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.
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.
Oh wow, I want to go to one so bad! I want to see the inside maze and drink with the upperclass. I can't believe you were the only American there...lol it is "our" embassy right.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, I want to go to one so bad! I want to see the inside maze and drink with the upperclass. I can't believe you were the only American there...lol it is "our" embassy right.
ReplyDelete