Year Number Three in Kuwait 2015-16

I'm Baaaack!

Yes, I know it's been a long time since I posted my last blog.  It takes a lot of time to compose this blog and I really have to be in the mood.  School has been in session for about seven weeks.  Everything is humming right along, so no more excuses!  We have a few days off for the Islamic New Year, so I have vowed to remain in complete seclusion until I get this posted and sent off hither and yon.  

So year number three is now in full swing.  Each year gets a bit easier as routines are now in place.  I have a pretty good idea of what is expected of me and a much better handle on my young Kuwaiti pupils many whom are of a highly privileged class.  But rich or poor, all kids need to be coaxed and prodded at times and can be persuaded to learn quite a lot if they are having fun doing it.  And, I have to admit, the little three year-olds are beginning to grow on me.  They can actually be pretty cute and endearing (after the first month or so!).  

The Friday Market

I love this picture.  Here you see this traditionally dressed Arab man in his Dishdasha and Keffiyah. The style has remained the same throughout the centuries.  But time doesn't stand completely still in the Middle East. You can see him on his cell phone and notice the tennis shoes!

Here is where you can find an antique brass coffeepot in every shape and size.

If you are drawn to flea markets, you will adore the Friday Market here in Kuwait.  I have been to one or two large flea markets and craft shows in the states, but nothing compares to the Friday Market.  If it's your first time there, it's best to walk around the outside so you can get a sense of the size and layout or you can easily get lost, or worse, find that perfect gift, but when you go back to get it, you can't remember how to get there!

Many people will buy these lovely pieces and have them framed.

At the Friday Market you find both the old and the new.  You can find antique rugs, jewelry, brass, cameras, and telephones and seemingly acres of used clothing and shoes. If you're into tools, generators, and general "guy stuff" you will not be disappointed.  I just moved to a new apartment, so I found the perfect rug for my living room.  There are other areas devoted to curtains, fabric, furniture and appliances.  I'm sure I'm leaving out quite a lot, but I think you get the picture!

The gentleman is busy sorting out his bits and pieces.  I see him every time I go.

Selling curtains in the curtain souk.  

This was a pretty interesting piece of jewelry.

Someone must like collecting old rotary phones!

This picture gives you an idea of the vastness of the Friday Market.  This is just a couple of the maybe 40 or 50 open-air buildings.

Such beautiful pieces of brass to buy, but I'm not sure I want my home to look like a museum!

Two women in their abayas stopping for a bit of lunch before they resume their shopping.

Cetainly not the most flattering picture of me!  I found this interesting gown in the used clothing area.  It's a little like shopping in the biggest Goodwill store you can imagine.  No dressing rooms, of course, so I just pulled it over my clothes.  I was going to wear it to school when we celebrated National Day.  After I took it home, I wasn't too sure I wanted to wear it in public, so instead I cut it up and made a wall hanging out of it.

I always wanted to make a teacup quilt.  I embroidered around the border.

This is a beautiful shot of a fishing boat in the gulf taken at sunset.  This picture and most of the pictures of the Friday Market were taken by my dear New Zealand friend, Linda Young.  She is a very gifted amateur photographer and very graciously allows me to use her photographs.

So Long For Now

I still miss my beautiful little corner of Iowa, especially now that the leaves are changing and winter is around the corner.  If I could take my job here in Kuwait and somehow transport it to little Union, Iowa, I would do it in a heartbeat.  But since that is out of the question I will try to bloom where I am planted.  Once in a while you will see flowers blooming in the desert.  "For with God, nothing shall be impossible."  Luke 1:37

My hostas in glorious summer bloom.

Blessings,

Charlotte