Welcome to Kuwait!

After nine and a half hours flying from Calgary to Frankfurt and five hours from Frankfurt to Kuwait on June 26th and 27th, we arrived in Kuwait Airport with twelve checked-in luggage and six carry-on luggage. There are so many things that I want to write to you my dear friends, but I would like to share some stories about the first couple of Kuwait people I have met.

The first Kuwaiti I’ve ever met in my entire life was a young beautiful lady. I went to the washroom by gate C4 at Frankfurt Airport when we were about to board flight KU172 The washroom was a tiny little one that has a tiny little sink. I excused myself to the tab and a pretty young woman with a black head scarf smiled to me and asked me if I was from Japan and was going to Kuwait. Telling her that I was from Canada and was moving to Kuwait for good, she was so excited that she offered me her mobile phone number. I was not used to being offered with a cell phone number by a stranger before, so I did not know what to say and responded with my name , “nice meeting you” and a huge smile. She told me if I needed any help in Kuwait, I should call her any time! I was so moved by her words and beautiful eyes that I did not know if I should give out my contacts. In the end I did not; I truly hope she is not offended by my action. I will remember her forever, as she represented Kuwaitis in my eyes.

The second Kuwaiti I met was a gentleman who sat beside me in the business cabin on the flight from Frankfurt to Kuwait. I was worried in the beginning with my sleeveless dress skirt (I had a long sleeve shirt that I had planned to wear once I got off the plane), so I was quite nervous that he being offended (Some books suggested that some Middle East men do feel offended). But we started a great one-hour conversation ranging from teenager problems comparison in North American and Middle East countries, traveling in Middle East countries, Iraqi invasion consequences, housing in Kuwait, government issues, sea food, family values, last names of Kuwaitis and etc.. Of course I asked about how foreign women should dress as well. He ensured that what I was wearing was absolutely appropriate. He also gave his business class gift to my children and offered his business card to help our family’s settling in. When the countless meals were offered to us, he explained all the food for my selection. At the moment the plane touched down on the strip of Kuwait Airport, he looked into my eyes and said, “Welcome to Kuwait! Hope you enjoy living here!”

I found that Kuwaiti people like to help anyone who needs assistance. When they talk, they look into your eyes with honest and warm words; and huge smiles.  Friendship means huge for them.  They like you when you smile, especially with the typical Canadian smile.