The Journey Officially Begins

I arrived in Kuwait City at about 4:00 p.m. local time after having departed from JFK at 9:00 last evening. That's basically an 11 hour plane ride and an 8 hour time difference compounded on each other. Surprisingly, I'm not yet feeling much of an effect from the shift (at least not yet). I did get a decent night's sleep and another slight nap before we landed, so right now I feel about like I should at 10:45 at night.

I have visited two malls and took a walk several miles around the hotel. Very interesting city. Lush extravagance directly next to extreme poverty in many places. Such is the way a place like this works I suppose. There are a couple of Ferraris parked in front of the hotel which is directly next to a large building with many boarded up windows, laundry hanging from balconies and broken windows and doors in the entryway; clear signs of a more destitute level of habitation within.

I have learned a few very important things about Kuwaitis: they really like shoes, watches and perfumes/colognes. Walking around the malls, store upon store sold high end accesories. They are not so much into what I am used to as “haute couture.” I suppose that becomes less relevant when nearly everyone is wearing matching white robes (or black robes for women). This is also clearly not a town for “night life” and I am quite happy I had a final “night out” back in New York rather than waiting to have a night out in Kuwait. It’s very strange to see a bustling city with literally no bars. And the “cocktails” they advertise on the drink menus at restaurants are, in reality, mocktails made of virgin fruit concoctions.

Looking forward to seeing 3 of my colleagues tomorrow and hitting the ground in full stride upon arriving in Baghdad. But for tonight, I am going to take advantage of the pool and jacuzzi overlooking the skyline so I’m fresh and ready for tomorrow…