Things I'll Never Say

I thought I had posted this entry, but it turns out I'd only saved and closed it! Apologies! I also apologize for the lack of blog posts. I’m a bit stressed out because my co-workers and I have been looking for new places to live (our current location is only available for the first month here as it was specially rented out for us), so we’ve been spending a lot of time after work looking at flats and trying to figure out which areas we like, which are the safest, cleanest, expat-friendly, close to shopping areas and also close to the university.

Before I continue on, I need to clarify something that I should have mentioned in my first post: I don’t want to blog about my complaints, dislikes, problems, frustration, etc…with my experiences here. Although I want people to be well informed about Kuwait, I don’t want to complain-EXPLAINING is okay, but not complaining. Nor do I want to show extreme ignorance by criticizing the country, culture or people. In addition, I will not blog about work (you’re all thanking me mentally, I know!). Lastly, I love you all, but I refuse to spend time defending my decision to move to Kuwait, or trying to convince people about the real reason that I came here. Some of you have asked me point blank if I was moving here for a specific per…reason (other than work), and I appreciate that you asked me instead of assuming. For the record, over two years ago I visited my friends, the Epps, who got me hooked on the idea of teaching in Qatar with them (it’s a pretty amazing gig). Since then, I haven’t been able to get the idea of working in Qatar off of my mind. I wanted to go to Qatar. I never intended or wanted to move to Kuwait. I actually applied to the position I hold in the summer of 2011. Last summer I ALSO sent my resume to schools in UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Saudi Arabia and Jordan. My current employer was the second school to contact me…The school in Qatar did not wish to hire me (I applied there in January of this year). I heard from Qatar just days before I heard from Kuwait.

So, Mik, what are you going to blog about then?

Gosh, with such a jam-packed social calendar (WORK calendar is more like it), and the amazing night life here in Kuwait (WHAT night life?? There is no night life here), I don’t know if I’ll even have time to blog! If you don’t already know, then please note that alcohol is illegal in Kuwait, and even though there are ways to get it, I wouldn’t recommend pursuing it. According to a source of mine, it’s not the police you have to worry about, but rather the people you get the liquor from! So the glass of red wine I generally like to have to unwind when I’m living alone (Tsk, tsk, Mik, you alcoholic!) will have to wait until I go ANYWHERE ELSE in the Gulf (except Saudi Arabia, of course). Refer to this article for some interesting info about alcohol in the Gulf: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/tipple-taboo-drinking-alcohol-in-the-gulf-a-risky-business-20110311-1bqdh.html

Since I’m not a big drinker anyway, not having alcohol doesn’t really bother me…Now, not being allowed to dance? Well, I’ve discovered that I actually have to watch myself with this. Officially, the law is something along the lines of women are not allowed to dance in public. Anyhow, I was chatting with a colleague (who was recently in Korea), about the “Gangnam Style” YouTube video; I tried to explain the dance by, what else? Moving my body around and trying to imitate the moves, but quickly halted when I realized what I was doing. In an office full of expats, no one cared. (Phew! That was close!). If you don’t know what video I’m referring to, go check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0   It’s…Horrible, hilarious, and has gone viral (over 220, 000, 000 hits so far and posted only in mid-July this year). I LOVE the kid at the beginning! The singer is a comedian, so don’t take it seriously. I also tend to find myself practicing footwork to lindy and bal youtube video clips (sadly, I still suck, but am determined to learn the shim sham from Patrick and Natasha: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I4GooehUuA). I’m not even anywhere near a country where swing dancing is popular, but do I ever miss it.

I'll keep this short (for once! Mik, do you ever shut up?), and will give a quick update in the next few days (^ - ^ )V  <<<That's right. You don't get more Asian than emoticons!