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