This Time Around

Where I'm Meant to be

I'm suppose to be here. At least here, in this place where I am pouring out the moments of my days into the complicated, beautiful lives of others. In this case the complex lives of my precious Kuwaiti, Algerian, Egyptian, Lebanese, Saudi, German, American students. #thisislove

Was wonderful to see my students from last year, too. They were my first class, but I can't imagine how I can care this much every year... and keep it together.

Not allowed to post pictures of students, thus the blur, but that is a student made cup of last year's class.

I Wish

My students keep telling me how kind I am. And I keep telling them, "Just wait, it is only the beginning of the school year." And then they hug me. I wish I was kidding.

The Downside

Today at noon recess duty, it was 102 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity of 57%, making the heat index 133 degrees. That is the hottest I've ever experienced here, or anywhere. And my students have PE outside. (I'm glad I don't teach PE.)

Focus on the Positives

In an attempt to nurture and cultivate thanksgiving, because I want to bloom where I am planted, I have been intentionally thinking about the good and lovely things about this gulf nation. 

The following link is to a convicting and spot on post: Expat Hate Culture 

Narrated by a Kuwaiti, this is a thoughtfully honest yet, hopeful video about this nation:

 

Easy Street

Everything is so easy this year. Teaching still requires a great deal of energy (and it's still worth it), but everything about my Kuwait life and workplace is pretty stress-free and effortless this time around. Which, I know, is why many people do end up staying. Work will have its occasional frustrations and you will miss home, but life in Kuwait is pretty comfortable for the Western expat. 

Changes

Now I remember why I got into the habit of laying on the couch for hours every workday evening. This is not the habit, I want to call my life. But, after a long day I don't feel up to making plans and then I sit down and I have the fleeting thought... Must. Change. Some... thing... but my apartment is so cozy and my couch so comfortable...and... that is how it happens. Relaxation and isolation are sometimes only separated by a thin line, though. So, I am making plans when I do have energy. Zumba etc. with workout buddies, new bible study(or two), Arabic lessons and game night have been added to the mix. I'm also hosting the first book club of the year, again. And I'm thinking about a membership to the Hilton resort and tutoring. "I'm thinking about it, but I'm not sure how seriously." That is my new catch phrase. It is quite the useful sentence. In this birth of busyness, I'm investigating if sleep really is overrated. The verdict is still out.

We're not in Kansas Anymore Toto

Went solo via my trustee taxi driver to grab a few groceries last week. Every woman in the quaint mall was in a chador.


No lie. Except for the clerks who were all Filipino. Okay, I saw one other blonde, so in hindsight she must not have had on a head covering, but total Kuwaiti complete with huge sunglasses on, inside the store. And there I was (without sunglasses on inside the mall), being all me, showing calves hair and elbows. People asked me this summer, "Do you get stared at?" and I'd reply... idk, shoulder shrug... "I think I'm used to it now."... but on this mall day, I can confidently say "Yes.", double takes and all. 

My Other Job as an Ethnographic Researcher
Some things stand out afresh after being out of a culture for a while. Like, for example, having the Islamic call to prayer soundtrack coming from dueling mosques during your, Friday morning, sermon. The one you listen to with 15 other people in the unmarked basement of someone's home. 

The moments after I arrived back in Kuwait I tried to muster up all my ethnography skills, but, again... jet lag. Here is all I got.

Observations recorded from my flight from Frankfurt to Kuwait and while I was waiting by the baggage carousel in Kuwait:

After a prolonged absence, it seems good to take note of obvious cultural observations again.

-That's right. Not everyone speak English. 

-It's hot in Kuwait.

-Taxis are expensive.
- Oh yeah, Kuwait is on the gulf. Sweet.Water.Pretty.

-Teachers are so friendly. Reconnected with some in the airports.

-People here are kinda chubby.

-And kinda pushy.

-There is, very often, a strong woody smell of Arab cologne.

I think I'll keep my day job. ;)

A Day in the Life of this Expat Teacher: A Typical Friday
Lunch, after church.



And (grocery) shopping.

You know, just pushing my own grocery cart in front of a Jimmy Choo.


Our Friday morning taxi driver.

Coming Soon

Athens and Santorini, with friend from Hungary.

#cancrosssantorinioffbucketlist

Spontaneously decided to take a short trip to Jordan, with travel buddies, over Islamic New Year.

#wearesospontaneous

Spending Time in Kuwait

Walking.

I'm still searching for places I feel comfortable to walk. I took a nice-ish walk from our neighborhood this week. If you take one of the walkway across the highway, you come to a nicer neighborhood with a walking path. I'm not sure how far it goes because it was getting dark the day we ventured over (so we headed back right away).We also went to the corniche (walking path) near the city center gulf road and it was ah-mazing. The weather is great right now. There was such a variety of people we blended right in.  The moon was full and low that day, as well. The unfortunate thing is it is a 10 dollar taxi ride from my home. The worst and the best.

Being a teacher sure has its ups and downs. Love the kids but... my patience fails to withstand their testing at times. I have finished my report cards. They were a lot. Of. Work. 

Carpet shopping in the Old Market.

Our night of new experiences at the Mubarakiyah souk(market) was kicked off with Egyptian fare.

After eating, we went shopping for an Iranian/ Afghan carpet. I went with a friend who was in the market for a rug. She purchased one for a third of what she would have in America. It is made of lamb neck wool (there is probably a more elegant way to say that) and took around 4 months to make. And it's gorgeous. 

A typical taxi in Kuwait.

The money exchange place.  All out in the open(behind glass) and no guards.

Later, we returned home by bus.  It was my first experience on a public bus in Kuwait.  The front is for women.  We were the only women on the bus so some men got up and gave us their seats. It was comfortable and very inexpensive.

Down time, you are missed.

One week of relative down time (Ha. I mourn for my down time.  I haven't seen any for weeks) before parent teacher conference craziness.  But, not too much longer before Christmas break in Budapest and Prague. 

Where will I go for spring break?

I'm in the middle of planning my Spring Break trip now. Hopefully I'll have some details to share soon.