Ramadan....

Ramadan (the month long fasting period for Muslims) began Thursday, September 13. They are never sure the exact date of start and finish because it is dependent on the moon?? What this means for us at the American Academy for Girls in Kuwait is that the school day is shortened from 7:30 - 2:30 to 9:00 to 1:00, the girls get progressively more tired, apathetic and demotivated (I'm not sure how that is possible since, in a lot of cases, there is not a lot of motivation or interest in school anyway!!) This should be an interesting month!!...then we have a few days off. It will be a shock to get back to normal school hours...getting up at 5 a.m....good thing I'm a morning person!!

This past weekend was very enjoyable as Michael jetted his way over from England for the weekend. In typical Michael Woodhall fashion we proceeded to do and see as much as possible in the shortest time possible...we managed to see virtually the whole country on Saturday by taking a taxi ride up to the Iraq border (he tried to cross it on foot but was prohibited by the guards!!)then down to the south almost to the Saudi border. The journey was miles and miles of nothing but miles and miles....of desert...EXTREMEY HOT AND DUSTY!! In the north, we saw remnants of the Iraqi conflict with Kuwait including demolished buildings, power towers, etc. Towards the south, there were many Bedouin (Bedouins are basically homeless tent dwellers in the desert)tents where we were able to see and take pictures of camels. By the end of the 7 hour taxi ride besides having a 'numb bum', it had gotten pretty boring...miles and miles....you get the picture!!

Last Friday, my superintendent, Gwen, took us as her guests to the Hilton and we enjoyed a few hours of R and R in the sun, sea and pool. In the evening we feasted on the extravagant offerings of a traditional Iftar (breaking the fast) dinner at the Hilton. My friend, Shawna, accompanied us (as did Gwen for the meal)and we had a lovely relaxing day and evening. On the way home, Gwen drove us to see a mall that was beautifully lit up with dancing pools, etc.

Sunday,I was back in school, and Michael called to see if he could meet with the British Ambassador. He was on his way to Dubai so was unavailable. We spent another few hours at one of the other resorts called the Palms and then went to a Thai restaurant The Blue Elephant back at the Hilton.

Michael whirled his way back home on Monday and called to say he had arrived safely...the amazing flying world...the world is really small.

I continue to try to understand the girls, their culture, their behaviour (due to extreme wealth and overindulgence)and try to impart some knowledge and wisdom to them...MAJOR CHALLENGE!! I pride myself on not being a quitter but I have to admit, I DO feel like quitting many days...we shall overcome...or die trying!! :)

Have to run to get ready for yet another day....