Day 90 - kuwait and see the 90th day

11 Agadez Here is some music to accompany this final post!

Well, we've made it to 90 days. What a rollercoaster it has been. But I think I am adjusting gradually - I noticed when I was at the airport to pick Zoila up I was a lot more relaxed, and didn't experience the dizziness and fear that I had in the past.

Thankyou to all who have travelled with me, reading the blog and sending me messages or comments. It's been a bit harrowing, especially for my poor mum, who rings me every day on skype to see how are things are today! I hope you'll all stay with me for the next adventures.

Here is a list of things that we have done in the last 90 days. keep your hair on!

Started Lenny at 2 different schools, and found one where he is very happy and is making some good friends. Organised to send him on school bus every morning (arrives here at 6.20am) and afternoon (arrives here at 2.45pm)

Found and signed lease and moved into a house. Bought furniture from private sales, IKEA, and Paul's Heritage shop. Figured out how to set up internet, what happens with the garbage, and met the neighbours.

Rented a car and hired a driver (Amir) to drive us around after 1pm. Started driving ourselves. Got lost a number of times and managed somehow to get home. 

Met some really great people - Carol (Australian, husband works for the Saudi milk company AlMarai), Naomi (British, military), Moira (US, Boubyan Bank), Stela (Bosnian, UN), my neighbours Lisa (British, Al Shayah retail), and Jane (Danish, tetrapak), Caroline (Canadian/French, Total Petroleum), Alia (Lebanese, tech support banking) and ofcourse Emam and her wonderful family (Kuwait) and lots more. In fact, now I'm meeting more and more people through various things - Expat Mums, British Ladies Society, Lenny's school, my pilates class, and the choir.

Organised visas and picked up Zoila and Ramona the cat, who both flew from Singapore to Kuwait via Dubai the other day.

Started the Kuwait Ukulele Orchestra. Four rehearsals so far.

I've figured out how to dress - usually long sleeves and a long skirt or trousers, and I often wear a scarf, or have one handy, to wear around my shoulders. 

And here are some tips for people who may read this and are considering moving to Kuwait, or the Middle East generally.

Smile a lot! Kuwaitis are often actually really friendly, love children and if you are polite and friendly, will often do their best to help. Don't be afraid to ask for help, and to express how you are feeling - especially woman to woman. I have noticed that a few times - if I say how I'm feeling - for example, at the British School I told them I was anxious about finding the right school, and the women were so warm and kind and understanding, and one of them said, don't worry, we know how you feel, we are very emotional about our children. And then at the airport I told the woman in immigration that I was feeling nervous, and she was very sympathetic. Don't hide your feelings, share them, and you will be surprised. 

Make Kuwaiti friends. I am amazed at the hospitality of many Kuwaitis, but it is up to me to make the effort and accept invitations. Sharon, our landlord, said I should go visit the people on the corner, after I met the guy in the street when he found his dog - (see one of the previous posts).  I haven't yet, because I am shy, but I really should do that.

Learn some Arabic. It is much appreciated, even if you try a bit.

Be aware that Kuwait is a very wealthy country with an almost third world bureaucracy. It is frustrating, but that's just how it is. The visa process seems to be different for everyone - probably depending on how good the government guy in the workplace is, but also it seems to be a matter of luck - who you happen to get to help in the various offices and how they feel about foreigners, or whether they are having a good or bad day. I really do think the government is working on improving this, and there are some really great things that have been set up - eg: the Hala service at the airport, welcoming visitors into Kuwait; the valet parking wherever you go; the service you receive - women never fill up cars with petrol, and usually it is done for the men, and I never have to carry my groceries to the car. Also, there is a comprehensive medical service here, which means it costs everyone 1KD (about $3.50) to go to the doctor. 

I have to acknowledge (and anyone reading this blog regularly will know) that it has not been an easy adjustment. It is very different from Singapore. But I met a musician the other day who told me that Kuwait once was the most musically rich country in the Middle East, with a staggering 30% of the population being professional musicians. And I really do think there is an underground of music making that I am determined to discover, and to partake in somehow. My music buddy Naomi and I are actively seeking to learn and discover as much as we can while we are here. And it is more exciting that it isnt obvious, there aren't cultural groups on every street corner, that we have to work for it and find it for ourselves.

I am going to continue this blog, maybe not every day, but as often as I can. It is going to be renamed The Art of Living in Kuwait, or maybe Learning Cello in Kuwait - a musical and cultural adventure.

What do you think?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Vicki]

Thanks Janet, it's been a thoroughly entertaining and informative experience, following your induction and inculcation into a very new and different country. As always, being the warm, friendly and open-hearted person you are, you seem to have found a lovely community of like-minded people and that must certainly be heart-warming and reassuring for you!
You're an inspiration for us all, as we sit here in our comfortable, Australian, suburban homes with all our familiar things and people around us, learning of your endeavours to overcome the obstacles of learning a new culture and its' customs. Looking forward to the development of the Kuwait Ukelele Orchestra and quite possibly seeing them here in Womad or something similar!
Please keep us updated on your ventures - fascinating stuff! xxxx Vicki

[Janet Swain]

Thanks VIcki! Glad you were with me through it all. xxxx

[Sanjana]

Wow! What a ride! Amazing posts Janet:) Did not catch all but glad didn't miss much either:) looking forward to you trip to Singapore....and yes, 'Art of Living in Kuwait' sound great to my ears!:)

[penelope richardson]

Hey Janet, I have been reading your post on and off and I am glad to log-in today on your 90th day to find you a survivor. Well done!!! Sounds like an incredible adventure.

xxx penelope

[Kate Swadling]

Well done! Made it and time for a return to easy going Australia for a little while. You are wonderful at making new friends (just like your son!) and BRAVE! xxx

[Tracey Lees]

I'm so glad that the blog will continue! I've read every posting and loved it all. Thanks so much for sharing. I think the first 90 days will make a nice Chapter 1 in a possible novel entitled Ukeleles under the Desert Sun (working title). Something to think about!

Trace

[Lila]

Yay Made it! Well done. And PS i have actually been reading all your blogs so no more angry phone calls LAH! And we all love you and miss u :-) Can't wait to have you home for Christmas !!!! xox

[Andrew Swain]

Likewise, we have enjoyed the journey. Such a long way from Byron in so many ways! Can't Kuwait to see what happens in the next 90.