My Birthday in Kuwait

Before I left CA, I told family and friends that I would hope to be on base before my birthday. The thought of spending my day alone was not appealing to me...

Despite the fact that I was still in the hotel on my birthday, I couldn't have asked for a better day!

It started with breakfast when I was wished "Happy Birthday" while ordering room service. Also, I was told that the hotel had a little something for me and it would be brought to my room. To my surprise, I received a birthday card and a chocolate mousse cake. Yum!

Next, I received the sweetest birthday email from my Airman... any communication from him always puts a smile on my face!

I also had a chance to video chat on Skype with my daughter and grandson... Heather wished me "Happy Birthday" and RJ actually sang it to me! I felt so close to both of them even though I was about 8,000 miles away.

Around 8pm I was picked up by my coworkers for a team-building dinner in Kuwait City at a restaurant called 7 Bars. We sat outside on the rooftop and enjoyed a night of good food and conversation.

As we were leaving, the hostess was kind enough to take a group photo of us... 1st Row, L to R: Keon, Me and Dan. 2nd Row, L to R: Thomas, Duane and Joe.

Still waiting...

Last word was I would be on base by Friday, March 12th, well... that didn't happen. Apparently the Army ID personnel didn't get to my paperwork before the end of their workday and since they don't work on the weekends and Mondays due to maintenance, it'd be Tuesday, the 16th before I could finish my in-processing.

By the way, my coworker's paperwork was completed and he was taken to the base on Saturday, the 13th.

Hard Rock Cafe in Kuwait City

Before I left CA, I found the Hard Rock Cafe in Kuwait City on the internet. After seeing pictures and with my goal of visiting the HRC in every place I visit, I convinced Thomas to take a taxi ride with me to the city.

After finding out the exchange rate and the approximate cost of a taxi ride, I handed over 20 US dollars and received about 7 KD.

The taxi driver greeted us and we were on our way. By the way, there are no traffic laws in Kuwait and everyone drives really fast. As many of you know, I don't have a problem with driving fast, but there are no crosswalks and people will walk in front of your moving car in the middle of the street. Also, I don't remember seeing any street lights, only stop signs and cars rarely stop.

Thankfully, we arrived safely. As we were exiting the taxi, the driver asked if we would need him to return for us in a couple of hours. Thomas and I both told him, "Yes", but he continued to ask until, only, Thomas answered him. (Yes, I know... I'm not in CA anymore. lol) Anyway, I gave Thomas the fare (2.5 KD) and headed towards the HRC.

It was about 3pm and the cafe was pretty empty so we had our choice of seating locations and settled on a booth with a view of the gulf.

FYI: Kuwait is a dry country and you cannot (legally) buy alcohol in any restaurant. Knowing this, Thomas decided to order a "drink" anyway... a margarita without tequila.

After spending a couple of hours eating and talking, we walked around outside of the cafe and took a few pictures. At this point, we saw a taxi waiting for us. It was a different driver and he didn't have a problem with me speaking to him... especially after he realized I was holding the KD. lol

Arriving in Kuwait...

Our plane arrived a few minutes later than scheduled. Thomas and I were greeted by a woman in a red blazer and quickly escorted to get our visa to enter the country. Afterwards, we were guided to the baggage claim and greeted by an employee of the Radisson Blu. I had to use the restroom and found my way to the nearest one available. I was greeted by a woman when I walked in and chose a stall. Of course after I sit down, I realize there wasn't any toilet paper. I knew the woman was still in the bathroom, so I asked for help. lol When she handed me the toilet paper, she smiled and said, "Here sister." So... my first impression of the people in Kuwait City was definitely a positive one.

As we were exiting the airport, I received hundreds of stares from men in Kuwait. Looking around, I noticed I was the only blonde-haired, blue-eyed female. Anyway...

We walked outside to meet another hotel employee who was waiting to drive us to our hotel, and the first thing I noticed was the air had an unusual smell to it... nothing like I had ever smelled. Makes me appreciate the air in California... even with the smoggy days. Upon arriving at the hotel entrance, two security officers held us up to check for bombs in the engine compartment and under the vehicle... I was quickly reminded that I wasn't in the USA.

Thomas and I met with Ferron and Jose, on-site USO employees, to assist us with check-in and brief us on the process to obtain our Military ID. Found out that my paperwork was held up due to a mistake made locally and that Thomas' paperwork was ready, but we should be taken to the base together no later than Friday night.

I settled into my room...

Leaving... on a jet plane... part 2

Wednesday, March 10, 2010... I arrived at Dulles Airport about 5 hours before my flight to Kuwait was scheduled to leave. The USO staff anticipated a lengthy wait going through the international terminal, but I didn't experience any delay when checking my luggage or going through security. To my surprise, I wasn't charged an extra baggage fee. Apparently, they allow more when traveling on an international flight.

Dinner was next on the agenda and there were lots of choices, but Thomas was craving Wendy's. lol You know I always say that everything happens for a reason, and shortly after paying for our food, two soldiers walked in. Of course, I had to greet them! Anyway, as they were leaving, my coworker mentions that I was just talking to a 2-star General. Honestly, I have a tendency to look past the rank and just treat them as human beings.

After dinner, we headed to the terminal. At this point, knowing I was going to put my cell phone on military standby, I called as many people as possible... starting with my daughter. Around 9pm, while talking to Sprint, my phone shut off. I thought my battery was low, but when I plugged it in and attempted to make one last call, I quickly realized it was indeed on standby.

While waiting, I noticed the flight wasn't full, so I asked for a window seat. The attendant assured me she would call my name if one was available. The plane was ready for boarding and my name was never called. Oh well. I found my seat and settled in only to be greeted by my seat mate a few minutes later. Richard and I got along well... we watched "The Blind Side" together, talked about our jobs, family and a few things in between. He definitely made the 12-hour flight much easier to handle.

I did my best to stay comfortable during the long flight, but the passenger in front of me insisted on reclining his seat the entire time with the exception of eating the two meals provided and when we landed. Next time I will definitely pay the $160 for more leg room! lol