tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48563866549062514072024-03-14T10:27:36.412+03:00McCainiaks in Q8Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931150467469962609noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856386654906251407.post-16265976873912961182017-01-03T13:00:00.003+03:002017-01-03T13:00:57.111+03:00Christmas CelebrationsOne of the questions about living in a Middle Eastern country, was what about Christmas? Would it feel like Christmas, would we be able to celebrate? The answer is mixed. The weather was cool, but still too warm to really "feel" like Christmas and there was no chance of a white Christmas (or so we thought). However, between Ian's office, the Embassy itself and the boys' school, we had numerous parties and outings to put is in the spirit. We had a lovely little tree (could only hold about 1/3 of my ornaments) and tons of presents from friends and family to put under it. We celebrated a bit early, because we left for Egypt on 22 Dec.<br />
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Pictures from the office party.<br />
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Picture from the American Women's League Christmas tea at the Ambassadors residence</div>
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Decorating our tree. Twinkletoes was supervising.<br />
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The English School Winter Festival. Including decorating cookies and snuggling up and watching Elf.<br />
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Embassy holiday party. More cookie decorating and SNOW!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't believe you are making me have fun.</td></tr>
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Class party fun at The English School (Jamie's class - all of Year 4)</div>
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Braden and Gavin's class party (all of Year 2) </div>
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We did Christmas a few days early, so the boys could open presents and play with them before we travelled to Egypt.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So EXCITED! The long awaited game.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one made me cry. A beautiful album of pictures of the boys with "Miss Brittany"</td></tr>
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931150467469962609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856386654906251407.post-31847365766863335562017-01-02T15:06:00.002+03:002017-01-02T15:09:34.242+03:00Baseball in KuwaitIn the hopes of creating a community for the kids outside of school/the embassy, we signed up for baseball. While many things are the same (the names of the teams are MLB teams: Rays, Royals, Pirates and Red Sox), some things are very different. The "opening day" ceremony, for example.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the carpet and wingback chairs? </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Things guys were serving hot tea and dates</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even had a professional player to kick us off</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fancy gifts for the VIPs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kuwaiti and US Anthems</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The US Ambassador to Kuwait</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gavin playing in the dirt (as usual)</td></tr>
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931150467469962609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856386654906251407.post-66704334392476984132017-01-02T11:42:00.003+03:002017-01-02T11:42:52.714+03:00DubaiDuring the boys' mid-term break, we took our first excursion out of Kuwait. It was the first time, since arriving on July 12, that I had been more than 20km from my front door. It was a wonderful week.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burj al Arab (Tiger hit a golf ball off the helipad)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One little boy didn't like it so much</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our room at night</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterpark!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over the desert</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandboarding</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner in the desert</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He made me very dizzy - spun non-stop for 10 min</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recognize me?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the contrast is striking</td></tr>
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Dubai hosts Global Village for about 4 months and we were lucky enough to be in town for the opening. It is a "world's fair" with food and goods from many countries, as well as rides and shows.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Global Village</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're home!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excited to climb! (Begged for 20 min to be allowed)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't believe you are making me do this.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No FEAR!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK, maybe I'm happy now.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Merica</td></tr>
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When we first told the boys we were moving to Kuwait, we had them look up on a map and learn about the area. Jamie discovered that we were going to be close to the tallest building in the world - the Burj Khalifa. We promised that we would visit it while living here, so we got to keep our promise.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> The view from the 125th floor of the Burj Khalifa.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Palm Island from the 52nd floor of our hotel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye, Dubai!</td></tr>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931150467469962609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856386654906251407.post-12525131569188962262016-11-20T12:15:00.000+03:002016-11-20T12:15:32.168+03:00Halloween Celebrations in Kuwait<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had two Halloween celebrations this year. One at the boys' school and one at the Embassy. We teamed up with another family and created Pokemon-themed costumes. Ian and I were evil Pokemon trainers (Jessie and James) and Jamie was our evil Pokemon, Arbok. Gavin was a good Pokemon Squirtle and Braden was a good Pokemon, Pikachu.</div>
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We had so much fun at both celebrations.</div>
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As Trick or Treating isn't a recognized custom here in Kuwait, both the school and the Embassy organized Trunk or Treats for the kids. They had so much fun trick or treating at the houses and cars on the Embassy and the cars at their school. There was no shortage of candy! I will say that our trunk was woefully under-decorated by comparison. Some of the decorations were amazing!</div>
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931150467469962609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856386654906251407.post-76086699333374505842016-11-20T09:59:00.004+03:002016-11-20T10:07:09.080+03:00School Break Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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During the week-long Eid break, we took advantage of the time off to visit some local attractions. Including the aquarium at The Scientific Center, Kuwait and a local water park. The kids had a blast.<br />
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Post aquarium treats sitting by the Gulf.<br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931150467469962609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856386654906251407.post-68790980229333025422016-11-20T09:46:00.000+03:002016-11-20T09:46:04.510+03:00Scenes from Kuwait<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Kuwait has mostly rebuilt from the Iraq occupation in 1990 and subsequent Gulf War. There is some gorgeous modern architecture, as well as more tradition arab buildings. It is not as slick as some other cities, like Dubai, but does have a charm.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Arabian Coast</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">G&B on the coast with the Kuwaiti Towers in the background</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a really cool building</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the MANY Lamborghinis we see driving around town</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liberation Tower</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooredo building</td></tr>
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931150467469962609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856386654906251407.post-23573462124670037692016-09-18T12:29:00.008+03:002016-09-18T13:47:19.641+03:00Eid al-Adha<div style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Wikipedia: <b>Eid al-Adha</b> ("Festival of the Sacrifice"), is the second of two <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslim_holidays" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Muslim holidays">Muslim holidays</a> celebrated worldwide each year, and considered the holier of the two. It honors the willingness of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_in_Islam" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Abraham in Islam">Ibrahim (Abraham)</a> to sacrifice his son, as an act of submission to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_in_Islam" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="God in Islam">God</a>'s command, before God then intervened sending his angel <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriel#Islam" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Gabriel">Jibra'il (Gabriel)</a> to inform him that his sacrifice had already been accepted. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts. The family retains one third of the share; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbors; and the remaining third is given to the poor and needy.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Kuwait is divided into governorates (we might consider them counties) and each of them has a "co-op society" that provides goods and services to the areas within the governorate. For Eid al-Adha, it was determined that 14 temporary butcher shops would be established to meet the needs of the sacrifices. Unfortunately, some people still took it upon themselves to do their own. This picture was taken by a friend in the neighboring block:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Don't look too closely at this picture. Please.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #252525;">In the Islamic </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_calendar" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Lunar calendar">lunar calendar</a><span style="color: #252525;">, </span><span style="color: #252525;">Eid al-Adha</span><span style="color: #252525;"> falls on the 10th day of </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhu_al-Hijjah" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Dhu al-Hijjah">Dhu al-Hijjah</a><span style="color: #252525;"> and lasts for four days until the 13th day. In the international </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregorian_calendar" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Gregorian calendar">(Gregorian) calendar</a><span style="color: #252525;">, the dates vary from year to year drifting approximately 11 days earlier each year. </span><span style="color: orange;"><Heather's note: these dates and timings vary by country, as well. Saudi Arabia announced a 12 day holiday starting Sept 6th, Kuwait was 9 days starting the 9th, Turkey was also 9 days, but started the 10th, and Pakistan was only 3 days starting the 12th></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Eid al-Adha is the latter of the two Eid holidays, the former being <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eid_al-Fitr" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Eid al-Fitr">Eid al-Fitr</a>. The word "Eid" appears once in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Ma%27ida" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Al-Ma'ida">Al-Ma'ida</a>, the fifth sura of the Quran, with the meaning "solemn festival".</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #252525;">Like Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha begins with a </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salah" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Salah">prayer</a><span style="color: #252525;"> of two </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakat" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Rakat">rakats</a><span style="color: #252525;"> followed by a sermon (</span><span style="color: #252525;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khutbah" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Khutbah">khutbah</a></span><span style="color: #252525;">). Eid al-Adha celebrations start after the descent of the </span><span style="color: #252525;">Hujjaj </span><span style="color: #252525;">(the pilgrims performing the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hajj" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Hajj">Hajj</a><span style="color: #252525;">) from </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Arafat" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Mount Arafat">Mount Arafat</a><span style="color: #252525;"> , a hill east of </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecca" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Mecca">Mecca</a><span style="color: #252525;">. </span><b style="color: #252525;">Eid sacrifice</b><span style="color: #252525;"> </span><span style="color: orange;"><emphasis mine></span><span style="color: #252525;"> may take place until sunset on the 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. The days of Eid have been singled out in the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadith" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Hadith">Hadith</a><span style="color: #252525;"> as "days of remembrance" and considered the holiest days in the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_calendar" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Islamic calendar">Islamic Calendar</a><span style="color: #252525;">. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">So, the boys started school on Sept 4th. On Sept 5th, I received this message:</span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>5<sup>th</sup> September 2016</i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Dear Parents,</i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Eid Al-Adha Holiday</i></span></span></span></span></u></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I am writing to confirm, as per the Civil Services Commission directive that the Eid Al-Adha holiday will be from Sunday, 11th September until Thursday, 15th September inclusive. TES will therefore be closed from the end of the school day on Thursday of this week and reopen on Sunday, 18th September. </i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and relaxing holiday - Eid Mubarak.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Best wishes,</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Kieron Peacock</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Headmaster</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I needed the Serenity Prayer after that announcement. After weeks of boredom, anxiety, stress, the boys were finally in school and enjoying it and then they announce they are closing for a week???? Are you kidding me???</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I did a quick search to see if we could go somewhere (anywhere) to take advantage of the break, but while there were flights out of Kuwait there were no seats available on any flight to get back into Kuwait before Sept 21. So, we were just going to have to tough it out here at home again.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We made the most of the week by taking advantage of the fact that Ian had a few days off, as well. We had dinner and game nights with friends, we shopped at Ikea (OK, maybe I'm the only one that enjoyed that), we went ice skating again, we went to the aquarium, we even spent a day at a water park.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamie enjoying the large tank at the aquarium</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamie enjoying a post-aquarium slushee</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braden enjoying his post-aquarium slushee</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gavin post enjoyment of his post-aquarium PinkBerry</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The slides!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamie and buddies on the slides</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gavin on another slide</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gavin being silly at bowling</td></tr>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931150467469962609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856386654906251407.post-17671812409840513772016-09-04T14:11:00.004+03:002016-09-04T14:50:54.886+03:00The Grand MosqueA few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of touring The Grand Mosque of Kuwait. This particular tour was conducted by a woman, Iman (not to be confused with an Imam), who works for an organization called the AWARE Center (Advocates for Western-Arab Relations). We found the tour to be informative and enjoyable (although very hot as we were covered from head to toe) and the architecture beautiful.<br />
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We do enjoy the opportunity to learn about the culture here and how intrinsic religion is to their culture - there is no separation of church and state here. They cannot even fathom how (or why) we do it. However, they are far more tolerant of the idea of Christianity, then I have seen our country be of Islam in recent times. That doesn't mean they allow lots churches to be built (there are a few), nor do they seem to acknowledge many other religions beyond Christianity, but I do not fear for my safety as a non-Muslim. I wish I could say the same in our own country. On the school forms, religion was asked with three options (Muslim, Christian, Other). <br />
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There were some interesting explanations (justifications) for many of the traditions, but Iman stressed throughout the tour that many were simply choices or practicalities. (Abayas, for example, were described as "shade" or wearing your own "tent." It seems to me, though, that black isn't the most practical color for this purpose.)<br />
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(from Wikipedia) The Grand Mosque of Kuwait spans 480,000 sq ft, out of which the building itself covers 220,000 sq ft. The main prayer hall is 236 ft wide on all sides and has 144 windows for light and can hold abut 11,000 people inside. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous stained glass chandeliers around the outside of the main building/prayer hall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior view of the prayer hall. 3 of the 4 support columns.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceiling detail</td></tr>
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While separation of the sexes is done during prayers (men in front, women in back), woman have the choice of going to a separate, private, upstairs hall. This hall holds about 950 and you can see out through the lattice work, but not in.<br />
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It was explained that due to prayers being very physical (standing, kneeling, bowing), they don't want the men to be distracted by looking at the backsides of women. Apparently, women are able to multi-task without getting distracted.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the private ladies prayer hall overlooking the main prayer hall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up into the dome.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting the best view of the dome.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braden in the imam's chair</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamie's turn</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gavin's turn.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Koran</td></tr>
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931150467469962609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856386654906251407.post-12228674951147313492016-09-04T12:47:00.001+03:002016-09-04T12:47:20.814+03:00Ice Skating in the DesertOne of the more reasonably priced and cool activities is ice skating (1.5 Kuwaiti Dinar for 90 minutes - basically $5 a person, including skate rental). So after being inspired by our attendance at the "professional" hockey game, we decided to hit the rink a couple of Friday mornings. Ian was travelling that night, so he didn't skate. He was concerned about potential injury, so he was our photographer. I gave him a bit of a hard time, so karma got me the next outing.<br />
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The first week was uneventful, everyone had fun and after a few trips around with the frame, they were able to do it on their own. We even had a coach (trying to drum up business for himself, no doubt) key in on Gavin. He is convinced that Gavin could be an amazing skater. I agree, but he's so shy he didn't want to work one on one with the coach. Don't worry, I hope to keep going enough to get him comfortable enough to agree.<br />
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I have to admit that the second week's attempt was not as successful, at least not for me. Unfortunately, we don't have pictures of the second week, but everyone was skating without frames and doing a fantastic job. Remember my comment above about karma? Well, after about an hour of skating, I decided to sit down on the ice. I don't remember why, maybe I was tired? Anyway, for reasons unbeknownst to me, I decided to sit down on the ice --- hard. So hard, in fact, that my upper body whiplashed back and I cracked my head against the ice. I never lost consciousness, but it was hard enough that I earned my second trip to Al Seef hospital. This time for a CT scan. Fortunately, I didn't do any major damage, but definitely had a concussion.<br />
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And, yes, I have purchased a helmet for myself for any further ice skating adventures. <br />
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931150467469962609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856386654906251407.post-66511750623962855292016-08-12T15:44:00.004+03:002016-08-12T15:44:53.369+03:00Ice Hockey in the DesertOne of our favorite things about living overseas is doing things that are a bit out of the ordinary. The Kuwait Touristic Enterprises heard that there was a US National Guard Battalion from Minnesota stationed at a nearby base, so they asked if they wanted to participate in a "tournament." Always up for a game regardless of skill or experience, the Army National Guard said yes and thus the Inagural Desert Classic was born.<br />
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Prior to the start of the games there were photo ops, and singing of both national anthems. <br />
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Then the Kuwait team unfurled this banner:<br />
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There were three teams from the US (White Knights, Blue Lines and Crimson Tide) and the Kuwait International team. There were 3 games of 2 20-minute periods. First game was the White Knights (US) vs. Blue Lines (US) and it was tied at the end of regulations with the Blue Lines winning in a shootout. The second game was the Kuwait National team vs. Crimson Tide and it wasn't even close; Kuwait won 8-0. The final game was the winner of the first game vs. the winner of the second game, so Blue Lines v. Kuwait. It was after 9PM, so we didn't stay, but I understand that Kuwait won 15-0. We found out later that it was televised live on Kuwaiti TV and apparently we were on camera. Might have to check out YouTube to see if it is out there. :)<br />
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Here is a video clip about the event from the Army National Guard's Facebook Page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/usarmycentral/videos/1280673301963211/" target="_blank">Army Video</a><br />
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One of the highlights of the evening was Gavin making friends with some local boys by meowing. Yes, you read that correctly. Every time someone tried to talk to him, he would meow in response. They thought he was HILARIOUS.<br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931150467469962609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856386654906251407.post-21231546528474695272016-08-04T12:11:00.001+03:002016-08-04T12:11:42.766+03:00ActivitiesWhile it is too hot to get out and around town to do too much exploring, we have been getting out and about a bit. Here are some pictures from a few of our outings.<br />
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We had the unexpected pleasure of meeting and speaking to US Navy Astronaut, Barry E. "Butch" Wilmore. He showed us the most incredible video of his time on the International Space Station. The boys were fascinated, they remembered being in a friend's backyard earlier this summer and watching the ISS pass overhead.<br />
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Huge thanks to American300.org and ArmedForcesEntertainment.com for bringing Butch to visit us at the Embassy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gavin wanted to know if they had tacos on the moon.</td></tr>
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The boys have been taking swim lessons with SwimAmerica at the Qadsiya Sporting Club. Gorgeous Olympic quality facility that hasn't really been kept up, but the boys love that they let them jump off the diving boards.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gavin contemplating the 1m platform</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys all contemplating the 5m platform (yes 15ft above the water)</td></tr>
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I wasn't able to capture a picture, but Braden did jump off the 5m platform several times. All the boys jumped off the 1m and 3m with no hesitation.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gavin jumping off the 3m springboard</td></tr>
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Chilling at the Radisson Blu hotel pool.<br />
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One of the women I met at the Embassy volunteers several times a week at the Amricani Cultural Centre.<br />
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"<span style="background-color: white; color: #747474; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.02px;">The graceful buildings facing the sea in Kuwait City reflect the commitment to community in the country’s past and future. From medical buildings to cultural facilities, the buildings that make up the Amricani Cultural Centre have served the people of Kuwait since the late 1930s. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #747474; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.02px;">Originally built as the American hospitals for women and men, the buildings incorporated arched verandas that were visually appealing, conducive to socialization, and provided ventilation and cooling breezes in the warm summer months. As hospitals, the buildings served Kuwait for almost thirty years. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #747474; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.02px;">Today, the buildings continue to serve the community. The former women’s hospital is the temporary home of the Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah administrative offices and the library. The larger building, originally the men’s hospital, is a training museum that includes two current exhibitions,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #747474; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.02px;"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #747474; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.02px;">Splendors of the Ancient East: Antiquities from the al-Sabah Collection </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #747474; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.02px;">and</span><em style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #747474; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.02px;"> Story of Amricani</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #747474; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.02px;">, and temporary exhibition space. There is also an education wing, a conservation lab, and a theatre. Since it opened as a cultural centre in November 2011, the Amricani is once again alive with visitors. Conversations will waft down from the verandas, as people explore art and culture exhibitions from around the world and future Kuwaiti museum specialists begin their training."</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids listening to "Beautiful Oops"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for their "oops"</td></tr>
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931150467469962609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856386654906251407.post-52409110131936576022016-07-28T13:57:00.001+03:002016-08-03T11:48:23.652+03:00Wasta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Wasta</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"> or </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">wasata</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"> (Arabic: وَاسِطة </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">wāsiṭah</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">) is an Arabic word that loosely translates into </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepotism" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-decoration: none;" title="Nepotism">nepotism</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"> or '</span><a class="extiw" href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/clout#Noun" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #663366; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-decoration: none;" title="wiktionary:clout">clout</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">' or 'who you know'. It refers to using one’s connections and/or influence to get things done, including government transactions such as the quick renewal of a passport, waiving of traffic fines, and getting hired for or promoted in a job. (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasta" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">source</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">As many of my Facebook friends know, shortly after arriving in Kuwait, I experienced moderately severe abdominal pain. As I had had previously experienced something similarly about 5 years ago and it turned out to be a mild diverticulitis attack, I thought I would just go to the post doctor and she would prescribe me antibiotics and I would go home and that would be that. What transpired next was quite the adventure.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">On Wednesday, after enduring a few days of increasing pain, I made an appointment for Thursday afternoon with the post doc. It is worth pointing out that here in Kuwait the work week is Sun - Thur, so this was for all intents and purposes a Friday afternoon as the weekend was upon us. Also, worth noting is that it was my parents last full day of their visit with us.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Our fabulous doctor advised that rather than just prescribing antibiotics that I should be seen by a gastroenterologist and that she would call the post liaison doctor for a recommendation. In the states, I would've just gone to a hospital ER and been seen by whomever was on call. Not so here. :)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">I decided I would just take myself to this doctor. However, it was suggested that I have someone drive me. As Ian was in meetings and my parents weren't permitted to drive here, I was offered a driver from the motor pool. Best decision ever. For privacy, I'll refer to him as E. E is a Syrian who has worked for the embassy in Kuwait for 17 years. He is married with 2 boys (9 and 6) and he was amazing. Not only did he know where we were going, he spoke English and Arabic and was incredibly kind the entire day.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Upon arrival at the doctor's office, I was asked for my Civil ID. I don't have one, yet. So, I was asked for my passport. Don't have it, because it was turned in to get my Civil ID. I was asked for insurance, which isn't accepted in this country. This scenario played out multiple times and each time E smoothed it over and got me what I needed. Wasta in action.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">After meeting with the doctor, he wanted me admitted to the hospital, but he just changed offices, so he had to refer me again. Wasta in action.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">In the meantime, I had to go downstairs to a lab for bloodwork. I was asked for my Civil ID, which I don't have. I was asked for my passport, which I don't have. E to the rescue.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">After bloodwork, E had to drive me across town for a CT scan and Xray. Upon arrival, I was asked for my Civil ID,...E to the rescue again. More Wasta.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">After a couple of hours here, with CDs but no reports in hand, we drove to Al Seef Hospital.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"> Guy at checkin at the ER did not like being told by western woman that she was here to meet a specialist. No. I would see whomever they had available, GPs only. E stepped in and was told the same thing. We both shrugged and sat down. After a few minutes, the guy from check in was not at all happy to have tell me that the specialist I was waiting for had arrived would see me now. Wasta in full force. Guess he didn't think I would have any. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Doc comes in to admit me and asked for my CT report. When I told him I didn't have a written report, just the CDs, he asked me who I knew that could call the imaging center and get them. My father? A brother, perhaps? Blatant wasta. I told him that I had no wasta and he burst out laughing. He said nevermind, he would call for me. Perhaps, I have some after all. ;)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">All in all, it took 7 hours to actually get to my hospital room and get hooked up to fluids and IV antibiotics after driving around Kuwait City in rush hour on a Thursday (think Friday) night. This was also the hottest day ever on record in the Eastern Hemisphere. 54C (129.3F) and E and I were out driving all over town, oblivious. </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A02gS9G4ng4/V5nkmgiDCQI/AAAAAAAAEW8/CXrohI5Jv_Alb9LZJ8A695DzTV-sONc1ACLcB/s1600/kuwait-54c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A02gS9G4ng4/V5nkmgiDCQI/AAAAAAAAEW8/CXrohI5Jv_Alb9LZJ8A695DzTV-sONc1ACLcB/s640/kuwait-54c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2016/07/22/two-middle-east-locations-hit-129-degrees-hottest-ever-in-eastern-hemisphere-maybe-the-world/" rel="nofollow" style="line-height: 22.4px;" target="_blank">Hottest Day Ever</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">For the next 48 hours, I had this amazing view:</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4nu9Ib98_F8/V5nhfVEwqkI/AAAAAAAAEWo/3VoQ9lw2RtUwlbRA99FaDX_pL2fYLanwwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4nu9Ib98_F8/V5nhfVEwqkI/AAAAAAAAEWo/3VoQ9lw2RtUwlbRA99FaDX_pL2fYLanwwCLcB/s640/IMG_3473.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">All's well that ends well. I'm feeling much better and a lot wiser.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Braden being silly: </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gu2aEIkB_G4/V5nkBWUw9MI/AAAAAAAAEW4/CAOXojTv38Q4_nsjZkiu0zgoXGeX1ZbDACLcB/s1600/IMG_3476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gu2aEIkB_G4/V5nkBWUw9MI/AAAAAAAAEW4/CAOXojTv38Q4_nsjZkiu0zgoXGeX1ZbDACLcB/s400/IMG_3476.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931150467469962609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856386654906251407.post-2669865732364930392016-07-19T20:24:00.000+03:002016-07-19T20:24:54.656+03:00One WeekSo, we arrived one week ago tonight and have encountered so many different things. Because it is hot we haven't done as much exploring as I would've liked to, but we will get out and about more soon. <br />
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We tend to wait until the late afternoon/evening to go out as it is cooler (100 degrees versus 120 degrees), here are some pictures from a couple of our excursions.<br />
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We enjoyed an early evening swim at a local hotel (Radisson Blu) followed by a scrumptious buffet in one of the hotel restaurants.<br />
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The ship masts in the background are for another restaurant called Al Boom, which is on a traditional dhow. Looking forward to trying it out sometime.<br />
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The problem with swimming at night is it is really hard to get pictures.<br />
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So many things to choose from - including Indian, traditional Middle Eastern and even Italian. No one went away hungry. Especially with the numerous dessert options.<br />
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Thought we'd get out to a "play area" at a local McDonald's on the beach. The views would be amazing, if it weren't so hazy/dusty. Even the food here seems fancy.<br />
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You can just barely make out the famous Kuwaiti Towers in the haze in distance.<br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931150467469962609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856386654906251407.post-26360343514081603562016-07-16T10:35:00.000+03:002016-07-16T10:35:17.412+03:00Our HomeI was going to wait until our stuff arrived and I was able to hang pictures, etc., but so many people have asked what our house looks like that I have taken some preliminary pictures. So, without further ado the grand house tour.<br />
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Location, location, location<br />
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Dining room (and bathroom #1)<br />
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Living room (and front door)<br />
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The tiny kitchen (most Kuwaitis eat out) This is down the hall behind the dining room.<br />
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Laundry room (and bathroom #2) - across the hall from the kitchen<br />
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Bedroom #1 (main level also across from kitchen) and bathroom #3 (not shown)<br />
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Basement (sitting area 1 underneath living room)<br />
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Basement area 2 (underneath dining room) also known as the poker room<br />
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Staircase (upstairs/downstairs) - also 1 of the 4 doors to the outside "garden". There is a 6 foot wide garden from the house to the wall around the entire house. Basically, without sprinklers it is a sand moat. As I have no green thumb to speak of, it is unlikely to improve during our tenure.<br />
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Upstairs hallway/sitting area (will likely become my office area) Master Bedroom is just to the left.<br />
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Gran & Grump's room (to the right of upstairs hallway) Bathroom #4 between this room and Braden and Gavin's room.<br />
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Braden and Gavin's room (complete with sleeping boys)<br />
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Jamie's Room (also with sleeping boy) (there is another bedroom between Jamie's room and Braden and Gavin's room) Bathroom #5 is outside of Jamie's room.<br />
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Master Bedroom<br />
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Another view of the Master Bedroom (and Bathroom #6) There are no closets in this house. Not a single one. Not a coat closet, not a linen closet, not a pantry. All the rooms have at least two of the cabinets pictured on the left, so we will make use of those.<br />
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The rooftop. There are two of these massive Carrier HVAC units and the upstairs is still 80 degrees regardless of what you set the temp to. There is room for furniture up here, if the weather ever gets mild enough, but definitely not a play area.<br />
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View of our street from the roof<br />
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So, for those counting it is 3 levels, 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms (3 full/3 half) and about 6000ft(2)<br />
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931150467469962609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856386654906251407.post-69517280002510501942016-07-15T13:20:00.002+03:002016-07-15T13:20:29.867+03:00First ImpressionsFirst Impression of Kuwait: It's HOT. And, I mean, HOT, oppressively HOT at all hours of the day and night. There is no respite from the heat unless you hide inside. Do you see windows on the house? No? They are there, but they have huge mechanical, metal shutters that serve as both security and blocking out the heat.<br />
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So, this is our home for the next few years:<br />
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I haven't been able to get a picture of him, yet, but there is feral tomcat on our doorstep every morning. I'm trying to decide if I should feed him. I really want to, but looking around I feel like I would end up with dozens. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our street </td></tr>
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The biggest challenge the first few days has been keeping the boys occupied. Last night was one of the twice-weekly "happy hours" at the Embassy. They brought out a water slide/bounce castle and the boys had a blast. Many of the families travel away from here during summer break (did I mention it is hot here?), so not as many kids, but the boys made some friends.</div>
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There are many challenges to starting our life here, but the biggest one is probably transportation. Even if you have an international drivers license, you have to get a Kuwaiti driver's license to go along with it. To get a permanent Kuwaiti driver's license, you have to pass a driving test, to take the test you need a Civil ID, to get a Civil ID you need to submit your passport, your resident's visa and an application... you get the idea. You think bureaucracy is bad in the US? The systems here make it seem like the US government runs with Swiss watch efficiency. Unfortunately, we can't apply for our Civil IDs, yet, so we have had to apply for 30 day temporary licenses. I'm assuming I should probably have redacted this, but since I can't read it, I don't know what to redact, if you know Arabic you can let me know what this actually says.<br />
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So, now I have a car and a temporary license, but I have yet to drive myself anywhere. The biggest threat to personal security here in Kuwait is other drivers. On average, 1.5 people die every day here in auto accidents. Statistically speaking, the roads here are the most dangerous in the world for auto accident related deaths. We have wonderfully kind neighbors who work with Ian and they have been driving us around. Today we ventured out to the LuLu Hypermarket for a full grocery shop.<br />
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I was going to take pictures of the tremendous selection and variety of foods, but there are signs hanging everywhere that say photography is prohibited inside the store. Will have to figure out why that is. Today's shopping excursion was moderately successful. Found many familiar brands and some new things (strawberry filled croissants!). Can't find stock in a box (chicken or beef) or Bisquick or Near East rice mixes, so will be looking for care packages. :)<br />
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Didn't get a donut or coffee, but one of the many indications of the Kuwaiti love affair with American brands. We have a Subway near us and have found Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC, TGI Fridays, Cheesecake Factory, Texas Roadhouse, etc. The list is seemingly endless. The real test will be if they taste like home.<br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931150467469962609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856386654906251407.post-77892016883021376282016-07-10T05:11:00.000+03:002016-07-10T05:11:10.756+03:00And so it begins...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week we packed up the house and moved into a hotel in preparation for our move to Kuwait. We are so grateful to all of our family and friends for their love and support leading up to this adventure. I just wanted to put this post out there to introduce the blog again and let people bookmark this site. I'm sure I'll put things on Facebook, too, but this will be where I post most pictures and stories about our life and travels abroad.<br />
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Stay tuned...Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931150467469962609noreply@blogger.com0