About Intlxpatr
Expat wanderer, currently living in Qatar, discussing travel, books, family and spirtual matters, daily life and adventures.
Contact: Intlxpatr@aol.com
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Blogroll
- A.Word.A.Day
- Aafke / Clouddragon
- CCAfrica
- DeemaLand
- Desert Girl on Kuwait
- Diamonds View
- Expat Women
- Expat-Blogs
- ExpatFinder – The Expat search engine
- FiveThirtyEight.com: Politics Done Right
- Forward Movement
- Global Incident Map
- Global Voices Online � Kuwait
- Glory to God for All Things
- Google Earth
- Google Earth Blog
- Google LatLong
- GospelMagic4U
- H I L A L I Y A
- I CAN HAS CHEEZBURGER?
- In the Headlights
- Jewaira’s Boudoir
- John Lockerbie Gulf design
- Kuwait Blogs
- Kuwait Paper Dump
- Kuwait Social Work Society
- National Public Radio
- Ogle Earth
- Operation Hope – Kuwait
- Perception Point
- q8bridge
- Robin Pope Safaris Zambia
- SocioLingo Africa
- The Lectionary
- Weather Underground
- WordPress.com
- WordPress.org
Thanks Intlxpatr for listing me under your Blog Roll.
I have done the same and wish you the best of luck.
Amer
Amer – Thank You.
Your post on Tolerance was impressive and memorable. Kuwait has good people to draw from for responsible leadership positions. . . . . . . .
Hi intlxpatr,
Great blog! I haven’t even begun to explore it fully. But the cousin post resonated with me. Keep it up!
whoah – gotta totally use some of these recipes
Hi intlxpatr, thanks for adding me to your blogroll. I’ve enjoyed browsing your blog.
Hi intlxpatr,
My wife’s daughter (27) is considering living in Kuwait for a couple of years with her boyfriend. She’s a typical American party girl and her mother’s afraid she’ll end up in a Kuwaiti jail.
Can you provide any insight as to the reality of the environment for young Americans? You can likely imagine the lifestyle issues she/they would confront (i.e., marijuana, alcohol, nightlife in general, etc.)
TIA.
Hi Intlxpatr, I am sure I know who you are. Came across your site as I was looking for a picture of the Corniche skyline, looking across to the Sheraton in about 2001 (do you have one?) and just feel that this is you. Not 100% sure but sounds so familiar- really interesting.
Hi Shirley,
Yep, you know me. And I wasn’t in Doha in 2001. Earliest skyline I have is 2003, but pre-Four Seasons, pre big buildup.
Hi Intlxpatr, Any chance you could let me have the 2003 skyline, I need it for a presentation at work so would be v.grateful.
Shirley
Sent the earliest one I could fine via e-mail!
Hi, Intlxpatr! I’m thrilled to see you are still writing your thoughts and experiences. You are amazing, dear friend! Hugs from across the miles, Kitkat
Welcome, KitKat! And sending hugs back to you, dear friend.
Glad you are back safely in Kuwait after your break back home seeing all the family. Love reading your blog – keep it up.
I am always so happy to see you, Shirley! Hope life continues sweet for you in Doha! Hey, I finished 12 Days!
Great blog! I lived in Kuwait 1992-1994 and I love to read about what it is like and how it has changed. (And WOW has it changed!) I had such great experiences there.
Glad you like the blog, Global Gal. Have you read Jehan Rejab’s book, Invasion of Kuwait?
intlxpatr,
great blog, my wife and I have used it to gain info that helped us make the decision to move out to Kuwait. we are due out in September.
So thanks for the info, it was really useful.
Daz.
Daz, Ahlen wa sahlen. I hope you enjoy your time here. Glad the blog helped. I think you’ll have a great time.
splendid work..hope u will continuing provide us information on different facets of life in kuwait…keep it going…
I like your blog, too, Aviram. I think if we ever hope to make a difference, we have to be paying attention. You seem to be paying attention, too. Thank you for your kind words.
Hello there. Thanks for your kind visit and comments.
I love your blog! It brings with it a whiff of nostalgia and keeps it real about life in Kuwait. May I add you to my blog roll?
Thanks again and have a great day
Harmonie, I love your blog, too, and I am honored to be included on your blogroll. We gotta stick together.
hi, i just stumbled upon your blog,, interesting stuff, i am here in k8 too, what an interesting part of the world it is,, the men are amazing, i think they rape women because they are all a bit WEIRD especially the americans, they walk around like dogs looking for a bone,, i used to like americans but alas k8 has shown me the nastiest side of american men one could wish to see, am i categorizing a whole country, HELL YES I AM,, the men are just undescribable,,, i wonder, is the just one good one,, happy blogging,,,
“sandy”, you have a familiar sound and style.
Wait. you’re into spirituality?
Blue, I’m religious. And Christian. And I think we were created to be brother and sister, all of us. Our books emphasize the same values, our great religious leaders have all told us the same thing – to live in peace with one another, and to treat our neighbor as we would be treated, with kindness. That it is the responsibility of the strong to look after the welfare of the weak, widows, children, the poor. Not to judge one another, to leave that in God’s hands. My search is one of finding areas of agreement and building on them. That is my spirituality.
I am impressed by your topics and really appreciate your attempts to raise awareness to issues that matter and slip under teh belt-way
Keep up the good fight
Thank you, Kaos. My long time readers will tell you that one of my ISSUES is Kuwait history just going away. The museum hasn’t re-opened since the Gulf War, and local history, a whole era, is disappearing with the old who pass away. I encourage you all to use this Ramadan time to ask questions of the older people, listen to their stories, and to write them down. I would consider it a special favor if you shared them on your blogs, so we could all read them, but writing them down, saving their stories is critical.
(Aren’t you sorry you commented?
)
LoooL
You just keep on impressing me xpat. I think we are so ashamed of our history that we want it erased. My older brother is interested in Kuwait’s history a lot and is a volunteer in a museum. I’ll actualy introduce blogging to him and I’ll refer him to your site too. Am sure he’ll have a lot of interesting things to write about Kuwait’s history.
Now my question is, and it is pure curiosity and not a criticism in any way, you realize you care more than the people of this country:)? How can you keep up your motivation and drive?
I am very very lucky, Kaos. I have Kuwaiti friends. And I read Kuwaiti blogs. You can’t imagine how much I learn, it’s the old “you don’t even know what you don’t know” thing. I learn things every day that I never even imagined.
The Kuwait that most non-Kuwaitis see – Marina Mall, the Gulf Road, the Chili’s, the fast foods . . .is so totally different from the Kuwait behind the walls. I listen a lot.
So I disagree. The majority of Kuwaitis I know are deeply caring, and deeply troubled about what they are seeing now. They seem, to me, to be a little at a loss as to how to turn things around. They care. They care. They are educated, and aware. Change takes time. Here is what I believe – each person has to say “it starts with me” and make things better in a small way.
Here are two:
Picking up the trash, and teaching your children not to toss trash in the streets or out the car, but to keep small trash bags in the car and dispose of them in trash bins.
Buckling up every passenger in the car.
Teaching your children – by personal example – respect for the law, and that the law applies to all people.
That’s where it starts. Personal responsibility.
PAWS and the AWL have taken that kind of responsibility, and their passionate commitment to humane treatment of animals is making a difference.
Operation HOPE gathers foods and warm clothing and takes to to the unpaid freezing laborors, and changes lives one person at a time. Their passion to their fellow human being is making a difference.
Amer al Hilaliya writes editorials for the Arab Times, openly stating problems no-one wants made public, thinking it is shameful. In my humble opinion, it is courageous, and gets people started talking in the diwaniyyas. Kuwaitis like him are making a difference.
And people like your brother, quietly volunteering and working to preserve Kuwait’s history. Our silent heroes – oh! isn’t your brother Kuwaiti?
Each one of us can make a difference. It starts with me. It starts with you.
Greetings from another expat living in Kuwait(I’m also a wannabe traveler!)
Joel, this is a great jumping off place for all kinds of travel. We have friends who went to see the Taj Mahal over a long weekend, and for a pittance! The cooler weather is coming, happy days in Kuwait.
Hello once again!
I’m adding your blog to my blog roll(with your permission)
I am honored, Joel. thank you.
Hi!
Thanks for leaving the lovely comment on my blog. Looking at yours, I can see I have a lot of reading to do. My life must seem very mundane.
Kate – not at all. Australia seems so exotic from here!
Thanks for posting at my blog which in turn led me to your very interestng blog! I’m thoroughly enjoying your postings.
Best Regards,
Carol (American Bedu)
And I yours, Carol. We lived in Tabuk and Riyadh. I always wanted to know more. We lived on Cordoba, and so I am fascinated with your insights.
Ops! I dont see my comments here
well I never posted but I have to say that its the most informative blog I have been too..I really like moving around and I add 5 clicks to it every day,hehe
Thanks, Amu. I love it that you check in so often, and that you comment on the articles that evoke a response. You are always welcome.
Hi Intlxpatr, glad to have discovered your blog! True that there is a soul behind the fast life that meets the eye! (Indian Expat in Kuwait) It was heartening to read comment 30.
Shall be a regular visitor! Thankyou!
Welcome Purnima – your blog has some amazing recipes! I think I will have to dumb them down for my family.
Hi.. I hope u are enjoying ur time in Kuwait.. am a kuwaiti student in seattle who needs some tips about this city to enjoy my time. So do u recommend certain activities, restaurants, or malls? ( and im fed up with the U-Village and the Pike market) Thanks
I AM enjoying my time in Kuwait, HD. And I hope you are having fun in Seattle. Do you do any boating/fishing in Kuwait? Boating and fishing is also BIG in Seattle once the weather gets better. Ditto hiking, when the weather gets better, head for Mt. Rainier, head over to the Olympic Peninsula . . .
During these bleak winter months, there is a lot of activity – The Seattle Symphony is fabulous, the Seattle Opera, all the live theatre, all the live performances, new movies coming out all the time.
There is a great book about public art in Seattle; you can usually find it in Half Price Books, and you can make a game of finding the art – like under Fremont Bridge, along the Edmonds waterfront . . . Seattle is a treasure trove of public art.
The Seattle Art Museum – or as they call it, the SAM
The Science Center down near the Space Needle, and Paul Allen’s Museum of Rock . .
Ferry rides over to Winslow, Bremerton, Kingston (out of Edmonds), the Mukilteo Ferry . . . just take the ferry over, walk around and come back. Or take the Mukilteo ferry, drive up the island, cross the huge bridge near Anacortes and drive back to Seattle down I-5.
If you buy the Thursday and Friday Times or PI, they list all kinds of things going on every weekend – and week. Authors at the bookstores doing talks and book-signings, entertainment in some of the larger bars (you don’t have to drink to enjoy the music) oh! Pioneer Square. The International District. Take in a SuperSonics game!
Now – where do YOU like to eat? Have you found any good MiddleEast food? We like the Kabul, in Wallingford, on 45th, but it isn’t Gulf food. I’d like to hear about what YOU have found.
Hi there, my blog is private now but I don’t know how to add you. E-mail me if you’re interested
I e-mailed you. I DO want to be added!
Oh OK then, you are in Kuwait!
I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. It has become a part of my morning routine: stumble out of bed, squeeze juice, sip juice while reading Here There and Everywhere.
Welcome, C, I am honored. Your blog is so stylish! I have to wonder, in real life do I know you?
heloo iam soamli person ihave no ability because iam disable man since 1977 so that the right side is paralysed specailly idonnot ave economy support ineed to help me mt self o midical supportty tel 0025224443961
Mahamud, I am so sorry for your troubles. I heard today that Somalia is sinking deeper and deeper into utter chaos.
Hi, I enjoyed reading your blog. I also live in Kuwait for half of the year, but am originally from England.
I’ve linked to your blog from my Squidoo page. You can find it on http://www.squidoo.com/traveltokuwait
Keep up the great writing!
Thank you, Jobanjo – I visited your site, too, and find it very fair re: Kuwait. You might also want to join Virtual Tourist – they could use your input! I hope you have a lot of fun exploring and enjoying Kuwait.
hi there
yr an xpat from where?
are you living in the place that has recently built a coast line in the shape of a palm tree and a map of the world?
tried to find it in google earth but it wan’t bulit when they took the pics
all the best
The country you are thinking of is Dubai, Hoh, and I live in Kuwait.
Hello!
I found your blog accidently (or maybe not so accidently if you believe in “no coincedences”)
Anyway, thank you for providing me with information about Kuwait. We will be moving there in August to teach at the American International School.
I just wanted to let you know I apprecite your comments, photos (great!) and thought process. AND I just read your piece on when “heather” contacted you so please know that I am no stalker!!
If you wish, please drop me a line at my email. You can reference “intxlpatr” on the subject line then I won’t throw it from my trash (if it ends up there)
Cheers
Nadine W Brown
soon to be teacher at AISKuwait
Hello, Nadine, and welcome to Kuwait. I have a feeling you will have a great time here, and many great adventures.
Hello,
I’ve read some of your posts (and commented on a few), and absolutely love your blog! I’ve added you to my blog roll and will definitely be back to do some exploring!!
S&S
S&S – Unfortunately, you were not signed in when you commented here, so my readers cannot find their way to your blog. Come back! Come back! Sign in, please, so we can come visit!
well, I work with an oil company..I got transferred from Thailand to Kuwait some 5-6 months ago, being a middle eastern (Iranian), honestly I do not like the lifestyle in here much and am actually amazed how positive you are about this place..keep it up!!
what do you do in Kuwait by the way, if you dont mind..
IntlXpatr you are a inspirational model for expatriates and Kuwaitis alike.
Sahar – Welcome! Kuwait – like any other place – is what you will make of it. There are people here from all over the world, with a huge variety of talents and interests, and my guess is that you will find some who share your own. Today – after three years here – I discovered a mall I had never visited. I am not that much for malls, but I am huge on knowing resources, and this mall was an excellent resource.
As to what I do . . . I am a blogger!
Jewaira – and YOU and dear 1001 Nights were my inspirations and my encouragers. I will always owe you a great debt.
hello there…
I am going to Al-Kout sultan for shopping this afternoon..
do you want to meet over a coffee somewhere around?
You are so kind, Sahar – Fridays I spend with my husband. It is the only day we have together.
hi intlxpatr,
was just wondering how we send in the pictures to you? email id? or any other means?
Onlooker – if you e-mail as attachments to Intlxpatr@aol.com, I will give you your own blog entry.
Or in one of the Great Kuwait Sand and Surf Challenge articles, you can link and tell viewers to come visit your blog, where you have the photos posted. Or – best visibility – you can do both. I think people who send photos to be posted on my blog get more votes. 
heloo sir how ru we one product for so we want meet u becouse we want explainn our product
Hi Intlxpatr,
I have just been browsing through your blog, and wow, how varied are your interests
I’m relatively new to the world of blogging so it takes me a while to get around but I have been fascinated by the comments and discussion points. I also love your snow flakes…make me feel that I ought to be somewhere else this time of year 
Great pictures too.
Welcome, Um Yousef. Your blog is actually older than mine. I am not a serious photographer like your husband, I just take a lot of photos and use them to illustrate . . . If you click on “books” under categories, I think it will show you most of my reviews. They are not so thorough as yours are, but sometimes we have some good discussions.
I was fascinated to learn you are also a published author, and the topic of your book. I wonder where you did your research – and if any was done here in Kuwait?
Thanks for all your comments. I did my research in the UK-it would be a thoroughly interesting and thought-provoking topic to research here in Kuwait though the implications of the findings as well as the practicalities of actually getting people to talk about such issues would be profound…It has been, and continues to be a very interesting journey. Happy new year to you and all your loved ones.
Um Yousef – I understand the dilemma. The “good news” is that it actually happens here more often. No one talks about it, except heartbroken Moms, in moments of sheer anguish.
I’m a Kuwaiti student in the US and I love your blog. you can’t imagine how happy you made me, I finaly found an xpat that enjoying their time in Kuwait. I wish you all the best
AMD – I think you would be astonished at how many people – expats – live here happily. It doesn’t mean we don’t complain – most of us complain at home, too.
It helps to have a good church, and a couple good groups in the community where you can find others with similar interests. I bet you are finding the exact same thing in your own expat experience right now – am I right?
yes you’re right
It’s very interesting to me to read about people experiences in Kuwait. Keep up the good work
Hi Fellow Wanderer,
Just found your blog and am enjoying it. Where else have you lived? The Muslim countries I’ve lived in are Indonesia and Palestine, and I found it fascinating. But then I enjoy living in other foreign places as well — it just broadens the mind and is never boring (well maybe after a few years and the itch for something new starts up!)
Cheers,
Miss Footloose
Forgot to say, I subscribed to your blog, so keep me entertained!
Thanks, Footloose, for your kind words. I guess it’s funny, I’ve lived a lot of places, but we often seem to go back to places we’ve been before . . . I’ve lived more years in Germany than I’ve lived in my own country. Tunisia, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and now Kuwait, plus visiting as much of Africa as we can. I’m always shocked at how often things – ways of thinking – I take for granted can just be turned upside down in another culture. Even after living in a place years and years, you can still get surprised. I think some of us are wired for this kind of life, and it is a great blessing if we are able to life the life we were created to live.
As for entertaining . . . I can’t promise. All I can be is who I am, and if you are entertained, so be it, you are welcome. I may also offend, or have ideas you don’t agree with . . . but we try to keep our disagreements civil, here.
Can you add http://q8undressed.wordpress.com to your blogroll in return for a link on q8undressed. You need balls though!
Undressed, are you in this for the long haul? Your most recent post indicates you’re quitting.
Change takes time. It takes a generation with new ideas, willing to spend the time to position themselves as the take-over generation in middle-age. Do you have the stamina for the long-haul?
intlxpatr
Thank you for your comment on my blog, i find yours to be very interesting too and looking forward to exchange ideas and thoughts with you
Best,
Mimi
Ahlen wa sahlen, Mimi, and congratulations on a truly superior, well written and thoughtful blog.
Hi intlxpatr, just letting u know I have migrated Sociolingo’s Africa to http://www.sociolingo.com. Please could you change your blogroll link?
Many thanks
Done! Link Updated! I’m leaving in the Africa part so people know what the focus is.
Thanks. Actually the new blog name is SocioLingo Africa. Sorry for the confusion. I outgrew wordpress.com!
Hello! Just discovered your blog and as I am just across the water in Bahrain, have become a follower. Looking forward to reading your posts!
Hi Kate, and welcome. Hope you are enjoying your own expat experiences.
I like your truck! Too bad they don’t make ‘em anymore…
Not my truck, RG. Photo is taken in Zambia. My favored car is a Rav4.