Halloween in Kuwait

While it's not celebrated here in Kuwait, that doesn't mean there aren't parties!! A friend of ours hosted a costume party on his rooftop. The weather here is perfect right now, so of course this was a great idea. Abboud and I went as Wilma and Fred (Flinstones).

We arrived early to help set up and came out into a mostly done arrange of decorations. There are few things here that make me feel at home, but this moment of seeing all the cut out bats, pumpkin carvings, cider drinks, and Halloween candy was just like being in the states. And to top it off, when everyone arrived, they were just as done up in costumes.

The party went on for hours, full of treats, beer games and playing cards. With off course, some monster mash music. I highly recommend to anyone living here from a western country... Make sure you still celebrate your holidays as well as the cultures' you're in. Duh, twice the amount of parties! :)

Tutoring in Kuwait and setting up my Classroom

It's a very different experience tutoring in Kuwait than it is in the states. It's an extremely lucrative career choice. They have certain rules against it here, that must be followed. You may not tutor a student from your class, and should probably refrain all together from tutoring a student from your school.

Well, have you ever seen the movie Au Pair? The one where the young girl gets swept up into a huge mansion of a house working as a fancy babysitter for some wealthy man...*spoiler alert* They fall madly in love, etc, etc. This is the tutoring life of kuwait.

Last year I tried in once. It was a nightmare. I took a taxi to their house, got lost along the way, couldn't find their door because it was an awkward lay-out, and just all-around had a weird time. They paid well, but I think the boy should be in an arabic only school--he was so behind and barely knew english that I don't know how he was in 4th grade!

But this year, oh boy, this year I'm already having an AMAZING tutoring experience. I'm in a more open-minded, wealthier, and respectful area. So, I've been approached by 2 separate families to tutor not just once or twice, but on a weekly long-term basis. OH, THE MONEY!

So yesterday I met with the one family that I'll be working with. They want me 2 times a week for 2-hour sessions. I make about 40USD an hour! WHAT?! For tutoring. That's unheard of in the states...but it's even better than that! They send their driver to pick me up and drop me off.

My first day with them, this is how it went: I got a phone call at precisely 4pm saying the driver is downstairs. I go looking for him and I see him in front of an infinity van wearing a black and white suit. Fancy, huh? He opens the door for me, drives me to their mansion that is in the process of being built still and escorts me to the tutoring room. Maids come in and out asking if I want papers, pencils, beverages, etc. The grandmother came to introduce herself and tell me about the childrens behaviors. Then, I did their homework with them, helped them write stories, and the driver took me home. 0.0 I could do this every day, but hey..twice a week..I'll take that, too!

On a side note, I've started work (setting up my classroom). It's a brand new building, and it's PRETTY! I've had the opportunity to design my classroom. Where I want nails for hanging string across the ceiling, where I want bulletin boards, my whiteboard, if everything is new/fixed/working. So much better than last year. And the staff, my co-workers, and perfect. No complaints at all from me! The students arrive the 22nd, and I'll be off to what seems like a great school year already. :)

Moving On Up: New Apartment

Before I came home for the summer, I moved into a new apartment in a more hip and upcoming city. When you think of places to go in Kuwait you think of 3 cities; Kuwait City, Salmiya, and Hawally. Each are good for different things. 'Oh, you need to go clothes shopping/need handmade/travel plans/any sort of office like job' 'Go to Kuwait City'. You need games, electronics, new floors/tiles, anything in these categories: Hawallly. You want to have shisha with friends, play pool, coffee place, beach side walks, malls, or just street shopping: Salmiya--and that's where I am.

I'm centrally located, 10 minute walk from the main road here, 2 min walk from a grocery store, 1 min walk from a Quick Chek type of store, across the street from an about to open bowling alley/sports arena, and in a set of buildings full of other teachers and Americans.

It's a lovely 2 bed, 2 bath with a balcony. Not really anything else to ask for when it comes to Kuwait apartments. It's twice the size of where I used to live and in an area that is thriving with entertainment. I'd say this is going to be a good year. Once the temperature started to cool down--aka get to the high 80s/low 90s--I'll be walking all over to really discover the area. Currently, we're typically ranging from 107degrees to 118 degrees here! The only times I can go outside without my glasses fogging up immediately from the current humidity are anytime after 6pm to before 10am. Once noon hits, forget it...don't even wear your glasses because you won't be able to see until you step back into AC.

Here are some pictures for you to enjoy. One more week until orientation...Two weeks until school!








Side note: My college sent me an email requesting for current information. They wanted to add me to their alumni list since I was recommended as someone who went off to do interesting things since college. :) Here is that link... Renee Lycoming Website

Eid Mubarak!

The closest thing to Christmas here is EID. I wish I took pictures during this time of celebration, but it completely slipped my mind. I spend this EID with Abbouds family, and it was FUN! Everyone wears new outfits (or at least looks their best) and families get together. Abboud 2 Aunts and uncles from his dads side came over with their children and his cousins from his mothers side. There was a lot of food, sweets, turkish coffee, arabic coffee, and playing cards.

After an arabic meal of chicken and rice, we played a Kuwaiti game of cards called coté. It's a bit like hearts...really complicated. During this holiday, children receive money from their older cousins/aunts/unlces etc. They don't exchange gifts here (only on birthdays). Instead, they get money from everyone and then their parents take them to spend it on gifts. So stores are busier here than walmart on black friday!

Later that night, his aunt took us out for shisha. All of the older cousins met up for a later dinner and gathering. We stayed out until the shisha place closed. I need to take a video of how adorable his one cousin is. As I've mention, his cousins from his dads side prefer English...I rarely hear them speaking Arabic. Well his cousins Hadi, Fadi, and Yara have a younger sibling, Lara. She came out with us that night (only because it was EID, she was allowed to stay up late). Just as any kid, she got really cranky around midnight because she was 'hungry and tired'. And she reminded me of myself in my temper tantrum days. Mishari made a 'jelly wibble-wobble' song to calm her down and then she wanted to keep singing it for an hour. 0_0

Happy EID Everyone!

Love in Kuwait

In recent news, as most know by now, I got engaged to a Syrian here in Kuwait. There has been a lot of talk about religion, views, what I'm to expect, and how I'll be treated. I believe the best way to assure everyone of what's happening is to clarify everything from my point of view.

Anyway, Abdulrahman is his name (Abboud for short). He is sunni, though he is indifferent about it/even agnostic. Yes, maybe bad/good people exist here--just like everywhere, but he isn't good. He's great..and so is his whole family. They accepted me since the moment they met me--and I'm not the first American in their family, or even westerner.

He has been in Kuwait for a generation. His father came here (along with his 5 siblings) when they were either infants or yet to be born. His mother, 1 of 8, (who is originally from Palestine, but holds a Syrian nationality) has been in Kuwait her whole life. They fell in love in a very adorable way. His mother worked as a secretary and his father sold office furniture/supplies. He came to her company and fell in love at first sight. He came back more than once to try to find out more about her, even watched her come out of work from his car (while playing Julio Iglesias loudly in hopes to get her attention), and finally manned up and asked her out. On their first date he only had a quarter KWD (like 2 dollars) and told her he wasn't hungry so he could afford to pay for her meal. He told her to order anything, but was really hoping she'd get something obviously in his price range. Well, long story short, they got married and had 4 kids. Mohammad, Abdulrahman, and the twins: Mariam and Yousef.

I met Abboud on my second day here. I was exploring Marina Mall (one of the most popular malls in Kuwait), I made it to the seaside part of the mall--which is full of cafés and restaurants, and he was with a group of friends. Seeing I was clearly lost, exploring and new, his friend Haydar invited me to their table for coffee. We spent hours talking and at the end of the night all exchanged numbers. Abboud and I were non-stop texting and met up the next night for shawarma (which I consider our first date). From that night, we were inseparable. After 2 months, he introduced me to his family. They welcomed me into their home and invited me each Friday for family lunch. I have spent a lot of time with his family and his sister (whom is 19), even invited me out for shisha with her friends. His mom took me to get a manicure with her. And his dad took me nearly every day for all that work that I needed to have done for my driver's license here.

And when his mom had a stroke, I was at the hospital every day by her and Abbouds side. And it's not just his immediate family I met, I've met the extended. His aunts and uncles all live in Kuwait. His aunt Amani was at his house every day, so when I was there, I also spent time with her. She invited me into her household for lunch, even when Abboud was at work. So even when I heard of her also having a stroke while I was in the states, and it being serious and that she wouldn't make it, I wanted to fly back to Kuwait earlier to be there for Abboud and his family. After she passed, I was in Kuwait and able to be there for his family, say our last goodbyes. I met even more of his family during this time. Even distant cousins.

His dad's sister is actually married to a Kuwaiti man and is extremely happy. Her son (abbouds favorite cousin) is the reason he even grew up learning English. He wasn't in "English Schools", he learned through his family members and TV. His favorite shows growing up being Seinfeld, Married with Children, and Friends. That cousin ended up studying medicine in Richmond, Virginia for 8 years and recently moved back to Kuwait. Abboud has another 2 cousins (twins) Hadi and Fadi who each studied in America...Boston, MA and Louisiana. Hadi and Fadi each have non-muslim girlfriends (one from Russia, other American). His family is VERY welcoming and open. Religion, race, nationality--none of it matters.

They don't expect me to convert. They've never asked. Actually, they celebrated Easter with me--or at least we attempted to though I couldn't find food coloring to make Easter eggs. I did find fake ones that we hid around his house and did a Easter Egg Hunt. We (my American/Canadian friends) were supposed to have Thanksgiving at his house, and his mother was going to help cook, but we ended up doing a pot-luck style elsewhere. And his cousin Mishari (the one who studied medicine in America) has agreed to cook a full thanksgiving meal at his place this year, he loves American holidays.

Upon getting engaged his father even had a talk with me about Islam. He wanted to ensure me that I have nothing to worry about. Abboud wouldn't be taking on a second wife (his family is 100% against that) and even if he were someone who would try that, he would have to ask me first and I have the right to deny him. When we get married, Abboud and I set a dowry/amount of money that Abbouds family will pay me for getting married and for if we get divorced. That means if we get divorced, he pays me ___ KWD and also monthly money based on his salary for if we have kids, etc. Speaking of children--I would get them if they're under 14 years old, otherwise they can choose. Yes, our children would be muslim. Abboud and I have had this discussion, but they will also be Catholic. Labeled muslim, but they will learn both traditions, religions, holidays and choose when they're old enough.

His family is religious. They are practicing Muslims. But that isn't a negative thing. They aren't extremists, they aren't terrorists, and they aren't preachers. They respect everyones choices, whether they're good or bad. At first they did tell Abboud he should find another muslim, and asked "are you sure she's the one...this is who your heart found?" Of course yes is the answer. We are extremely happy together. I've never known anyone more in a short period of time. We've connected and I truly believe our hearts found each other--maybe it's even fate. Why else would the world have brought me to Kuwait? It's something meant to be. He treats me really well, and for those of you who know my personality--you know I wouldn't have it any other way. Equality is a must for me--I wouldn't let someone take my identity away. I'm a strong, independent person and I always will be.

Abboud may post a blog later about Islam. Though he isn't a practicing Muslim, he obviously know's way more about it than I do.

Ramadan Kareem

I'm back in Kuwait after spending a month in the good ol' USofA. Came home just in time for a few things: 120 degree weather, Ramadan, and a nearly full grown puppy.

Okay, so I'm in a desert...it's "dry heat", but it doesn't matter if it's dry or humid, it's hot-HOT-HOTTTTTT! My new schedule is to stay up until 4AM and sleep until 12/1PM. It's not even worth going outside during the day. Which is actually a good thing that it's Ramadan. Kuwait is an islamic country, so everywhere  and everyone adjusts their schedules as so. Stores don't open until later (and they stay open really late), people sleep in and stay up all night. It's actually quite nice.

"Ramadan Kareem" meaning have a 'generous Ramadan'. During this time, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset while also abiding by the seven deadly sins. That means no gluttony, lust, pride, wrath, greed, envy, and sloth. It's a time of prayer, celebration, and spending a lot of time with family for 'breakfast'.

Being an intrigued and curious person, I decided to give fasting a try. It went well until my pizza-nightmare that ended in minor food poisoning. That's when fasting comes to a halt and is replaced with sips of water, chamomile tea, and crackers.

13, 14, and 15 days into Ramadan the children do Gergea'an, which is unbelievably similar to Halloween--except they dress up in traditional clothing instead of costumes. The children go house to house, singing songs and asking for candy! Mix of caroling and halloween, minus 'trick or treat, smell my feet...'

Well, I'm on the last 3 days of Ramadan awaiting EID. Still off from work until the 25th, just spending my days with the puppy, fiancé, and hot weather.

Ramadan Kareem, everybody!

Grand Avenues Mall Kuwait

Now this wasn't my first time at Grand Avenues, but it was my first time exploring the WHOLE thing. This mall is an addition to the Avenues mall..for the wealthy. High-end stores fill the establishment: from Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and more.

The other day I met an expat from NY while shopping at the local grocery store. He was asking ME for directions around...had I gone from newbie not knowing anything about this country to someone who looked like they had the answers? So we chatted a bit, finding out he used to live in one of the Oranges in NJ and hasn't really made friends outside of work yet. So, we exchanged numbers and I told him I would show him around like someone did for me when I first arrived. The chosen place: Avenues mall. Kuwait's largest, most diverse mall containing 3 starbucks, IKEA, 2 H&M's, and as I mentioned, some other very expensive shops.

After we explored, shopped, and had lunch at good 'ole Texas Roadhouse, we took a trip back to Fahaheel. Where he was going to show me a fresh juice place I didn't know about that he discovered. It was small and didn't even look like it made juices. With shawarma being their main dish served, but if you looked closely (and know what you're looking for) you'd see a giant, silver juicing machine that made freshly juiced sugar cane. Never in my life have I ever desired to try pure sugar cane, but he kept telling me how beneficial it is for your digestion and other things. So, meehh...I did it. And it was exeptionally tasty! Highly recommended. Not too sweet tasting and not to grassy tasting, with sort of a fresh, smooth taste with no bad after taste!

Iraq Border and finally...some camels

Walking a camel

Falcon

In February (I'm really behind on the postings), a group of teachers and I rented a car and decided 'Meh, let's go to the Iraq border'. Of course we wouldn't be allowed to cross without a visa, but we still wanted to venture that way and give Iraq a big f-you. Iraq is a good 200 km drive, so of course along the way we would take pit-stops at various locations.

First one, an actual geological land form in Kuwait. This is rare, people. Kuwait is flat...desert, sand...flat. So to see a mountainous looking land. We had to explore. We drove to the top in a vehicle that was not 4-wheel drive aka it was a slow journey up the hills. Once we got there though, the sights were breathtaking. Four-wheelers were cruising around, families having picnics, and other cars off-roading on the dunes. After about an hour at this site, we continued on our trek and landed at a camel farm. Yes, a farm with camels.

Hello Iraq

IRAQ

Finally, I was beginning to think camels didn't exist in Kuwait. I thought camels in the desert was like kangaroos in Australia or squirrels in NJ, but apparently they are only in very remote areas or on farms. So, these kind gentleman (who seemed bored out of their minds anyway) welcomed us onto their farm and let us pet, feed, and WALK their camels. Sadly, they were pregnant and males are vicious so we couldn't ride them. But walking them was just as thrilling. We all had our fill, but the men were like 'we have more' yallah come. We went to the back and saw horses, dogs, more camels (that were in 'time-out' for fighting), and a FALCON. These men owned a falcon. Which to me was horrible, but I guess if they have it--may as well hold it. One of those, if you can't beat them--join them ordeals. I was the only one willing to put on the glove...what an experience. They're beautiful birds. Continuing on, we made it to the border. Where pictures aren't allowed -_-. Good thing for camera phones!

What picture?

Secretively, I took pictures and had my subjects play nonchalant. Since we couldn't take actual pictures near the border gate like we originally planned, we went further down to another section that was fenced off. So the boys could express their feelings about the country. Us girls thought, let's spell out IRAQ instead--better for us. Since we couldn't participate in their fun.






Lastly, on the way back...we stopped at an abandoned town. Not sure if it's remains of the invasion or not--probably was since it was so close to the border--but it was fun to climb through-over-and play "call-of-duty" in.

House of Mirrors: qadisiya, kuwait

It was almost unbelievable when I began asking around about the house of Mirrors and no one knew what I was talking about. 'Wait, you've lived here your whole life and an expat knows a place you don't. I'll take it.'

So, there is this lady that fell in love with a very well known Kuwaiti artist, Khalifa Qatton. She moved to Kuwait with him to settle (before the invasion) and decided while he was out at work or on business, she would do artsy things. Her medium? Mirrors. In the sixties, she began breaking mirrors (by cutting the shapes she wanted - not just smashing) and covering the outside of her house with them in mosaics.

During the invasion, they built an external wall around their house to protect themselves. And once that was over (humdallah) she continued her art on the inside...from top to bottom. She also mentioned that her display was done twice! What you see today is the second time she's mosaic'd her whole house. The first time she used too big of glass pieces, and it became dirty and finger-printed too quickly. The second time she was more enthusiastic about the idea, and was more careful--knowing the rights and wrongs of glass mosaics.

She shows your each room--all telling a story. I won't go too much into details because it's better lived than read. Though, she has a room about creation (big bang theory) and an AMAZING room about the solar system. My favorite room because things glowed-in-the-dark and you could throw artwork around (it stuck the the walls).

The final stop of the tour is her upstairs. Dedicated to her husband, the whole upstairs displays her deceased husbands artwork. She reminisces about him with such heart that you feel apart of their family.




Her house, the story, the hospitality was all breath-taking. If you're in Kuwait and you've never heard of this place, you need to check it out. There's a 2KD charge, but she welcomes you into her home, tells you her life-story, and of course gives you drinks and snacks (all homemade). 

'Back in Black': in Kuwait.

I arrived back in Kuwait two weeks ago from a lovely trip back home to America to visit my family. The flight had the most perfect 10 hours layover in London where I met up with a friend to sightsee.

We had both been there before, so we just wanted to go everywhere--not really go inside of anything. But, before we could go ANYWHERE. We had to deal with a horrific American Airlines/British Airways conundrum. Both of our flights (hers from Canada and mine from NY) took American Airlines to London and then were British Airways from London to Kuwait. Well, from the AA side, we were allowed 2 suitcases--free of charge to be transferred all the way to Kuwait. Except, when Georgia needed to get her boarding pass to Kuwait while in London, they told her that her bag limit was one, and she needed to pay.

Of course we were angry, because in Canada and the States the price for an extra bag was $50 but in London they wanted to charge 60pounds (120USD). WHAT? If we KNEW this, we would have paid for the bag in America. (Pretty much, apparently someone from American Airlines was like no no..it's fine, we just won't charge you--hmm, wonder why they went bankrupt--and British Airways was like WTF, why didnt they charge you? So we will charge you now).

After about an hour of talking to AA and BA, back and forth between customer service desks, British Airways overrided the system and let us print passes. After-all, it wasn't OUR fault someone in AA doesn't know how to do their job.

Finally starting our adventure, we took the tubes into Picadilly Circus/Trafalgar Square. They had the big tree from Sweden up just as they did in 2010 (the last time I was there).


Typical London weather, it was foggy-hazy-and-RAINY. :P We didn't mind though, we had boots and hats prepared for such inclement. After wandering around aimlessly, we stopped to see the Queens Guards. A must-do in London. Followed by; Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament, London Eye...etc. etc. With much time to spare, we took one last stop at Kings Cross Station to take a photo with the famous Harry-Potter-Platform 9 3/4 sign. Then, off to airport for--what ended up being--a MISERABLE flight back to Kuwait. Picture 20 babies crying, 2 brothers (whom HAD TO HAVE the window seat beside us) fighting over/jumping over the seats the whole time, while also kicking the back of my chair. Not even the sleeping pill I took could save me from the monsters on the plane. -_- People need to learn to discipline their children. We even asked if they wanted the aisle seat BECAUSE we planned on sleeping the WHOLE flight...but nope. Anyway, I'm back in Kuwait--back to routine--and back to dealing with more undisciplined children. <3