traffic and loathing in kuwait

Hummers, who needs them? They are numerous here in Kuwait and this is one I see around frequently. Why? WHY? WHY? One evening, I had the good fortune of being next to this one at a lengthy red light. Most lights here are lengthy.














And here's a little stuck in traffic road scene from the evening when Geroge W. was in town. Though perhaps traffic was backed up due to an accident. I took an exit and turned around after sitting still for 20 minutes.



It's all good. The last day of the first semester is tomorrow. That means we're halfway done the school year, though between now and mid-June, we have two major (9 day) breaks and a long weekend. And a whole lot of work to do in the meanwhile.

peace...will Geroge W. evoke it in the Middle East? Yes, of course, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as old as time will end with Bush's reign of terror...I mean power....

Xmas, New Year and Future Plans

For some reason, I have not been in the writing mood at all lately. I know people do like to check in and I hate to disappoint.

Going home for the holidays was very fun, though until I learn how to adjust to jet lag better, I don't think I will do it again. It was a treat to be able to see most of my friends and family in a short period of time. The weather in Saskatoon was great- I enjoyed the cold, crisp air. Mostly I was grateful to be there for Sue and Jaryn's wedding since I have missed so many weddings since moving to Kuwait.

Upon coming back to Kuwait, I stayed in my apartment for most of the three days until school resumed. Yuck. I was searching and applying for jobs online and hoping to hear from someone...anyone. The first week back to school was shortened by the Hijiri (Muslim) new year. I love how the moon is still unpredictable and holidays are most often based on a lunar movement (New Moon). During the 4 day week and 3 of the subsequent weekend days, I was plagued by migraine headaches and anxiety while searching for jobs. As I had arrogantly decided not to go to a job fair, I set myself up to get a job that may not be a good job. I already have a job that's great for me, and group of dear friends who are staying on another year, a good tai chi instructor and a reasonable routine, now that forensics is done.

So here I will stay for the next year, and I have not looked back for a moment since I made the decision 5 days ago. My migraines did vanish!!! The superintendent hugged me quite gleefully when I submitted my continuation of contract letter...now if only I could get a substantial raise, everything would be perfect. And I will commit to the Bangkok job fair, where all the good Asia contacts are, next year. It's a good life lesson, my friends. If you're going to do something, you've got to do it 100%. It is amazing how many times in how many ways we (or maybe just I) must revisit that lesson.

In other exciting news, George W. was here last weekend. I did not see him, but a friend who works at the embassy was telling me about his agenda for the 2 days he was in Kuwait- 20 minutes here, 20 minutes there, hanging at the Palace with the Emir. There was a lot of security in the form of police road blocks. Oh, and George W. signed the cast of one of my students. Pretty cool.

Well, I should go and get some stuff done before it's time for bed. It's cold in my classroom at school and it makes me tired during the day because I just cannot warm up. I have heaters in my room but they are ridiculously weak. Don't laugh too hard, but the temperatures are around 0-10 C and it feels so cold. I can see my breath in the mornings. Everyone, even the Canadians, are complaining. I wear my coat all day, plus scarves and pashminas. I just remembered yesterday that I had gloves so I am going to wear them tomorrow! Then my fingers won't freeze up when I am doing work on the computer. Yessss!

Here is a little glimpse of some of our forensics crew heading over to Maki Waves, a sushi restaurant above the water, for our windup. They look cold, don't they?