I haven't done too much to keep this up, so I will try to do a better job.
I left a day late from Colorado and arrived here a day late which did create a bit of catching up. Having less time to overcome jet lag before jumping in to school was one of the most difficult.
Kuwait is an interesting place in many ways. I'd have to say though in two weeks of school I have yet to meet any Kuwaitis except for the students that I have in class. There are over 3 million people in this Country and two thirds of them are from other countries. The ex-patriate population are the workers here and are the ones you encounter daily when you purchase something, need a cab, look for services etc. It makes me wonder what would happen to Kuwait if all of the workers left.
Kuwait is one of the top 5 wealthiest countries in the World. They hold 10% of the oil reserves in the World as well. The most amazing thing is that it is only about 90 miles by 100 miles and with the money derived from oil going to the Kuwaiti citizens they are extremely wealthy. The Kuwaitis are the only ones who can own homes here which is not a very adequat description since they are more like villas and some like Palaces. Many Kuwaitis have more than one home and also have others in Paris, New York, Spain, London etc. The other day riding by some Kuwaiti homes I saw one being built in the style of south west adobe but it looked like an entire Pueblo and not just a single residence. All of the Expatriats must live in Apartments.
Kuwaitis are still very tied to their tribal system eventhough they are living in the 21st century and they have the ability to have anything they want or that is available there is still a bit of this Midieval, custom, culture driven society. They were originally a nomadic culture that has had an incredible amount of wealth fall into their laps and how they live is very interesting.
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