Life in a Desert
Hmmm...Where do I start?My hubby has warned me in not so diplomatic terms to write only good things about this country.My first thought on seeing Kuwait from Air was "Gawd! What a Desert!!".But appearances can be truly deceiving.Coz if I had come by a night flight, I would have exclaimed that this is truly a beautiful country.Kuwait, at night, is a fantastic sight.The whole city is one glimmering source of light.That sight is something which i often see because most of my outings are limited to visiting shopping malls and gorging myself on the various types of calorific foods available here.
I stay in a place called Salmiya, between the 4th and 5th ring roads.It abounds with my country fellows.So, there is no sense of isolation.I get all my Indian vegetables from the Bakala there.I get the "Times of India", "Femina", "India Today" etc from an Indian newspaper vendor.I get Indian channels on the dish.I slowly began to learn what other expats have already figured out.The fact is, with a little mental adjustment, this place can be made into a home somewhat similar, though not exactly identical, to the home you have left behind somewhere in your native country.
We generally avoid visiting places where the natives of this country tend to gather.This is due to an edict handed down by my dearest other half to me.In course of time, I have come to agree with him on this topic.A main reason for this is a fear of miscommunication which could lead to trouble.The origin of this trouble has been traced back to Babel.Yep...U r right.It is the lingiustic barrier.Let me give you an example.My neighbor is an extremely friendly Arab lady with a smile for everyone on her face.But, till to date,I have never been able to talk to her.Not for want of trying on either her part or my part, mind you.It is just that she finds my English difficult to follow and I find her extremely fluent and fast Arabic incomprehensible.Yeah Yeah... I know that the solution is simple.I do plan to learn Arabic in the near future.
Have you ever tried out Arabic food?If so, would you agree with me that it is the tastiest but the least fattening food you have ever had?I have noticed that if I have Arabic food in a limited way, I actually lose weight.Aren't u wondering what will happen when I indulge myself?Simple...My weight stays the same (Hee Hee).Isnt that amazing?If that itself doesnt tempt u to switch over to Arabic food, I don't know what else would.I have often noticed my son, Sam, pestering my hubby to take him to Kuwait Towers and the Scientific Center.It is the same with many kids I know.Scientific Center has an Underwater Aquarium with different types of fish which children just love to see, again and again.The Revolving Tower in Kuwait Towers holds another fascination for the young tots.A magnificient view of the city can be seen from here.
So, u r totally stressed out and drained after a hectic week,Ehhh...Why don't u go for a swim in one of the many placid beaches which are a hallmark of this region.Swimming alongside you will be schools of colorful fish.( Sorry..Can't promise dolphins :-P ).Take a blanket along, have a nap before u turn back home.I'm sure most of ur cares would have reduced. Try the Entertainment City on a Weekend.Pack a picnic basket and enjoy with your kids.Exhausting but refreshing.Try the fresh vegetables and strawberries available in the Wafra Gardens.You will not be satisfied with the departmental fare any more.The large and luscious strawberries available by the crate is something you should try out atleast once.These are the such small pleasures but the joy I have personally got from them have been astounding.I hope that I can explore more of this amazing country in the years ahead, especially try camping atleast once.
