The Adventures of Grover and Tylene...Week Four...September 9, 2008

It's hard to believe that it's been almost a month since I moved to Kuwait. It is funny how, in many ways I do feel "at home"...when I come to my apartment (still temporary housing!!!); when I walk into my classroom; the familiar walk to and from school. Yet, once I leave these little comforts, I am reminded how "not at home I am".

Tonight I participated in my first iftar...the celebratory meal to break the fast during Ramadan. First, I must say that I work for an amazing school. This is a celebration that the school hosts for us, in honour of us. It is one of the many wonderful treats that we get as part of the AIS staff.

Iftar tonight was at the Crown Palace Hotel (at least I think that is what it was called). I was a little taken aback by the security guards and the x-ray and metal detectors that we passed through on our way in...but once through security one word can sum up what I saw...breath-taking.

Those of you from Saskatchewan are probably familiar with the Hotel Saskatchewan. It's a pretty classy joint. However, classy is an understatement for the hotel we visited for our Iftar. It was a lovely way to experience the tradition of the Iftar, the fellowship of friends and some traditional cuisine.

As fate would have it, I was laid out with a horrid sinus infection this past weekend, so those hoping to see pictures of the Gulf Cruise (did I mention that in my blog???) are going to be sorely disappointed. HOWEVER, I am feeling so much better, so I am sure the weekend of rest was really a great thing.

Monday, September 15th is the day the school will celebrate Gurgian. It is sort of like Halloween, but without the costumes...well, sort of. Children bring bags of candy and nuts to give to each other. Apparently there are no holds barred. In preparation for Gurgian, I am most excited that, this weekend, I will go shopping for my gurgian outfit. It will be bright and colourful and flashy and shiny (in a very modest way). I may even see if I can't find a pair of special gurgian shoes to go with the outfit. On Thursday or Friday we will frequent the women's market near one of the old soukes (markets) and choose from piles and piles of outfits. If there is one thing I have learned it is that celebrations in this culture are a grand event. Nothing is to be held back. I will certainly post pictures next week of Gurgian.

Things in the classroom are ticking along. I am slowly becoming used to the fact that Grade 5s are exceptionally needy. Particularly Grade 5s who have a driver and multiple nannies at their disposal. There have been a few growing pains as we work on our classroom procedures, but little by little things are starting to come together. The children really are quite precious...in the most sincere way possible. They are courteous. They always have a story to tell, or a question to ask. It really is quite remarkable.

And so wraps up week four. Two more days for me this week. According to parents' assurances, the heat should break in about 2 - 3 more weeks. I must say that, at this point, a break from the heat couldn't come soon enough.

Until next time...

G & T

p.s. please feel welcome to post a comment. It is always a nice surprise to have a comment on what I've written...kind of like a dialogue. HOWEVER, no pressure.