It was a gorgeous Saturday in March. Three forty-five passenger buses took off from the Aware Center in Kuwait. The further we got out of the city, the terrain became more and more desolate. Only hard scrabble earth and power lines as far as the eye could see. We were on our way to the Ajmal Arabian Stud Farm. About ninety minutes later we turned into an oasis of lovely palms and manicured grounds, and of course, the horses. And not just any horses. Egyptian Arabians. I'm not a "horse person" by any means, but it doesn't take an equine expert to appreciate the exquisite exotic beauty of the Arabian. The Arabian is one of the oldest and purest of breeds. It has been said that King Solomon and George Washington both owned Arabians. These horses are highly prized for their beauty and intelligence as well as their endurance. It is not uncommon for them to run up to one hundred miles in a single day. They have been bred to run fast and hard in this hot, arid climate and harsh terrain. The Arabian is the horse of the Bedouin. It was the ideal war horse, yet gentle around humans. Sandstorms are common on the Arabian Peninsula. These animals would be brought into the tent for protection and sleep along side their owners which is why to this day this breed is known for its friendly and loving nature. That was very evident on the day of our visit.
They led us to an arena where the mares and their foals were brought out. They pranced and danced around the ring. Their wild beauty and proud demeanor very much in evidence. The stallions were brought out last. They were the royalty in the ring, prancing about, snorting and pawing the ground; showing the mares who was king. What a day for this small town girl from Iowa!
After we saw the Arabians, we were free to wander the grounds and the barns. We were even invited into the villa of Mr. Mohammad Al Marzouk, the owner of Ajmal Arabian Stud. You will never find a more gracious host. We were then treated to a wonderful lunch under a tent, then it was time for the group picture all of us surrounding one of the mares and her foal. The gentleness of these intelligent animals, the beauty of the farm and villa are pictures in my mind that will be precious memories of a magical day in the desert of Kuwait.
"Flight Without Wings"
They were so gentle
So very sweet.
A shot of the grounds.
Sunken living room in the villa.
Me and our gracious host, Mr. Mohammed Al Marzouk, owner of Ajmal Arabian Stud.
Mother's Day in the Middle East
Mothers's Day is is celebrated March 21 in the Middle East. This holiday is taken very seriously here, as it should everywhere there are mothers! The difference for me here in Kuwait is that children bring flowers and gifts to their teachers. I was in the middle of a fourth grade music class when we heard a tentative knock on the door. I answered the door and here is this adorable little preschool boy with three red roses in his hand. His name is Turki Al Turki. What a cutie!
KG Concert
KG 2
Thursday was morning was the KG "Spring Show." Fifteen classes divided into seven sets; roughly about 220 children under the age of five. Had I fully understood this small nugget of information before I stepped on the airplane in August of 2013, I'm not quite sure I could have summoned the courage not turn and head for the hills! Never underestimate your capabilities when confronted with life's little challenges! I managed to survive my second KG Spring Show. We only had to carry off one weeping three year old. Not too bad for a day's work!
I've been reflecting on the cultural differences of music programs here and back in the states. The night before this program I took the time to make sure I could correctly pronounce all the names of the teachers and their assistants and then I did a few google searches regarding the songs and themes I chose. I carefully practiced my little speeches so I wouldn't stumble over my words like I did last year. Always room for improvement. Well, when the curtain was parted and the parents got a good look at their little ones on stage, the iPhones and video cameras were came out and hands were waving wildly (parents, not the kids) like they were long last pals! I continued with my well polished speech, but I might as well have been talking to the wall! Oh well, out little ones performed well and everybody went home happy and proud of their children's accomplishments. We all have hopes and dreams for the future. That is evident back home as well as here in Kuwait. Children are the best part of the culture here in the Middle East and all around the world. I am blessed.
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