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
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.
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
Aww that's super cool! I'm currently in Kuwait now. I'd love that opportunity!!!
ReplyDeleteAww that's super cool! I'm currently in Kuwait now. I'd love that opportunity!!!
ReplyDelete