. And it's only of me! Not even of me with the person that I went with. Though, we had something professional taken--and he's asked someone for copies, but nothing yet. When it arrives, I will share.

The night began with an open-bar, standing section (wearing high-heeled pumps was a poor life decision for me this night). The first hour was casual chit-chat, meet-ups, and free booze. No complaints from my end, other than the standing in high-heels for an hour! Seeing our US Marines geared up made me feel really patriotic; a feeling that is strangely a first for me. And I cannot forget to mention that I met the US Ambassador to Kuwait, Matthew Tueller. Really wish I could have gotten a picture with him.

Onwards to the ceremony, where appetizers of sashimi, shrimp, salad, and finger-sandwiches flooded our table. Oh, and wine! Cannot forget to mention the wine! White wine is very hard to come by here in Kuwait (hard to make at home?) so I of course made sure to have plenty. The marines really know how to put on a patriotic ceremony, let-me-tell-you. They began with a flag march, continued with depressing speeches, followed by a tear-jerking film, and finished off with a traditional cake cutting. The eldest marine cuts the first piece and give it to the youngest marine there. And then...the national anthem played. I actually placed my hand over my heart and sang along. If you know me, then you know that 1. I lip-sync everything (this I did not) and 2. I am in no way patriotic, in the traditional "American Pride" sense--so, this was a big moment for me.

After choking-up during their ceremony, I was glad for it to be over and time for dinner. The best food I've had so far in Kuwait. Seriously. They had lasagna to chicken marsala. I would even go as far to say that they had TOO many options. My plate was full--steak, pasta, fish, and potatoes. I feel full just thinking about it!

And then, as you probably expected, there was more drinking, dancing, and fun! It was a GREAT night--very memorable. I am very thankful to my friend, Jim, for inviting me. Now I can say that I've gone to a Marine Ball in KUWAIT. Once-in-a-lifetime-oppurtunity. Oh, and here's my boat gift. :D

Eid Mubarak: Homemade Arabic food

Happy EID Mubarak everyone. Luckily, I was able to spend the eve of EID at an Arabic household. What this means is that I had a yummy meal and some yummy arabic sweets.

Being my first meal with an arabic family, I had to post about my experience. Right away, upon walking into the house I was greeted by family members, kissing me on the cheeks and introducing themselves. Very overwhelming at first. I was told "in this household, you're family...don't be shy. EAT" Also known as, I had a full plate, but that wasn't enough. You must EAT, EAT, EAT! It was as though I was in a greek household. The mother telling me "habibti, eat...don't be shy around us...eat" "Wallah, you don't want soda? Wallah, just water?" The generosity and welcoming attitude was so fantastic. I've never sat through a meal and been so full--in such a good way.

After the meal, we gathered around and chatted. Mostly they had conversation in arabic and I tried to follow. Being told "We're are only speaking in arabic so you will learn. You must learn! :)" Which I really do want to learn, but it's SUCH a hard language. The sounds they can make are inconceivable by my American vocal cords. Ta'al -- a word I'll never be able to pronounce, meaning 'come here'.

And OF COURSE I got to have some Turkish Coffee (with no cream or sugar, like true Syrians drink it), the Lebanese add sugar. :P Followed by a huge gulp of water, the last sip is always like drinking a heavy, thick...sand? Yeah, sand. It is really tasty though, for those of you that like the taste of coffee...like a real taste of coffee.

The best part followed...the arabic sweets! His mom even gave me some date cookies to take home! So yummy. It's a cookie made out of dates (obviously). So cookies, chocolates, and more chocolates fill the households for EID. Happy EID to all. <3

Word of the day: ta'al (come here) --try and pronounce it.    Hint: ta-AH-a-le    make sure it's a soft L (aka tongue on roof). It's nearly impossible for Americans. 

More freedom than America?

More freedom than America: not something you'd imagine when hearing Kuwait, but in a lot of aspects it is.

I've already mentioned the driving here. The rules of driving are minimal, and it's actually quite nice. All cars have an alarm beep that sounds when traveling over 120kph, and there are traffic stops where it'll just take a picture of your car if you're going faster than that (and a ticket will be mailed). Something that is just known, and if you know where these cameras are then you're good.

Something I REALLY enjoy, especially being a woman, is the ability to get birth control with no prescription. This was far off from what I expected prior to arriving. My thoughts coming were that sex wasn't mentioned--it was haraam (sinful). But, actually it's quite the opposite here. Women are very open (with other women) about sex, keeping protected, and everything. It's just not something you share with the opposite gender.

And, on top of cheap birth control prescriptions is CHEAP ANTIBIOTICS. Which you also don't need a prescription for. You go into a pharmacy, ask to show you ___, ___, and ____. And you can CHOOSE your antibiotic. They'll even help you if you aren't sure what will be best for your symptoms.

Which brings me to yet another enjoyable thing--free healthcare. Sorry to those against it in America, but it really is a great thing. And just think, here the government pays them just for being Kuwaiti (so, sorry America, but you're way behind). So health care is free, and really cheap. For a visit to ANY doctor (dentist, regular, foot, back..) it's about 1kd. Equal to $3-$4 USD. It really makes you think...what's America doing wrong? Sure, Kuwait is allied and protected to the US due to it's oil, but the things that are available here are WAY different than America.

Gas--3-5KD to fill a HUMMER, a hummer! AKA $10-15USD for a HUGE truck. Hmmm...
Healthcare--1KD
"Prescriptions"--1KD

I feel more free here than America...I have more things accessible to me at my fingertips than I ever have before. Even alcohol (which is "illegal" to muslims).

Word of the day: Haraam (used to describe something that is bad or sinful to Islamic religion...sex, drugs, cheating on a test...etc)

Happy EID everyone! I'll be on break from Wednesday-Tuesday. And now I have my civil ID to travel. We'll see.

American Embassy Party: not so American

Last night I got an invite (FINALLY) to a party at the American Embassy. You must be on a list, turn over your passport number, no cellphones, no pictures. nothing.

So, we pile into the car at 7:45pm. Which I think is way too early to start partying, but I wasn't going to question it. Drove to the embassy and WOW, just wow.

Okay, so I'm going to walk you through the Embassy procedures. Because America, you're ridiculous. The visitor parking lot is oddly off to the side in some back-alley, hidden type of way. You walk through a gate (past 3 'guards' with their shoes off, watching TV and snacking--I feel safe, thanks). They don't even question you as you're walking on grounds. Then, you have to go to a teller--yes, like you're purchasing a movie ticket behind the glass wall. You give him your ID and he verifies you're on 'the list'. After about a 20 minute search for your name, because either he moves REALLY slow...or can't read. Who knows. He gives you a pass (to display) and you continue through a door. This small room is a one-at-a-time entry. You go in, they ask you "any alcohol on you? electronics?" Obviously, no. I read the 20 signs on the way in telling me not to bring anything. Then you pass through a metal detector...and continue on.

More twists and loops, this place is a maze. Thankfully there are practically guards leading you in the right directions. Just lurking in corners creepily as they watch you walk past....again, no questions of course--IDs displayed or not.

Finally, the marine bar. I'd say it most resembles a frat party than a bar. You must sign in (time and all). And there you go. Embassy party--in all it's glory. Most enjoyable part. I didn't meet any Americans there other than the ones I was with. Met a girl from spain, lebanon, all other gulf countries and kuwaiti's. REAL KUWAITIS., That was the most exciting part. Because it's rare to socialize with kuwaitis--they're upperclass (but then again, so are Americans here). And I met none-other-than the captain/chief/something high-up of the Kuwaiti Police. AKA he's a good wasta to have.

Word of the day: Wasta : meaning a person you know with connections. Can help you get out of trouble, find you parties, etc. A go-to person.

I love this country. Never a dull moment in Kuwait.

Kuwaiti Behavior

Today, in the staff room the other teachers were talking about Kuwaitis. None of the teachers are considered 'Kuwaitis', but from what they were telling me, neither are the Kuwaitis! Before Kuwait even existed, there were people here called Bedouins--which are very traditional, nomadic 'tribe'. As they became more non-nomadic, they needed more civilized people to help grow their country. So, Iraqis, Pakistanis, Jordanians, and many many other people from gulf countries began to reside in Kuwait. Therefore, became "Kuwaiti".

Except, once Kuwait became wealthy and free--those Kuwaitis rejected their origins of Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, etc. and only refer to themselves as Kuwaiti. All others' are considered 'poor' and 'worthless', even though that is their origin!

Because of ALL of this, Kuwaitis are deemed somehow more important than everyone else--which you can imagine leads to A LOT of special treatment. Something I've noticed, but didn't really put together until today.

Examples:
If a Kuwaiti student does something wrong, the punishment is less...especially if done to someone who isn't Kuwaiti.

If a Kuwaiti is flirting with a woman at the mall, and she isn't interested--the Egyptian guards blame the woman for looking to scandalous (even if she's fully veiled).

While driving, they can go anywhere and do anything without looking, by speeding...because if they were to get stopped, nothing would happen.

But the worst of all is the 'showing'. The materialism that Kuwaitis portray. The labels, cars, houses, and nannies. Everything needs to be the next best thing. THE ABSOLUTE WORST THING FOR A TEACHER. All of these kids are spoiled, rude, messy...they have NO independence. A nanny cleans for them, wipes them, gives them whatever they want.

So you can imagine the "miss miss miss miss MISS!" I hear ALL day. Because they don't care you're helping another student, or talking to a teacher. No, it has to be NOW. Right now.

**Side note of horror: Two of my boys got in a 'tiff', well apparently (as told to by my TA) they were telling each other in arabic that their dad has a big gun and will kill him...response "my dad has an even bigger gun and will kill you and your family"** They didn't get reprimanded for this...I mean, they are kuwaiti anyway.

360 Mall: family and wealthy friendly

Have you ever wanted to go shopping for your fancy items, but thought what will my maid and child do? Well, ponder no more. In Kuwait, there is a mall for that. The 360 Mall, with such a clever name being that it's a complete circle on the outside.

Expensive, designer shops are pronounced throughout this 3 1/2 story building. Bebe, Coach, Gucci, Burberry, Burberry kids, Juicy Couture, Armani Exchange...











The people I saw perusing through were wearing expensive designer clothes themselves. As were their kids. With maids following close behind holding babies, bags,... Some women with more than one maid. How rich can you be to have a maid for each child...and maybe even one for yourself.




What will your kids do while you're off shopping? How about bowling, an arcade, roller coaster, iMax theatre, jungle gym/zipline or even a 747 flight simulator ride?! Yes. This mall has all of those things. So your maid can wander off with your child so that you can shop in peace.

This mall is well-worth a visit.  

The Friday Market: Souk Al-Jouma

Souk Al-Jouma--household items section?

This was a trip for the books. If you're every in Kuwait, you must take a visit to Souk Al-Jouma (the friday market). Don't let the name fool you, it's open every day. My assumption is that most vendors are there on Fridays.










So, in the need of ANYTHING? Sewing machine, car engine, livestock,... couch?? If so, this is the place to go to practice bargaining skills (never ever pay what they price it as) and get items you need for a reasonable price. This is a GIANT flea market. For those living in or near NJ that have heard of Rices Flea Market--this is what I would compare it to. Except for it being more crowded with items...like the most random items in bulk. There was an entire carpet section (so I of course had to buy one for my living room).

The livestock section. Prior to entering, I was warned that what I was about to see is animal cruelty at its worst, and that I'd want to rescue (key word: rescue) everything. So, before even going past the door, I told myself that it wasn't real. If you are an animal lover like I, make yourself as naive and ignorant as possible before entering. Really. Once beyond the door, there were thousands of birds crowded into cages. Parrots, chickens, roosters, canaries, cockatiels...EVERY. TYPE. OF. BIRD. POSSIBLE. And apparently I only saw the front section, the "exotics" were in the back. 0_0 Next you go through a section of bunnies. BUNNIES. My heart melted. They were sooo small and piled on top of each other in cages.


















But the WORST and I mean the WORST were the puppies and dogs. (Thankfully didn't see the cats/kittens because everyone knows I WOULD have brought home all of them) The older dogs looked starved. Like watching a Sarah McLachlan commercial to save the animals. That was the hardest one to see. I wanted to snatch up all the dogs, knowing that the puppies would grow (if not bought) to be just like those older ones.

So, maybe avoid the livestock section, but still--if ever in Kuwait, take a trip to the friday market. Especially if you're moving here and want to refurnish your entire apartment/villa/house. Everything is in one place. From cleaning supplies--furniture--to animals.

Kuwait City and The Souk: Mubarakiya, Al-Hamra

Today I spent a lovely afternoon in Salmiya, which reminds me a lot of NYC. Everything you can want is right around you, even frada bags and burned DVDs. And at night, wound up in Kuwait City for the first time. 

Kuwait City Souk: Mubarakiya

We went to the souk there, it's been newly renovated but is still the oldest souk in Kuwait. It's a nearly endless track of shops. You can buy ANYTHING there. Clothes, fish, fruits, watches, toys. It was great to just walk through, not shop too much since we were there at night, but just to experience it. Picture a flea market...that's what a souk is like.

Al-Hamra Tower

Driving through Kuwait City, I got a look at the Kuwait Towers, sadly no picture being that I was in a car, but I was able to get my phone out just in time to snap a few photos of the worlds tallest sculpted building. It's extremely tall, lit up in gorgeous lights that flicker. Reminds me of Atlantic City hotels, except taller.

The back of it has the sculpted portion, and the front has lights. Definitely a good sight to see at night. Apparently it's ranked 14 in the worlds tallest buildings, minus the sculpted part.

Facts about the building. It opened in 2011 with a total cost of $500 million. It is attached to a mall consisting of a 10 screen IMAX. The building has 70 floors of offices, a rooftop restaurant, and a spa.

"I'll leave Kuwait when it stops being funny"

So, I met up with a friend last night who has been here for a few years (from America as well). His decision to stay here was quite comical. His rationale was that he'd stay here until is stopped being funny. Upon further explanation, he told me about how he finds something humorous every day. Whether it be seeing a pack of camels being herded up a highway to people dancing in their cars.

I love this concept, I may have to go by it. For instance, today I saw MULTIPLE people dancing in their cars. It was further explained to me that these guys that were driving around were looking for women to flirt with! WHAT?! They drive around in cars, bobbing their heads, and they think THAT is going to get them a girlfriend? I giggled.

I find comedy in everything, which I guess is the best way to appreciate the country--especially when it comes to a point that all people do here are drink coffee, shop, walk around, drive around, and did I mention shop? I love it though, because although shopping isn't high up on my list of things I love doing, walking around and drinking coffee is. Plus, it's not what you're doing but the company you are with. I've made some pretty awesome friends here and they know how to have fun.

<--**Also, last night I took an elevator ride that consisted of buttons 1-3. There were only 2 floors. So, upon entering the elevator you choose number 2. BUT on the way back down, it's number 3. Hmmm? Spare parts elevator much?

Side note: if you want to see the fancy cars in Kuwait, they're in Kuwait City. Fahaheel, not so much.

Teacher Sweets! Birthdays, surgeries...

In Kuwait, especially amongst females, it is custom to always have sweets for any major day. Holidays, Birthdays, even after getting out of surgery. This means that the other teachers are bringing in sweets often!

Last week a teacher brought in Baklava (after having a successful surgery). Which are delicious sweets made with nuts, honey, cinnamon, sugar, and sometimes dough. They were SO yummy. Looked like I was eating a birds nest, but goodness it was tasty. Here's to trying new things!

Today was also a celebration, a birthday! We had a cake, which even that wasn't what I was used to! It was topped with grapes and kiwis. Definitely odd, but super yummy! But, the best part was again, the traditional treats that went along with it! Now, sadly, I don't remember the names of them, but they were small like the treats. They were all dough and cheese. Kind of reminded me of pizza rolls...minus the sauce. Each dough ball was a mystery though, because no one in the staff room knew what was inside. My favorite was the dough with some sort of cream cheese filling. SO GOOD.

They may have been called Warbat bil Ashta, after doing research this seemed the most similar.

They really know how to cook here. Middle Eastern food is now a close second to italian for me. YUM!

The Life of a Teacher

When most people think of a teacher they think 'oh, that's not a hard job...plus you get summer's off'. Well maybe they're right, it isn't a hard job, but it's extremely time consuming. My hours may only be 7-1, but a true teacher never stops thinking about ways to improve the class and lessons.

I come home from work, and immediately reflect on my lesson. Then I make changes to future lessons. And don't even get me started on classroom set-up, behavioral methods, rewards...it's endless. So, sure--we may get summers off, but we are working from the moment we wake up till we close our eyes at night. Even when I'm with people, I'm thinking 'that would be a good idea for class!' Shh, don't tell my friends that though.

On that note. Here are some recent picture of my classroom. It feels pretty bare right now. The furniture I've ordered hasn't arrived yet. So the after pictures will be posted later.

Driving in Kuwait: every man for himself

Before coming here I was warned to watch myself walking across the street, drivers will run my ass over. Of course I gave the 'yeah, yeah--sure they will.' No really, they will!

School Let-Out Traffic, seen from my apartment

Yes, these are ALL moving vehicles. Notice that people act as though there are NO driving laws. I've seen people pulled over. But really, they're probably just getting pulled over for a Civil ID check.

During traffic, all you hear is "beep!" "beep!" "beep!" Because people think it's faster to cut people off, drive on sidewalks, and weave through while honking their horn. Stop signs? They don't exist. Traffic lights do, but people don't give a f---! Oh yeah, and you can turn on red, any direction. Need to do a u-turn? Go ahead on make a left at the light through traffic.

No worries though, I know safe drivers and most taxi drivers are very cautious. They want to drive slow, that's how they make $$ from you.

Apartment in Kuwait

I walked into my apartment the first night and didn't even look around. I placed my things down, climbed into bed, and slept until the next afternoon. I mean, I did finally arrive at my place at 1AM. Who wouldn't do the same?

The next morning I still didn't have time to explore. I showered, dressed, and walked to my school to get a tour, accustomed, and settled a bit there. Then, on my way home (to nap) I walked into the wrong building and took the elevator up to the 7th floor. Thankfully they had a welcome mat that I didn't remember having so I realized in time. Otherwise, I would have tried my key in someone elses room.

It took a full 24 hours of me being there for me to even attempt to unpack and explore my room. But when I did, I realized how nice it was! Fully equipped with a TV, sofa, chair, table, drying rack, washer, stove, fridge, and even utensils and cooking supplies! An apartment like this, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, fully furnished in USA would go for 1,200-1,500 a month. In NYC probably $3,000-$4,000. 

Flying: Newark, Frankfurt, and KUWAIT!

Having a flight paid for I wasn't about to complain about it being a total of 22.5 hours, though I had hoped it would be the most direct, 14 hour one! 

It was a day with mixed emotions; excited, nervous, sad, happy, curious, and lucky. Of course this journey was going to be something I was thrilled to venture out and do, but at the same time I was leaving behind so many people I loved. From all of my family members, friends, and even significant others. But this was a new chapter in my life that I wasn't about to give up on.

So, my trip started at Newark Airport with checking in my luggage. I had 2 bags, fully packed. One weighing slightly over 23kg (50lbs.) and the other at a whomping 70lbs! But, the AMAZING clerk checked in both bags for FREE! What a great start! I was super prepared to pay the $150...instead, I got to cash that into dinars upon arrival. More on that later.

First plane ride. To Frankfurt Airport where I would spend a lovely TWENTY hours. Okay, I'm being overdramatic, it was 9...but still NINE HOURS! No, I was not able to leave the airport due to having to uncheck and recheck my bags. THANKFULLY, frankfurt is practically a mini-mall/casino. Yes, a CASINO. I didn't gamble (like I was going to spend money on gambling in Euros. pfft. Too pricey), but it was nice to wander in the casino and pretend to shop. Also, thank you frankfurt airport for having practically bed lounge chairs ALL over the place. I found one near my terminal and slept for, uhm, probably 4-5 hours. 

Oh, did I mention that on the flight over I sat next to a German couple who did NOT speak any English. I was cramped against the window, having to use the bathroom or just stand, but I felt horrid trying to wiggle my way by and not be able to explain to them why I was doing so. Best part, the husband had 3 beers. One as we took off, another midway through, and a last and final one when we landed---when did we land you ask, 7AM. He straight up drank a beer at 7AM. Who needs breakfast when you can have Warsteiner. Yum!

Second plane ride, MUCH BETTER. I again, sat next to someone that didn't speak English, but he was super nice! AND I got an upgraded seat, no one in front of me with amazing leg room. And, the little old man kept pulling out chocolates and sweets and shared them with me. Everytime I said "no, no thanks really. I'm okay" he kept insisting. Such a nice man. I slept almost the whole way and arrived in Kuwait at 12AM.

First thing, got dinars. Second thing, visa. Third thing, bags. Then, looking for Miss Margaret (the principal.) The airport was oddly crowded, and people were gathered in crowds looking for most likely family members coming off my flight. For a barely full flight, it looked like everyone and their mother was coming to pick up whomever. 

Though, through all of this overwhelming flight and trip, I was able to view the most wonderful sight of Kuwait from my window as we landed and drive past some of the largest houses I've ever seen. They say NYC or Vegas are the cities that never sleep, well those people have never been to Kuwait. Truly, people stay up all night. 

22.5 hours was well worth the seemingly endless wait to arrive in Kuwait. It really isn't what you would expect. Picture NYC, made with sandcastle looking buildings. Also, the big thing here is tile, not wooden floors. Probably because of the heat!

Is this real life?

If you know me, then you probably know that I've always dreamed of traveling and living abroad. Well, upon graduating I immediately immersed myself in applications to teach outside the USA. The response was instantaneous. I connected to an agency that was interested in representing me and was thrown right into an interview.

It was June, only one month after graduating and I had my first interview. The school asked questions, allowed me to ask questions, and we seemed to click. They offered me the position of a Kindergarten 2 teacher on the spot. After letting the informations sink in and wrap around my head for a week, I sent in my acceptance offer and proceeded to prepare documents.

If you're considering the opportunity to teach abroad, make sure you consider what that means you need to have done. I was NOT prepared in the slightest to begin my journey on gathering all of my documents. It began difficult and ended difficult for me. I was already working two summer jobs, which didn't allow me much 'business hours' times available. I ended up having to resign from one job to allow my schedule to be open on some business days.

Documentation goes like this (especially if you live in NJ):
1. You must have all documents notarized (luckily my sister works with people who are notaries)
2. You must have documents certified by your state department. Hello trip to Trenton NJ.
3. The US State Department must also certify documents. Again, hello Washington DC trip.
4. and lastly, the Embassy of the country you're visiting. (TIP: try to plan your trip around Holidays, because they WILL be closed during holidays that you may not celebrate in the US)

Once you've run your mind crazy over all of that, then it's time to pack! Something that I've only just thought of with a week left to go before my departure to the sandbox! I've barely had a minute to breathe through all these complications.

So, now I am down to the last few moments of stress before I board a 16 hour flight to Kuwait...to actually live out my dream of living and teaching abroad; starting my first year as a new teacher. Is this real life? Someone pinch me.