Goodbye Kuwait

Kuwait Sunset

So, now that I’ve almost been home for a month (this Friday, 18 Dec will be a month) I think it is about time I blog and say one last goodbye to Kuwait. There were no tears shed for Kuwait… but there are a few things I will miss:

- Being warm, even at work

- My friends I met there (to include my second cousins I met there)

- Not having to pay any bills

- Not having to pay for my gas (or get out of the car to pump it)

- Ordering any drink on the menu and not having to ask if there is alcohol in it

- Sitting outside and enjoying dinner right on the water’s edge

- The humidity which made my hands so soft

- The wood shop

- Seeing all the big trucks and Army vehicles

- The feeling of being in a foreign country is kind of neat sometimes. It was so different with how they dress, their mannerisms, and the language.

The list of things I will not miss about Kuwait is much longer:

- Driving there (have you read my blog???)

- Working long days and working 6 days a week

- Driving to Post 7 days a week (I attended Church on Post. While I am very grateful there was a group that met on Sundays, it would have been nice not to have to drive to “work” every day.)

- Only having a “Saturday” when it is a holiday

- Dust, sand, wind, humidity, and hot - not a good combination, you just feel dirty all the time

- Walking on rocks and ruining 4 or 5 pairs of shoes

- Walking outside and down the street 100 ft to use the restroom (at least it was running water!)

- Communication barrier (For the most part everyone spoke English, but some spoke very little and their heavy accent didn’t help. For work I started saying, “I’m sorry I don’t understand, will you please e-mail me?”)

- Having only 15-25 people at church and having to sing acapella or with a tape that skipped so you were never in synch with the music (you can imagine how frightening that sounded… the phrase “And Jesus listening can hear the songs I (we) cannot sing” (There is Sunshine in My Soul Today, Hymn 227) comes to mind. Good thing we are not judged on our vocal talent, I think our group would have failed miserably.

- Being the only Sister at church for a couple weeks. It’s a good thing all the Priesthood Brethren were nice and let me join them!

- Not having a social life. I would literally go to work and go home. Only on holidays or rare occasions did we do something and mostly it was attending a farewell dinner

- Having very few food choices: Dining Facility (DFAC), Charlie’s, KFC, Subway, Hardees, Pizza Hut, Baskin Robins, Taco Bell, Burger King, Nathans, and Panda. After a year of only these choices food simply did not sound good anymore. Oh, and their cheese was nasty, it tasted like fish oil!

- Not being able to run to the store whenever I wanted (like fresh fruit and veggies). Yes, I had the “freedom” to do that, but I did not feel safe enough to venture out on my own.

- Not being able to cook since my oven stunk every time I tried to use it.

- The time difference and not being able to call anyone anytime I wanted to

- The not so attractive landscape, I definitely would describe it as beautiful

Things I love about being home:

- Being amongst friends and family who make me feel so loved! It’s like I’ve never been gone!

- Having a social life again

- Going to church with a lot of people and not having to hear myself sing

- Feeling safe enough to go out and about on my own

- Being able to cook and not have to eat fast food everyday

- The laws that make our country great and the enforcement of those laws. For example, Jaywalking, speeding, regulations that keep us safe (Kuwait had some serious electrical issues and had a lot of fires because their standards are not as high as ours. Same goes for medical standards.)

- Wasta is not as prevalent here… in other words, abusing your status and position of influence

- Being able to understand what people are saying around me when I am out

- Being able to pick up my phone and call anyone at anytime

- Reliable internet service

- The snowcapped mountains and the beautiful view

It was a difficult year and rather trying at times, but I am so glad I went. I’m glad I got to experience the things I did, see the things I did, learn the things I did, work on the projects I did, and meet the people I met there. I am extremely glad to be home, but will be forever more appreciative of what I have here. We are definitely a blessed people and live in a blessed land. I’m grateful for the freedoms I enjoy, the opportunities that are available to me, and the safety and peace that being a US citizen provides. “I love this land, God bless the USA!”

Well, here are the last of my pictures from Kuwait. The first set of pictures are from my Veterans Day Holiday (Nov 11th) outing. I worked for 6 hours and then we played….we went to the aquarium which was awesome! They had some very different animals there which were fun to see.

Me at the Kuwait Aquarium

Nice Bat!

Desert Cat. There is a glass there, but you couldn't see it at first, so it looked like a random cat was wondering around inside. It was pretty funny.

Eel

Penguins in Kuwait!

Feeding the Penguins

Scorpian, Beetle Standoff Creepy Worm

Julie with gulf in background- after all it was a holiday so I had to get my water picture!

Next we went to the towers to enjoy a nice dinner and then see the sights. It is kind of cool to eat with the sun set and overlooking the city. We had some traditional Arabic food which I did taste all of these things:

Baba Ganoosh à Eggplant (has a consistency similar to humus which you eat with pita-like bread

Humusà Ground chickpeas which you eat with pita-like bread. I typically am not a fan of humus, but the humus here was mighty tasty!

Tabulaà Cilantro leaves and tomatoes (tasted like a mild salsa, and you eat it on pita-like bread)

Grilled Haluum à salty grilled cheese

Pickled Peppers

Grape leaves

I had pizza for dinner. Their cheese actually tasted fairly normal!

At the Towers overlooking Kuwait City

The Towers- I thought it was a cool picture

After that we made our way to city center where we met a Kuwaiti woman and her husband. It took me a year to meet an actual Kuwaiti woman. They actually looked like a happy married couple and were normal. That too was a first. People do not show emotion and appear extremely miserable, since you very rarely see people smiling. There is a law against merriment in Kuwait.… I think a few times when I was out with friends (co-workers) we broke the law! After shopping for a little while we called it a day.

We had Organizational Day which ended up being when they farewelled me. I think that is fitting, I was hailed on Organizational Day and a year later farewelled at Organizational Day. It was like they threw a party just for me! We played kickball, ate lunch, played games (checkers, poker, horseshoes, etc) and just visited and enjoyed the day. I started a new tradition… I found a coin which said “An Army Of One Less- I’m Outta Here!” and on the back it said “Official Short-timer” I thought it was pretty funny, so I gave it to Attila (my good friend and mentor for the past 5.5 years) with the hope he will get to pass it along soon! :^)

Co-workers after playing Kickball on Orginization Day

Hackett and I- I received the Civilian Accommodation Award Medal

For my last night in Kuwait I decided to do a bowling party instead of going out to eat. Karina & Charlie (and kids laila and Chaz) and Lee and Marty were able to join me and my co-workers (who can get off Post). It was good fun- I can’t believe we had not done that before, but because everyone works long days they are simply exhausted and don’t want to go out and I don’t go out on Sundays. In addition, the traffic is crazy and I refused to drive downtown, so I didn’t get to go out and do fun things very often.

Attila and I

Judy and I

Cousins

Yolanda and I

Co-Workers

Church Group

Random pictures....

Do you like that the fridge in my apartment had a key to lock it? Hmmm....

Didn't know how to work my oven... I don't know what those symbols mean!

I did have dinner with a few close friends before Attila dropped me off at the airport on November 17th. I then had a nice 24+ hour journey ahead of me. It wasn’t bad since I used my miles and upgraded to Business Class- the 14 hour flight from Kuwait to Washington D.C. was so nice! I sat in Seat 14D, I thought that was fitting since 14 is my favorite number and it was my “D-day” since I was heading home!!!

A random car after a 5 minute rain storm

So, again I say goodbye Kuwait! Goodbye Apartment #1 in Mangaf where I had to walk up 25 steps (it always cracked me up to see apartments numbered zero), goodbye warmth, goodbye desert!

Winding Down

Sorry I miseed last week. Blogger website decided it did not want to come up last Sunday, and I never did get around to posting during the week. Here are the highlights since I last posted...

On Wednesday, October 28th it rained. I think this is the first time in 9 months that it had rained in Kuwait. Granted it was a nice summer sprinkle- but it actually rained! Yes, I did go outside and sang and danced in the rain! :^)

I received the official offer for my new job on Friday, October 30th- Wahoo! I accepted the position on Monday and am currently trying to get everything wrapped up to leave. There is always so much to do when moving!!! Anyway, I will be heading back to Denver, CO and working for a contractor in support of the Forest Service. I'm excited! I had leave already planned at the end of November, so the job offer timing could not have been more perfect since now I get to cancel my return flight to Kuwait!

I participated in a Halloween Fun Run on the 30th. My co-worker had a hat, so I wore that just to show I had some spirit. Last year I was a cow-girl as well... tradition?

On Saturday, October 31st, my friend Chris and I went to a new mall called ' The 360 Mall' since it goes in a circle. The mall is gigantic... perhaps you can appreciate the size of this mall from the picture. Anyway, we went to a movie and it was the nicest movie theater I've ever been in. They escorted you to your seats! You are encouraged to leave your trash in the theater where they take care of it. Oh, and there was a lady who handed me paper towels after washing my hands in the restroom! Such service for a movie theater! We saw the show, "Surrogate" with Bruce Willis. It was a good show. Oh, and yes, we were able to sit next to each other in this theater... in some theaters here men are on one side and women are on the other from what I've been told.

After the show we went and grabbed some dinner. Since I didn't want Lebonese food that left TGIFridays as the best alternative. I ordered a drink (I love ordering drinks here becuase I don't have to worry if it comes with alcohol) and was quite surprised at the size of the drink when they brought it out. Lets just say that was pretty much dinner!

Wednesday, November 4th was a fun evening that I got to spend with my cousins (Karina, Charlie, Laila, and Chaz). Karina's parents were in town, so it was fun to see them as well. I enjoy hanging with them- they are fun and have such cute kids. We had dinner at Cafe Supreme in Fahaheel and enjoyed the nice evening watching the water shows behind us and listening to music.

Lee and Marty

This past Friday a couple co-workers and I went to the Friday Market. Again, this is a huge yard sale where you never know what treasures you are going to find. Well, as we were wondering I found these little beds. The one I am in front of is a Tom and Jerry bed and I couldn't help but think of Tayler. So, Tay, this picture is for you- looking forward to seeing you soon!

There is this huge shopping center called LuLu's that you park at when going to the Friday Market. I had to get a picture and get a shout out to Meggy, so this picture is for you Meggy! See you next month!

Well, that is about all I have for you. I am only a week and two days from being home. So, I really am winding down here and trying to get everything in order. Lots to do in a week's time...

All You Have To Do Is Ask

It is beginning to feel more like Fall now that it is getting cooler- it is almost jacket wearing weather! No really, it’s only supposed to be in the low to mid 90’s as a high this week (mid 60’s for a low)! The flies are out again, so you definitely know the weather is getting cooler. Well, this week was kind of eventful… I played racquetball one night, went to a going away dinner one night, hung with Karina, Charlie and their cute kids one night, and hmmm… yep that is about it. Really exciting life, huh? Yesterday I was talking with a co-worker and we ended up in a gospel discussion where I shared with her the story of the First Vision. She could not believe that God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to someone on Earth. She said, “You seriously believe that?” in a ‘you are crazy’ kind of tone. I replied, “Yes, I do.” We discussed a few other things and the overall discussion made me reflect on what I believe. I do have a testimony of Joseph Smith and this gospel and as I headed into church I had a prayer in my heart asking that my testimony of Joseph Smith be strengthened. I feel like the entire meeting block was just for me…. For Sacrament Meeting the opening hymn was “Joseph Smith’s First Prayer”, the closing hymn was “Praise to the Man”, and the Priesthood/Relief Society Lesson was Chapter 43, “He was a Prophet of God: Contemporaries of Joseph Smith Testify of His Prophetic Mission”. I don’t think it could get much better than that! “Ask and ye shall receive!” I did have to laugh though since I was the only sister at church today. I think that is the first time that has ever happened, so I jokingly thanked our Group Leader for allowing me to attend Priesthood!

Successful Shopping and More Dubai Pictures

So, even though I only worked 5 days this week (Monday was Columbus Day so I had the day off), it has felt like this week has lasted for-ev-ver! Its a bit slower at work now that we are past the craziness of fiscal year end, so that is probably why the week dragged on. I'm sure it will pick up again here shortly. Yesterday after work I went out with a few co-workers and we hit the souks in Fahaheel. I may not be here much longer, so I have to start now to get all my souveniers. Anyway, shopping was a success since I do have a bag in my hand! :^)

No, I did not buy any gold... it is much to expensive. A small charm bracelet will run you a good $300! I do like the look of all the gold souks though. This row of shops with all the sparkling gold is pretty impressive looking after the sun goes down!

Just hanging out enjoying the beautiful evening. The pond behind us has water that shoots up every so often. It was going until we got the camera out and snapped a picture- go figure!

The weather that evening was so nice- probably in the high 80's or low 90's. Anyway, there is a cafe where you can eat outside, right on the waters edge. Every half hour there is music that plays and the fountain comes to life. It is very much like the Balagio. It is so relaxing to be there and enjoy the atmosphere, and the yummy belgian waffles and freshly squeezed orange juice! Good times!

Here are some additional pictures from Dubai....

This is the 7 star hotel I mentioned that is built on its own island. The circle up high on the left is the tennis court (and I think it doubles as the helicopter pad). Nice!

It is much greener in Dubia than Kuwait...

This picture was taken in the aquairum tunnel. It looks like we are scuba diving, doesn't it?

I'm holding up the world with one finger- I'm so strong!

Katie, this picture is for you... pretty cool looking creatures. These crabs were huge!

Looks like I made a friend!

We have our life vests on and food in hand... Were ready to get on the boat and feed the fish!

The glass-bottom boat was kind of fun- I felt like I was stepping on the fish!

Day Trip to Dubai

Hello all and happy Columbus Day! In honor of Columbus day I went and discovered a new country- Dubai. I went with a friend from work and we made a quick trip to Dubai just for fun... Its nice that it is only an hour flight, so we were able to turn it into a nice day trip. We had a fabulous day. We took the Big Bus Tour and saw a lot of Dubai. Due to the lack of time we were not able to get out and really explore or experience a lot, but we did SEE a lot. I took quite a few pictures, so I hope you enjoy the few I have posted. My co-worker will also be giving me pictures, so watch for them! Dubai is very similar to Kuwait in the way it looks, that they have just many crazy drivers, the temperature, and the fact that arabic is the recognized language. Dubai is very different in the sense that it is much greener and they have parks (millions and millions of dollars goes into keeping the parks somewhat green). Also, Dubai does not stink as bad (the fish market stuck pretty bad, but that is to be expected), is much cleaner, and you actually see people holding hands in public. Dubai is a very tourist centered place as well, where Kuwait isn't so much. So, we saw and met a wide variety of people there.

Dubai is known for doing everything bigger and better. They have some really neat things there and in a few years when Dubai land is built, which is supposed to be much larger then Disney World, it may be a nice excuse to go back! Okay, here is my one day adventure...

We took a taxi (my first time ever riding in a taxi by the way) to the first stop where we could join up with the Big Bus Tour. Here is me minutes before we began our adventure and excited for the fun day ahead.

I learned that there is a lot of Egyptian influence in Dubai. There is a mall that had a lot of hieroglyphs on the buildings and these massive statues were all around. We only had 5 minutes to snap some pictures and jump on the bus again for the next destination. I love how I am completly dwarfed by the statues...

We learned some history of Dubai and interesting facts along the way. This picture is of the medical block which contains some of the worlds greatest treatment facilities.

This is one of the original watch towers erected to protect the city from invasion. It doesn't appear to tall to me, but I guess it is tall enough!

No matter where you are in the world, you can always spot a yellow school bus!

I appologize I didn't get a better picture then this, but we were moving and my camera is slow. Anyway, you see workers all over hauling a great load of goods by hand in these pull carts. It looked mighty tiring considering the heavy load and the fact that it is over a hundred degrees out!

This picture shows the locked in boats. All along the shore line were these boats, packed in... how they ever get out is a mystery. I think people must live on these boats because we could see people sitting on the boats and there was a lot of laundry that looked like it was air drying.

We jumped off the bus tour and caught an hour long cruise tour. It was overall very disappointing, becuase the things we saw and the little interesting facts shared were the same as we already heard and saw from the bus tour. It was still nice to float down the river!

Our next stop on the journey was probably my favorite. We went to the mall which houses the indoor ski slope! My friend so graciously allowed me to go ski for an hour and I had a great time! I can now say I skied the black diamond of Dubai (okay, they only had 3 runs which were not that long nor that difficult, but I did the hardest they had!) They provide you with all the equipment to include snow pants and a coat- good deal! Overall skiing cost me about $50, but how cool is that to go skiing while in the desert?!!! It is my kind of skiing, too- go ski for a short time and when you are done get right back to enjoying the 100+ degree weather! Perfect! I bought a ski Dubai t-shirt and on the back it says, "Weather Update: Dubai's Getting Cooler". Too funny! While skiing I met the cutest kids from Spain. They must have only been about 5 years old, spoke perfect english with no accent and were loving skiing. I also met a lady from Holland who was enjoying the snow! Good times!

Dubai has a lot of man-made islands. They have created one in the shape of a tree and is refered to as the Palms- it has become the eighth wonder of the world. It is visible from space - that is how large this thing is! On the island there is the Atlantis hotel which is this huge palace of a place. I'm sure it is very nice inside!

Dubai has another hotel which is the only 7 star hotel in the world. It is in the shape of a sail from a boat and it sits on its own island. They offer a taxi service from the airport to the hotel, with the taxi being a helicopter! There is a tennis court way high up in the air which all the greats have come just to play there! I'll get a picture of it posted on my next blog. Our last stop for the day was visiting another mall that contains one of the largest acquariums in the world. We did the ultimate acquarium experience so we got to walk through the acquarium tunnel, visit the underwater zoo, and take a boat tour of the acquarium. The tunnel was really neat since it felt you were in the acquarium and the fish were so close. The underwater zoo was neat, because they had some large crabs and cool looking creatures. In the zoo they had penguins.... what country am I in with snow and penguins??? Anyway, it made me laugh and I got a picture just for you Jess! The boat tour was really neat becuase the boat has a glass bottom and we got to feed the fish. The masses of fish would jump and splash when the food was thrown it- it was pretty fun to watch. Since the dollar is stronger then the UAE Dirham (1 Dirham is $3.60 USD), the ultimate package only cost about $25! It was worth it since it was really neat.

These sharks were so close- it was cool. There are such awesome looking creatures in the ocean!

Well, that concluded my day. From there we grabbed a quick bite to eat and then got a taxi to take us back to the airport. I left my apartment at 5:00am and got back at 12:30am. It was a quick trip, but we did, and saw, quite a bit. I was kind of sad we didn't have time to go visit the souks, but that is probably a good thing as it kept me from spending more money. It was a good trip. I'm glad I got to go.

I'm even more glad that I got to enjoy the rest of General Conference today. What powerful testimonies and such great messages shared. I love General Conference!