As I walked through the airport on August 13th, new friends and colleagues that I had only met hours before in Amsterdam surrounded me. I worked hard to remember each person’s name as they introduced themselves to me, knowing I would see them bright and early the next morning to begin our orientation. I wouldn’t say I was nervous when I landed, but I would say I was anxious. What would the country look like? What does 120oF really feel like? Would I make new friends here? What would my apartment look like? What was that other teacher’s name who I just talked to for the past thirty minutes again?
Well I have spent the past four and a half months putting my anxiety to rest. The country looks bland in some parts, and vibrant in others. Buildings downtown flash with bright lights and tower over the city. Most of the buildings surrounding me are a tannish, desert color. One hundred twenty degrees feels like the moment you open an oven and the heat whips you in the face. However, that feeling doesn’t go away until you find air conditioning again. I have made some wonderful friends here, which is all I need to say about that! My apartment is very nice; I am very happy to call it my home away from home. And I can take pride in the fact that I quickly learned all my fellow new staff’s names within the first days of landing.
I am very excited to come home and see my friends and family. One percent of me is jealous of those who went off to travel over this break, but the other ninety-nine percent of me is so happy and excited that I have the opportunity to see familiar faces. It will be a short break, but enjoying my life here makes it easier to come back. In no way is life perfect here. I just think that learning to cope with the inequities of the country, the little nuisances that affect my daily life, and finding ways to stay busy have led to my happiness in Kuwait.
I would say that I understand Kuwait, the Gulf, and the Middle East much better since I landed four and a half months ago. Teaching mostly Muslim students from the Middle East has helped me understand their customs, language, and way of life. Of course, everyday is a learning experience. I am very honest with my students about what I do not know, and I ask them questions about the language, religion, and customs on a regular basis. Learning about their cultures has been the most enriching and enjoyable part of my experience thus far.
So, it is almost time for my flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Then I will spend six hours waiting for my next flight to JFK airport in NYC. After another two and half hour layover, I will board a plane to Boston, landing at approximately 3:00pm EST. My entire journey from my apartment door in Kuwait to the door of my aunt’s house in Massachusetts is about 30 hours! Sadly, I have only completed the first two hours of my journey thus far. Will somebody have a beverage and some bacon ready for me when I land? Thank you for those who read my blog and keep in touch with me while I am away. It makes the time apart easier and it is always great to hear from friends and family.
Kuwaiti Fact of the Day:
Taxis are a large part of my life here. I theoretically could get a license and a car if I would be willing to go through an expensive and grueling process of paperwork. I decided to buy a used bike for 15KD (50 dollars) instead to get around the neighborhood and to grocery store. However, taxis are great to get around. I pay an average of 1-2KD depending on where I am going. I could go on a twenty-minute taxi ride and pay the equivalence of seven U.S. dollars for a taxi.