All on a Thursday Night

Yesterday at about 4:30 pm, we were quite excited to welcome in our first official weekend off in Kuwait.  It was a long two weeks of straight work since arriving and an even longer first three days of school.  So, when the quitting bell rang, we were happy to head out to ..... um .... our no plans!!

As we walked the short three blocks back to our apartment, we felt a little down wondering what we would do with ourselves with no car, no public transport, no furniture, and no idea what people do for a good time on the weekend in Kuwait.  Imagine our joy and surprise when one of our building mates (who was here last year) called to invite a group of us to explore the Old Souq (the old market), grab some dinner, and get out of our homes.

A hairy cab ride and a little sweat later, we arrived to the massive old market in downtown Kuwait.  We stuck out like a sore thumb as we were the only ones not in their abayas and dishdasha's (and perhaps we were the only ones walking around with our eyes big and mouth's agape as we were slightly awe-struck at the market).  We promptly sat down to enjoy a delicious and enormous Iranian meal of kabobs, rice, hummus, bread, and of course, french fries.  It was good food and good times as the owner decided he needed a group picture of all of us enjoying his food!

Then, the excitement continued as we weaved our way through the stalls to enter a well-renowned, but secret, carpet shop.  There, the owner greeted our building mate and then led our group upstairs where he proceeded to sit us down on carpet stacks and provide a 2 hour lesson on carpet, his life, and Islam.  It was a memorable and fascinating lesson and we felt awed that this man took so much time to share his stories with us -- no carpet buying needed.  Finally, he shooed us out of his shop and we took one more death-defying cab ride home with smiles on our faces about such a wonderful start to our weekend here in Kuwait.

Seated in the Old Souq deciding what to get for dinner.  How about one of everything on the menu!

The new favorite -- baskets of Iranian bread.  They keep them full with fresh, hot bread.  Our rice bellies are getting switched out to flat-bread bellies.

This was only HALF of the meat brought out to us.  Yes, there was an identical tray at the other end of the table.  Good news -- we brought enough home for another meal for all 7 of us.

All talking stopped the minute the food was brought out.  *Note the french fries -- often considered the "vegetable" in this country.*

Who's happy to be out of the house on a Thursday night?  These two!

Getting our lesson on carpet weaving and the stories told in the carpets.  This was about 45 minutes into our "15 minute lesson."

Some of the hundreds of carpets this shop carries.  I cannot provide its name because they work by friend referral only.  It is "The Shop that Shall Not be Named."

Some rugs were large.  Some were small.  Some were new.  Some were all.  All contained a fabulous story.  Thanks for the great evening, Kuwait.