After almost a year of cardiac-related issues, it was nice to turn to another type of heart last week. The entire week was lovely. On Monday night, I came home to find a stack of photos that Russ had reprinted. There were older photos of us and recent photos of family members. We created a montage on one of the kitchen walls. It was very thoughtful of him since this is something I never seem to have time to do. Tuesday we had a group of people over for chili, guacamole, drinks, and great conversation. Steph Willocks made cornbread which was just so perfect. Maria brought over a big box of chocolates one of her students gave her. Valentine's Day is celebrated here as Friendship Day so this was the perfect context to spend time with our friends. It was too bad that we had school the next day as we stayed up way past our bedtime. In fact the major disturbance in our sleep schedule affected us the rest of the week. Friday was our major day of rest. Russ and I went to the spa for the afternoon and then out for sushi. It was a really wonderful day. We also skyped with people back home and watched a movie.
My spirits were raised last week as I wore jeans every single day to work. Student Council organized spirit week which encouraged dressing in a specific theme every day. My theme was jeans and I never thought I could get so excited over something as simple as that. Apparently, it is what my life has come to.
All of this week, the school has been winding up for Kuwait National Day, which happens this weekend. Flags and photos of the Emir have been hung everywhere in the school hallways, which mirror everywhere else in the country. Students have routinely been out of class to decorate, practice traditional dance routines, and act out skits. There is a great deal of nationalism at this combined Independence from Britain and Liberation from Iraq day. If they were not in long flowing robes or embroidered dresses, everyone seemed to be dressed in the national colors of black, red, green, and white (again for me, a black tee, jeans and a scarf with the Emir's image that was given to me worked just fine).
The assembly was mostly in Arabic, and much was lost in translation. The party afterwards was incredibly festive. The courtyard was transformed into a large diwaniya (center of Kuwaiti social time) with large carpets, tents, and cushions. There was an elaborate catered lunch for all the students and staff and extremely loud live music that forced many of the teachers into the quieter middle school courtyard.
There is a real niche for event planners here - the banner makers, balloon sculptures, tent structures, elaborate flower displays - everything is about going over the top.
Because it was a largely unstructured day, I snuck down to the Elementary school ("the happy place") in the morning where their entire field was comprised of International Day sponsored by the parents. I had never seen anything like it, and of course this is one of the best parts of being in an international school. Elaborate displays and extensive food offerings were presented by parents in costume from countries like Egypt, Turkey, Venezuela, Mexico, Indonesia, France, US, Lebanon, Palestine, Canada, and Kuwait. Completely over the top. The Lebanon booth had a sheet cake four feet by six. Egypt had dancers and a massive flag. There was a professional photographer at the Kuwait booth, and an interactive video screen at the Mexican table.
Now on the edge of a four day weekend, I am so ready to leave with Maria for Muscat, Oman tonight. Russ decided to stay behind, rest up, and get a few projects done. Kuwait is a tough place to live, and I am hoping the change of scenery will provide a much-needed mental break.
Senioritis has already settled in. This time of year in a high school is always tough. Obviously, it's not just the seniors who are losing focus. Russ and I have started to count down days too. Time is going by really quickly.
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