From then 'til now...the Adventures of Grover and Tylene Continued

I know that when Michael, my dear brother, emails to say "Why no new blogs" that it's time i get my butt in gear and write one. So without further adieu...

I think my last update was about Gurgiyan...which I promised pictures and still, here we are, no pictures. Life without high speed Internet at home is kind of a pain!

Well, Ramadan is officially over. And to be honest, I don't think the holy month of Ramadan could have ended earlier. As it was, it ended a day earlier than it was "scheduled" to. It's all about when the moon is spotted in Saudi Arabia. Anywho, as a result our school had an extra day of holidays. As it turns out, all other schools in Kuwait had an extra extra long break, as the ministry of Public Education declared that schools would be closed on Sunday and Monday. Fortunately, (or not...still deciding) we got permission to remain open so as to not have to make up the two days at Christmas or in June!

There have been many adventures this past week. One was my first outting, at night, all by myself, to somewhere that I didn't really know where I was going. I went to buy a guitar. Now, one would think that in a Yamaha store that has an entire upper level of pianos and a basement devoted to guitars that one would be able to find a rather nice, good quality guitar. Not so much. Had I wanted an electric guitar, I had at least 2 dozen to choose from. However, I'm all about acoustic! As such I had one. It came in a box...like at Wal-Mart. It's pretty enough, but as for good quality...Nada. Anywho, I sucked it up because it could be weeks or months until more guitars arrive (I asked, that was my response) and so my piece of shit (oops I cursed) guitar and I came home. I've spent a lot of time playing this past week. I have learned "Blackbird" and a few other songs. I've played just for fun, I've played to get rid of stress. My little giter box has been a good investment, that is for sure.

The end of Ramadan led to the celebration of Eid. Once I got used to the firecrackers and those annoying little gun cap thingers going off from sunrise until sun set it was all good. Traffic was crazy, and I learned that taxi rides that were typically 1 or 2 KD ($4 - $8) decided to charge $5 KD ($20.00). I, however, refused to pay 5 KD and only gave what was reasonable...2 KD. Thinking that just 'cause I'm a white girl from Saskatchewan that I will be taken advantage of! NOT.

Anywho, my potentially expensive taxi trip took me to the Shark Souk where I boarded my yacht (yes, actual yacht!) and sailed across the ocean blue. A group of people from work travelled to the island of Falika to see the ancient ruins. HOWEVER, as it turns out, NOTHING is open for tourists during Eid unless you wanna spend a whole schwack of money. Maybe another time.

Whilst sailing on my yacht (Tee hee hee) I saw dolphins...or porpoises...couldn't really tell. It was very cool! On our way back to Kuwait City from the island, we dropped anchor in the middle of the Arabian Gulf and jumped off our yacht to go swimming. Now, being a prairie girl, accustomed to the fine lakes in Sasktchewan I was unprepared for this adventure for two reasons: First, nothing like diving into the ocean and having a mouth full of salt. Yummy! Not that I swallowed it, it was just overwhelmingly salty; the second challenge, the current. Did you know that in the oceany types of water there are very strong currents that quickly drag you away from your little yacht, even when you swim like crazy. It's true. That's why our boat dude through out many tug lines for us to hold onto. I guess one more adventure of this trip was trying to get back into the boat. I have decided that when I'm a rich teacher that I am going to spend some of my considerable fortune inventing boat ladders that don't require one to hoist one's self up from an unrealistic angle, whilst (great word) battling the frickin current! Did I mention the ladder wasn't stationary! Needless to say, for a moment there I thought I might be floating behind the boat the rest of the way home.

The rest of the week saw temperatures that now make long walks a comfortable, pleasurable experience. A walk Friday with Jenny to the Sultan Centre gave me the courage to set out on my own on Sunday to Marina Mall to Fed-Ex car papers back to Canada. ASIDE: It is with equal joy and sadness that I announce my car has been officially sold to a really great guy! Good bye Mandy, hello Achmed! Tee hee hee.

Anywho, I set out on my journey on Sunday morning around 9. Didn't bother to take a water bottle (dummy) and so, after getting somewhat lost, and asking the nice man at the dry cleaners where to go, I found my way safe and sound (and thirsty). It took about 15 minutes longer than it ought to have to find my way, but proudly I arrived! After a quick (and expensive) stop at Fed-Ex, I bought a litre and a half of water and drank it as I made my way home. ANOTHER ASIDE: Water is super cheap here, and they often have water coolers all over the city where you can fill up your bottles.

On my way home, as I walked and recognized the beautiful marble and tile sidewalks from my walk with Jenny, I figured I remembered the "quick" way home. Not so much.

At this point, I must mention my Saturday evening adventure...going to Church. I've been to Mass in Kuwait once upon my arrival (I know, I'm a pagan) Anywho, Saturday I felt adventurous to try it again. Getting to church isn't quite as easy as one might think. You see, streets aren't exactly named here...well, at least anything aside from the main ones aren't. I hailed a taxi in front of my building and set out on my way. I gave the driver my feeble directions. Now, I knew the building that I had to see in order to get to my church, but I couldn't exactly remember where it was. So after about 30 minutes of driving around Salmiya (neighbouring area) I was delighted when I shrieked "Stop! There it is". My driver was very patient.

My church is located in the heart of the Indian community. And like the first time I was there, it was nice to be a part of a congregation that is so alive. We had a guest priest, a missionary from Mexico who is working in Sudan. It was great to hear his story and experiences as he shared the homily. Following Mass I went to the musicians who were playing and asked if they could use another musician/singer...huge leap out of my comfort zone! Anywho, I was informed that it was the youth choir (for the record, the youth didn't look that much older than me). I was invited to stay for the youth night, but at the time was told that I was too old to join (waa waa waa). I got to hear more of Fr. Alberto's travels, and upon the completion of his presentation, on of the leaders said that she spoke with the Chaplin for the parish and it was decided that although "too old" I ought to still be a part of the group.

Following the evening's festivities (it's now 9:30 p.m.) I set off for home. I had intended to walk until I caught a cab, but it was a busy, cab-less night. As such, I walked home...and found my way with no trouble. In fact, it took 10 minutes less to get home walking then it did to get to church via taxi cab.

And this brings us back to our Sunday walk home from Marina Mall. When we were last on that journey I had just gotten lost again. And then, I started to recognize these land marks. I knew they weren't from my walk to the Mall, but it took a minute to figure out that they were the landmarks that I made for myself on my way home from Church the night before.

And thus ended my Eid holiday. I can't say that it was the best week that I've spent in Kuwait. In fact, it's been kind of shitty (oops, I cursed). However, in all the crappiness has been some pretty cool experiences that, if I were at home, I would have missed out on.

I am thankful for the family and friends that are back home, who remind me that I am not alone, and who's love and support mean the world to me. As we prepare to celebrate thanksgiving this weekend (bought a turkey today...13 KD for a 10 - 12 pounder...ouch) I offer thanks for each and every one of you! May you be showered with an abundance of blessings.

Love and peace.

Tylene and Grover