How NOT to Die of Boredom on a Staycation in Kuwait.

How to Survive Another Kuwaiti Staycation.

1.) Be as dramatic as possible.

1.) Spend as much time outside as possible. Outside cafes. Walk to the beach. Walk on the beach. 

2.) Go to a new mall. That really is the main source of entertainment here. Good thing I saved one for just such an occasion.

3.) Go to a movie you know little about, on a whim. Then, regret it because of its assault of blood and gore (The Kingsman).

4.) Compulsively study Arabic on Memrise.

5.) Buy new digital music, learn to play a few songs.



6.) Read a few books.


7.) Go to a new church. Enjoy their worship.

8.) Indulge in a beverage and a treat at a coffeehouse, everyday.

9.) Do NOT add up the how much you have wasted on taxis and empty calories. 

10.) Write an additional blog post that no one should waste their time reading.  

Sleep, Eat, Teach, Study. Repeat.

Taking Pictures and Having my Picture Taken. 

Went to Al Kout mall to do some grocery shopping and relax a bit. I took these pictures.

A ship at harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are for.

As I was snapping some of these I noticed a family taking pictures.  The husband was taking a picture of his wife with the kids and vice versa so I asked if I could take their whole family's picture.  The husband understood and said yes.  So the wife arranged her abaya, hijab and face covering and I snapped their picture.  I find it amusing that she would care if her picture was taken since you can't see her, but I could tell from her eyes that she was sweet.

Then they asked if they could take my picture. With their camera.  A little awkward, but I said sure. We wished each other a good night and I said goodbye to the loving family. And that is how I missed my opportunity to take a picture of an Arab family with their permission. I wonder if they were from somewhere besides Kuwait, because I had the impression they hadn't interacted with a westerner before.

Flax Seed Insomnia. 

Did you know Flax seed can cause insomnia? After reading about the benefit of this superfood, I ate two tablespoons of them, ground up. Then, I laid wide awake for over 5 hours.  In the morning, less than 2 1/2 hours later, I did a little research and found that Omega 3 oils, like those found in flax seeds, can cause, in some people, insomnia. I think I'm in that minority. 

If this was a health food blog I might go on about how I am also incorporating coconut oil, Apple cider vinegar and ghee into my diet. #myattempttobehealthywithoutexercising

Resolv-ing.

Not doing so well at last weeks resolve.  I spent a little less time doing school work at school but a lot more time at school. But, I think I may be moving in the right direction.

In other school news, I am using the cookie sheet that was too big for my oven (I did buy a smaller one) to create a 'Stop the Blurt' system. Each day students will get 3 blurt warnings, before they face some serious consequences like the loss of recess. I have to find some way to crack down. We are going to try this.

Foodie.

I found out they sell Lassi (the Indian yogurt drink) everywhere here. It's inexpensive, called Laban and so good. I also got a large jar of roasted eggplant today. Very good in small doses. Couscous, which has been a staple in my kitchen for some time, is really common here.  I bought a kilo today for 3 dollars. I do really like the food here.

Sleep, Eat, Teach, Study. Repeat.
Not a really noteworthy week because I was so, so busy with school, then busy with my grad classes on Friday and then with my Arabic class today, Saturday. 

On the way to the Avenues.

But I did spend the rest of today at the Avenues.  Where we saw these 24 carat gold iPhone 6 cases.

I have completed my third Arabic class. It's fun. We learn a few phrases and a few letters every week. Here is some of my homework. And my first name in Arabic.

Staycation Rundown

MALLS, MALLS AND MORE MALLS
"They" say Kuwaitis' favorite things to do are shop and eat. Well, Wow. I spent a lot of time doing both of those things, this week. I do like malls, especially if it's a mall I have never been to before. But, I'm not much of a shopper. I never go into stores. Almost ever. My typical mall routine: I walk around the perimeter of the mall a couple of times and then get settled at a coffeeshop somewhere.

BUMMED
Nearly two hours before a weekday showing of the Maze Runner, we went to buy our tickets and... it was sold out! I was/ am a little bummed about that.  I am pretty sure the movie has now left Kuwait. Adios. It was so surprising it was sold out because when I went to see The Giver on a weekend (though admittedly not on an Eid break) the whole theater was left to me, 1 friend and 3 strangers.  

THE OLD SOUK
Went to the Mubarakiyah, the old souk(or souq) or market.  Bought some dates, took some pictures and was rather surprised.  It is larger and had more character than I expected.  

The Grand Mosque is close to the souk.

Bought some lentils here. Then asked if I could take a picture.

GAME NIGHT
Attended a game night.  The hosts make their abode in a sea side apartment, floor 3. So I took this. 

Played Bananagrams for the first time.  Fun!

BEACH DAY
I went to the beach for a day. Read under an umbrella, scouted for shells and frolicked in the gulf.  Took a midday intermission at a next-door Starbucks and came back for my favorite part of the excursion. 

I love low tide! Couple that with rock climbing, picture taking and a sunset and you have the ingredients for bliss. I'm originally from Northern California though I, now, proudly wear the Nebraska pin. So, to me 'beach' brings up images of rocks and peaceful wave sounds rather than sunbathed lounging. 

Tree Love.

Low tide love. When it's low tide you get to walk way out, to where just a few hours before the ocean was, and treasure hunt.  I extracted a rather large collection of shells. 

EID PARTY
Went to an Eid party at the AWARE center where I got to dress like this. 

BOO
And now, boo, break is almost over.  Church today(and a research paper) and Arabic lessons tomorrow(and next weeks lesson preparations) and then it's back to the grindstone, come Sunday.

RESOLVE
I am going back with this new resolve: I want to spend 10 (though I'd long to get it down to 9) hours at work each day and return home without any curriculum books. So far it's been 9 hours at school and then a couple hours at home.  It takes 30 minutes traveling to and from school, as well. When you combine those addends, you get a rather large sum. Too large of a sum, thus the new resolve.