An Englishman Abroad

So Thursday evening saw a group of us get our first taste of Kuwaiti Premier League football, and what an experience it was. It was a clash between 'our' team Al Qadsia and local rivals Al Salmiya, currently sitting third and fourth in the league respectively. Being our first time at the stadium we didn't get off to the best start when we realised that we had actually chosen to sit in the away supporters section, and me being super keen was wearing the home shirt! An uneventful first half saw the game get to 42mins without score, when our local heroes blasted a shot past the rival keeper to put us into the lead heading in to half time. Our hopes were dashed though when just 2 minutes later the visitors equalised, leaving it all square as the players went into the tunnel, and we swiftly made our way to the home supporters stands. The second half got underway with renewed vigour and determination from both sides, and some of our group managed to get themselves interview...

This week we've had Parent Information Evenings every night, so I've been working from 6am to 9pm most days, therefore had very little time to post! Promise to make up for it over the weekend (yes I'm still getting used to Thursday being the last day of the week!) Off to a Premier League football match tonight- well, Kuwaiti Premier League. Our local team Al Qadsia have won the league 16 times and are currently in 3rd place, tonight we're at home to Al Salmiya who are in 4th so it should be tense!!!! A group of us going, apparently the ticket price is 500 fils (£1.25) so debating whether to get a season ticket and save money! Before I go, one photo for you- the 'cold' water storage tanks for most buildings are outside like this one. Nothing quite like cleaning your teeth with scalding hot water at night!

Spent a lovely couple of hours at Al Shaheed Park in the City. A completely man made oasis of lakes, ponds, greenery and dancing fountains! Actually built on a platform above its own car park- you can actually see through some of the ponds and waterfalls to the cars below which is a little odd. Nevertheless a lovely evening walk with lots to see and do, especially as the evening darkens and all the surrounding towers start to flicker and dance with light. Lots of very nice cafés and restaurants, with a couple of museums thrown in for good measure along with a 'Circle of Peace' and various monuments and an aviary. My evening finished off with the incredible dancing fountains, I caught a glimpse, walked over, got myself in position ready to film....just as it finished!!! What I saw was wonderful though, at least I have an excuse to go back.

Out for another explore and in a side road came across what appeared to be a car park, but then realised it was full of tanks and jet planes. The building next it turned out to be a museum which I decided to visit. Very interesting and shows a country very proud of its history, especially the two goals scored at the 1982 World Cup in Spain, which were playing on an endless video loop in a miniature astroturf stadium. This was actually in the sport section of the museum which also celebrated Kuwait's 10 Pin Bowling and volleyball successes- before you ask. I have included a few photos, one exhibition was particularly moving- a wall of faces which I assume to be those lives lost during the Iraq invasion of 1990. One of the most intriguing artefacts I found in the museum was the German device photographed....not entirely sure of its purpose!

Was summoned to a meeting at Head Office in the stunning Al Hambra Tower (Tallest skyscraper in Kuwait and tallest sculpted concrete structure in the world). The company who own my school and 22 others in Kuwait are based on the 42nd floor here- dizzying views from their lobby window below. Going into a meeting with accountants who want to run schools like businesses is always going to be difficult for an educator who sees children as individuals rather than just numbers, but I'll fight my corner and managed to win some small battles! Stopped for a lovely meal in the mall at the base of the tower after 3 and a half hours talking budgets!

After a long, but very successful first week at work, it's nice to reward oneself with a bit of relaxation.  Nice to be given the beach all to myself today, a beautiful 42 degrees at 9.30am, and the water was like a bath. Oh and walked past the palace of Emir Sabah IV, the current monarch on the way home.

What do you do if you live in a country where petrol is cheaper than water? Why, you buy the thirstiest, fuel guzzling muscle car you can find of course! I'm pretty certain the Kuwaitis are the best customers for American muscle cars and pick ups.

Looking up there's a growing number of increasingly impressive skyscrapers and wonders of modern architecture. Looking at ground level you see more of the old Kuwait, some of the buildings still baring the scars of the Iraqi invasion nearly 30 years ago. Many areas don't have pavements as such, or at least don't anymore and you can see areas that remind you that beneath it all lies desert. Walking from Hawally to Salmiya today, I was struck by this particular high street, it was like walking along the beach. Oh, and I've decided that Friday is my walking day!!! Did about 20k last week and even more this week.....the weight's falling off!

Well nearly at the end of the first week and I'm exhausted. I can honestly say that I've never had such an eventful first week in a job, so many things sent to test my mettle but I'm still smiling and loving every minute. The staff are wonderful, children a delight and parents generally very supportive. I've learnt a great deal very quickly about life in the private sector in the Middle East, and there are things I'm already beginning to take in my stride rather than react to as I already understand that I would most likely be wasting energy. Trying to go out for a stroll most evenings to familiarise myself with the locale along with having some thinking time, general exercise and acclimatising myself (it's still around 42 degrees at 8pm) Most nights I discover something interesting and tonight was no exception- I found a labyrinth of designer clothes and shoe shops called Kit Kat, kind of a modern day Souk. Shop/stall upon shop of Ralph Lauren, Hollister, ...

You didn't know I was bi-lingual did you?

The visually impressive Dar Al Shifa Hospital, although does look a bit like a space invader!

We all need a reason why.

After a few days getting the school ready and meeting all the staff, tomorrow sees our Secondary pupils return, with the Primary, Reception and Kindergarten starting over the week. The playgrounds and corridors seem very quiet at the moment.