White Power

Ok, let me make it clear that I do not want anyone to be offended here, as I have no opinion of what is right and what is wrong over the story I am about to tell you. It is just a story to make you laugh and relax after a day’s work. Enjoy.


One night ExploreMan and I decided to drive to Mangaf Sultan Whole Sale center to get some green onions. Passing the blocks of electronic stores around the corner, we thought that it would be a good idea to explore the area and maybe we could find some treasure in those tiny little stores. Walking by the rows and rows of cell phone stores, finally we were attracted to one store. (I cannot tell you what they sell here, as I do not want the people working there in trouble.) After half an hour selection, we picked five items and asked for the prices. Instead of answering the questions, one of the men asked us four questions in broken English with his hands and arms and faces. Where are you from? Where do you work? Where do you live? How many years have been living here? I was amused with the questions and answered them truthfully with smiles and patience. I am getting used to these questions, as I found that everyone here thinks I am a panda! But instead of telling him where I was truly from, I said “China”. The reason behind this was once I was asked about my nationality, upon my answer the guy touched his faces with two hands and frowned his eye brows, “But, but, but, you do not look like a white?” Obviously he had a pre-conceived opinion on my country which is a big multi-culture one. Then I explained where and how and what and when … I almost told him my family tree! So this time, to avoid unnecessary explanation and prolonged English and mime communication, I said, “I am from China.” Then he said after a long pause, “Half KD each.”

While we were waiting for our items to be delivered (Don’t ask me why it took 10 minutes for the products to be delivered, as I am still in the process of learning how logic is different here. Plus I am not working and I have lots of time.), a man wearing finely pressed white outfit came in and bought some products and left. Upon my question (I now have learned that it is absolutely OK to ask nationality of a person in this country.), the sales person said, “He is a Kuwaiti.”

By the time we should pay, I sheepishly asked for a discount. (I was told that bargaining in a store is permissible here in this country.) The guy looked into my eyes, “Kuwaiti, one KD; white, one KD; (the) rest, half KD.”

*******

ExplorMan and I went home happily! On the way home ExploreMan told me another rabbit-trail story.

When ExploreMan and his ex-roommate K. went for groceries together before we came to Kuwait, there were always some helpers went up and helped K. (his skin color is lighter) to push his buggy, but they never bothered to help ExploreMan! K. started to tip 1 KD, but soon his wallet got thinner and thinner, so he tipped less and less…happily though…