My First Mensiversary

Today is my first mensiversary of being in Kuwait.  (Don't look at me like that, its a word that has apparently been around for about 200 years and has yet to catch on. I think that boat has sailed.)  Mensivesary sounds like the anniversary of menopause, or menses. Or the anniversary of a group of guys becoming men.  Example: "Bro, It's our mensiverary! Let's celebrate with pizza and football (of any variety)".  I don't think I should keep using this word..... my blog might get banned.

ANYWAY, the long way around it that I have been here in Kuwait for an entire month.  I'm like really living here, for reals. I can't figure out if it feels like I've been here forever, or I just got here yesterday.  But I think I'm leaning towards forever ago.

The other new KGers and I went to The Avenues, had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, walked, shopped, talked, walked, shopped.....

This may (or may not) have been around the time that our lovely waitress Michelle, sat down with us because someone *coughcoughwendycounghcough* may have been taking for ever to decide what to order. As the two blondes almost strangled here, lovingly, out of hunger. 

And, I was given a hijab today by Ms Ronia, a very sweet TA from next door, and my TA wrapped me. Wrapped? Is that the right verb? I don't think so, but I really doubt its hijabed me. so... 

Apparently it suits me, according to people at school. 

(ignore the pose, I have no idea why these duck arms happened)

Crafts and Obesity?

Anyway, if you are looking for yarn in Kuwait.... go no further than Bakarat in Salmiya.  They have cotton, wool, acrylics, and blends thereof. They also have supplies for needle point, cross-stitch, embroidery (which I am teaching myself), sewing, wood-working, jewlery making, and the list goes on and on.  It is an honest to goodness craft store.

I went there with another new teacher a coupe of weeks ago to get ribbon for my jellyfish which hangs so proudly in my classroom, and right below the shop, because Barakat's is on the Mezzanine level and when you're trying to find the entrance you end up walking around the place the first time, we say Lambourginis and Jags and Porsches being cleaned.  Apparently that's where some of the Kuwaiti elite take their cars to be cleaned.  We also saw this sign.

Part of me thinks this is hysterical, part of me thinks it is so sad that this is what someone is reduced to in order to find a kidney for themselves or a loved one.  

We also went to the Salmiya co-op where we found this fantastic aisle sign.

I didn't know there was a need for obesity. 

Gluten-Free Kuwait

Today, my friend came and picked me up to take me to the gluten-free bakery in Hawally called Firin's.    Let me tell you now, this place is fantastic.  The food is amazing, the people are super kind, and they deliver.  I got a few things to try and I ordered some food that will be ready tomorrow.  A word of knowledge, they run out of bread loaves, pita, saj, focaccia, and other breads early.  Order ahead for pick up or delivery, especially if it is later in the day that you will want the fresh stuff.

What I taste-tested today.
Carrot Cake Muffin- freaking amazing with delicious cream cheese frosting. Complete with frosting carrots, because .... come on.

Chocolate Brownie - Chocolatey goodness that is moist and not overly sweet.

Coffee Cake - I can't even describe.  I'll have to wait until I try it again, tomorrow, I might have bought a piece or two for home.

Tomorrow I will get vegan pita bread (white and brown, they have to non-vegan choice as well, but they were the same price so I'm trying these) saj, and focaccia (minimum order to six small pieces so I am getting two plain, two zataar, and two rosemary).  Be still by growing stomach.  I haven't had bread or cake like things since I got here and I was really sick this morning with a head cold, so I might have done some therapy shopping at the bakery.  Such is life.

WAIT!!!
Can't find the prices online you say?!?!?!?! Relax, I couldn't find them either.  If you call the store, Nelson, the guy I talked with on the phone and then met at the store will totally WhatsApp you a picture of the price pages. Hopefully it will be up on their weebsite soon, that will make delivery easier for new people, but then people would also probably want to go to the store first anyway.

Okay, so my friends wanted to me to start a blog when I moved here to Kuwait.  I thought, "Nah, too difficult, I'm terrible at blogging. I'll just tell people about the stuff that is happening when I talk to them." I know, so naive.  Anyway, I've been here a month and have yet to be able to find a time AND have internet to talk with most of my people.  I have soooo much to tell them.  But how will I tell them? When will I tell them?


I will tell them here.