A New Beginning

Here I am at the gate to our apartment complex.  There is a side and front gate.

Since we stepped off the plane, the people here at Universal American School have gone out of their way to make us feel welcome.  They settled us into our apartments right away and all but tucked us into our beds that first night.  The next morning we were given an advance on our first paycheck so we could set up housekeeping, then they put us on a bus and we went shopping.  Of course, the currency is Kuwaiti Dinars which are worth roughly $3.55.  So now I'm trying to do the math so I can be a savvy shopper.  I'm OK with the paper currency, it's all the coins that confuse me.  I guess I had better sit in on a second grade math lesson! 

                 This was the banquet we attended at the American University of Kuwait 

Everyday has been a blur of activities.  We had a lovely dinner at a Lebanese restaurant, ethnic foods at a special luncheon at school, breakfast and lunch served by some wonderful teachers,  and last night a special gathering of new international teachers from across the city at The American University of Kuwait. I can't even describe the feast we were served.  It was spectacular.  The teachers have given us walking tours of the neighborhood.  I feel very safe here.  The shopkeepers are friendly and speak enough English to get us what we need.  I've even managed to get in a cab alone and get to one of the local teacher supply stores.  That was a little out of my comfort zone, but I managed to get where I needed to go.  Most of the cab drivers speak very little English, so you cross your fingers and hope you get to the right place!

I have a very nice efficiency apartment.  Utilities and internet are paid.  It's pretty interesting moving into a tiny apartment when I've lived so many years in a basic three bedroom ranch, huge yard, and many perennials to tend.  It's somewhat liberating not have to worry about the everyday chores involved in taking care of a house and yard.  I don't miss my fifty minute commute, but I do miss the freedom of getting into my car and going where I want to go, when I want to go.  There are always trade offs.  I wouldn't think about getting a car here in Kuwait, although many of the teachers do own cars.  These people drive like maniacs and park all over the side walks.  I prefer to come home on one piece, so I guess I'll be getting a lot of exercise!

     The Friday Market in Kuwait.  There were stalls as far as the eye could see.     

         

I snapped this picture on one of my walks.  In the center you can see one of the minarets from the local mosque.  Can you see how crazy these people park?

My main focus the last ten days has been getting my classroom ready.  This school hasn't had an elementary vocal teacher for two years.  Consequently, the room was pretty much a train wreck.   

I must say, after I got started, I enjoyed the challenge of turning this big space into my own.  I am very happy with the results.  It's the best music room I have ever had, with a wealth of Orff instruments.  It's ready for the students, but I will continue to add some finishing touches throughout the year.  I will post before and after pictures when it's done.  

Tomorrow is the big day.  Our school week is from Sunday until Thursday.  How strange to begin a school week on a Sunday!  In the Middle East, Friday is a holy day.  There are so many differences between east and west, but I suspect that there are just as many things that are still the same.  Kids are kids, rich or poor, east or west. They are the future and they deserve the best education we can offer them.