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...