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.

One month in Kuwait

When in Rome

I went on a Grand Mosque tour. We had to wear a head covering, long skirt and long sleeved shirt. I was dressed like I normally dress (capris and a tee), so I needed to cover with an abaya (long black covering) and a hijab (head scarf). They had free ones available for tour go-ers to borrow.

Very sweet, cute, sincere man explained Islam to us from his point of view. 

THIS is What I'm Talking About
Then we went to the towers.  I was hoping to eat lunch in the rotating cafe in the top of one of the towers, but it was still closed for renovation. So, we took pictures and ate lunch on the waterfront (at Chili's- my first time eating American food at a restaurant here.)

We also got a personal car tour by another teacher. By the end of the day I was feeling like I'm actually seeing Kuwait now!

Also returned to Al Kout mall to buy groceries and eat dinner this week. 

We ate at an Iranian restaurant. Huge pieces of bread and teeny strong cups of tea, at the end.  

BTW- feta cheese and soda are cheap here. Feta is only $1.80 for 18 oz. and a can of sodas is less than $0.50, even at convenient stores. I also discovered store bought fatayer (fa-thai-ya) that I mentioned a week back. Not as good as the stone oven-baked version, but I regular shopping item nonetheless. Also cheap- about $0.50 each.

School Stuff

2 weeks into school and we had a parent only Open House. I had to give two, 15 minute presentations. I was a bit nervous beforehand but it was fun. Less than half of my parents showed up but I have met most of them by now. 

I had 2 new students this week but I'm still waiting for 2 more.  

Exploration

So happy to say I have explored my area a bit more. I can now add Starbucks, Lebanese and Thai food to my repertoire.  

Going to a new (to me) shopping mall today. Marina mall . Planning to see my first movie in a theater here.

Can't wait for the weather to cool down a bit so I can stroll the corniche. 

Corniche- a road (in this case they refer to the walking trail) running along the coast.

Next Weeks Goals

- Planning to start Arabic lessons next Saturday. They will be 2 hours a week for 6 weeks.

- Another mall to want to visit, the 360 mall.  

- Want to walk to the gulf from my house, at least once. 

I did not meet my last week goal to exercise... full stop.

Up and Coming Breaks

We have a week off of school in October but I can't leave the country until I get my civil ID, so I may just get to know Kuwait better, which would be okay too.  

But, I bought my ticket to BUDAPEST for Christmas break. 

Bridge walks, trolley views, subway pastries and goulash- here I come.

Christmas Market, mulled wine and outside ice skating- HERE I COME.