where am i?

customs and visa issuing in the kuwaiti airport are located adjacent to the food court. i wasn't sure where i was. i saw starbucks, caribou coffee, pizza hut, mcdonalds, burger king, and other "american" fast food chains. really? is this what we have contributed to the world? apparently so. after a brief walking tour of the city yesterday i realized there was more: dunkin donuts, gloria jean's coffee, cinnabon, applebee's, tgi fridays, and both mcdonalds and burger kings with prime real estate overlooking the gulf. this is globalization in action. right now i am listening to the "hit" radio station in kuwait and kanye west's "the good life" is playing (wow, 50 cent just came on). if i didn't know better, i might think i was listening to k 92.i'm not saying that any of this stuff is inherently bad (well maybe all the fast food is), but the presence of "american culture" is staggering.

last night we had the opportunity to go to a mall and hear some traditional drumming (pics below). malls really are the place to be. they are air conditioned, open late, and provide a public environment for teenage flirting (i guess even across cultures some things remain constant). it was a great opportunity to have a glimpse into kuwaiti culture, even at a mall. who knows, perhaps the dollar will get stronger and i may actually go shopping in one of them.

(i've added pics of the drumming last night, my apartment, and the view from my balcony).

i'm here!

just wanted to let you all know that we arrived safely last evening. everyone here has been extremely nice and hospitable trying to get us situated. it's always an adventure trying to navigate a new place, language, and culture. but i think we've done alright so far. we managed to find our way to the american university of kuwait (auk) this morning, and from there, we've been in excellent hands. they're helping us exchange money, find a grocery store, and all the little things you take for granted when your home. perhaps my favorite thing, so far, is the beautiful ocean views (the university is right across the street from the beach). on the agenda for tonight (thursday night is the start of the weekend) is going to hear a little live music with another professor and hopefully a chance to catch up on some of this jet lag. i'm still trying to figure out the internet at the apartment but will hopefully post some pictures soon. much love.