Unclogging My Inbox

Shame on you for thinking this is a bathroom reference.

I've decided to unsubscribe from all junkmail.  I'm thinking this might be a complete waste of time... but it is long overdue. 

Ultimate Edition

I saw a 2009 Crown Victoria (or Mercury?) with an "Ultimate Edition" tag on the passenger door.  The car looked nice, big, black with tan leather interior. But then, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the dreaded cassette deck.  Why, oh why, are they still selling cars with tape decks in Kuwait?

Never Shocked

In a country with a per capita GDP north of 40,000, I'm no longer phased when I witness  scenes like the one below on a freeway exit ramp. Knowing the #3 cause of death is road accidents, makes things even worse.

Slightly Nicer Than Others

I experienced my first Emirates Airline flight this past week, and can now see why people rave about them.  On a short 1 hour and 10 minute flight to Dubai, I watched a full length movie and ate a full meal!

How did this happen?  Can I freeze time?  No quite, but almost!  The entertainment system (hundreds of movies and more) is accessible from the minute you board the plane.  Genius I tell you.  Please quickly board the plane, find their seats and hunker down.

I have no answer on food, other than to say the crew are great.  We were on a 777, and they did it.

And, for a final touch of class, families with small children get to use these:

BBQ With A Twist

While in Jeddah for a couple of days, I was graciously invited to a dinner at a Chalet on the sea.  Once again, the generosity of the people I've met has been overwhelming.  As a guest to their country, you are not permitted to pay... and it becomes somewhat uncomfortable.  You can have two, even three, meals with someone and they will not permit you to reciprocate.

The last night, instead of eating dinner at a restaurant in the old souk, we instead had a bbq.  Upon arriving to the compound, about 30 minutes outside of town, I saw two men hand cranking rotisserie.  A few questions later it was clear they were cooking our dinner - baby goat.  Apparently they had been there for about 2 1/2 hours already, and would continue on cranking for another 30 minutes or so.

The food was amazing.  After the meat was cooked, the entire goat, still on the rod, was placed on stands with two large dishes of rice underneath.  We all gathered on the carpets and dug in.  Well, truth be told, everyone else dug right in.  The gringo (that's me) was given a plate and spoon.  It was another one-of-a-kind experiences.  I say that because, if ever offered again, my answer to the next question will be NO.  Question: Will you try some brains?

Great night, great food, great people.  Thanks Jeddah.

Now I've Lived It

A week ago I was enjoying a cold draft beer in Dubai when I bit into a popcorn kernel and cracked a tooth.  Given the option of going to a random dentist in Dubai or Saudi Arabia, I opted to wait a few extra days until I returned to Kuwait to see the dentist.

My experience was dead on accurate to what I've generally heard about healthcare.  The facility was somewhat disorganized, and completely lacked proper signage.  I asked someone where the dental clinic was and they sent me to the 2nd floor.  From there I was sent back to the 1st floor to register.  I filled out a  basic form (name, address, phone #) and was sent back upstairs.

The equipment in the center was top rate.  I had a digital x-ray taken (2KD = $7.20), single tooth anesthesia which was absolutely painless, and a metal filling replaced with a composite one (50KD = $180.00).  In addition to the dentist, there were two assistants in the room.

More Great Bikes

I find it fascinating how in places with tremendous concentration of wealth, you find utter poverty lurking in the shadows.  Below are three more examples of bicycles I've seen while traveling in the Middle East. The top two pictures are from Dubai, and were taken just outside the Dubai International Finance Center. The bottom picture was snapped in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

First Stop... Dubai

Late last week I took my first trip to Dubai.  My travels within the country were limited to a two block radius around the DIFC (Dubai International Finance Center).  Two big thumbs up to the cold beer.  Two bigger thumbs down to the popcorn kernel that cracked my tooth.


The Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world, is a site to see.  When I return in March, the plan is to buy tickets to the observation deck.  Overall though, I was generally unimpressed with downtown.  My fingers are crossed that the Marina and Sea will be quite a different experience.

Riyadh or Bust

Day two in Riyadh has officially begun, and I've yet to snap a single picture.  The combination of back to back meetings, and less than spectacular scenery are to blame.  Yesterday I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner in the same hotel restaurant (I also just had breakfast there again today).  The food was good enough, but a bit of variety would be welcomed.

When I was leaving Dubai to head here, the airline agent asked if I had a return ticket... really?   Upon landing, the Entry Card visitors must complete boldly warned drug trafficking convictions are punished by death.  I double checked my pockets for any loose pills just to make sure.

Why Do Kuwaiti's Come To Dubai?

Disaster Averted

In the US, if I know I'm going to fly between two cities, I tend to purchase the ticket in advance. So, when I knew I'd have to fly between Riyadh and Jeddah I was inclined to do the same. The concept of planning ahead made sense to me...

I was persuaded to wait, told don't worry there are flights every hour, etc., etc. So yesterday I went online to buy the tickets for a flight 5 days out to find out all flights were booked! Refresh, refresh... And suddenly 4 tickets are available, but my credit card won't go through. Call the travel agent to find out the flight is again sold out.

Ultimately 2 tickets opened up for the 1:00AM. Given the alternative of a 12 hour drive, I happily bought the ticket.

Lesson learned... I'm trusting my instincts.

It Rained Today

In NYC, I always dread the rain.  Generally speaking, the downpour leaves my shoes and pant legs wet.  Today though, I welcomed the rain (as do most people here).  The light drizzle lasted only a few minutes, creating a rarely seen grey, overcast sky.

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UPDATE - it is now pouring out, with thunder and lightning.  This I don't welcome!

Lost In Translation

I've learned in the past few months that translating from English to Arabic is more of an art than a science.   Translations are not word for word, there is nuance, etc. etc.  Now, if I've learned that in just 4 months, why haven't the people that make the signs figured that out?

The Friday Market

Finally.  I made it to the Friday Market.  It is essentially a massive open air (covered) bizarre.  The different areas are organized by products; mattresses in one section, drapes in another, used tools here, old office equipment there. 

Friday, as the name suggests, is a good day to go. The workers are off this day, and out in full force. 

  

Click the Read More link for additional pictures 

Legal Booze in Kuwait

Thank you, thank you, thank you to my friends at the Embassy.  I had an amazing opportunity to spend some after hours time with some of the great people who work at the Embassy.  I only wish I didn't get lost on the way there!

The rumors are in fact true...  there is a full bar (and popcorn cart).  I opted to forgo the 2 for 1 special on Breezers, and instead enjoyed a couple of could Sam Adams.

Cameras and cell phones are not permitted inside, so no pictures.  You will just need to take my word for it.

Kickin' Off 2012

2011 drew to a close, and work picked up quite a bit.  If you haven't noticed, my blogging dropped off.  But, at last, I'm back.  I resolve to more frequently post updates, pictures and obscure observations.

In the days and weeks to come, expect to find more photos from neighboring countries.

In the mean time, take a look at a couple of my far more talented friends pictures and postings.

http://alexchimilio.blogspot.com/

http://www.evan4sh.blogspot.com/