Believing in Fortune Plants

One night while shopping at IKEA with hubby’s family, mother-in-law suggested I should buy a fortune plant. After glancing at hubby and recognizing his go-ahead I selected one and placed it in our trolley. No big deal, he must have thought. It’s just KD 3.500 anyway (I of course “forgot” to remind him to convert it to our currency). Certainly it would help create a cheerful atmosphere in our super bare flat, I added. Buoyed by hubby’s agreement I began selecting two more indoor potted plants and was on the process of selecting a third when brother-in-law reminded me I was supposed to furnish an apartment, not a garden.

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IKEA Madness

Hubby and I are renting an unfurnished flat here in Kuwait. It is lamentably bare but it has the basics that we need to live comfortably, i.e. hubby had managed to install a sturdy bed before I first set foot on our humble abode.

Though our flat is like a blank canvass that allows my artistic juices to flow wild and free, for now I have to contain it within the dark recesses of my imagination. With only one of us earning at the moment, well, budget is tight. (Sob)

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Evening Strolls at the Scientific Center

Our flat is located at Salmiya and one of the perks that we enjoy living in this rather lively area is being near to The Scientific Center of Kuwait, which is located on the waterfront along the Arabian Gulf Road. Hubby and I are aiming to go for an after dinner stroll there every other night. The refreshing walk along the one (1) kilometre provides a great opportunity for us to burn at least a couple of our excess pounds, as well as lets us enjoy a breathtaking view of Kuwait’s evening skyline. And what more, during these strolls hubby and I get to spend some bonding moments – talk about us, our marriage and our plans for the future.

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Filipinos are Everywhere in Kuwait

The Filipinos is a considerable chunk of minorities here in Kuwait. You will see our kababayans literally everywhere. Although with more than 500,000 in population here in Kuwait, the Indian nationals still account for the single largest expatriate community (the State of Kuwait’s current population is estimated at 3 to 3.5 million people only), but you will also find a huge number of Filipinos working in the medical sector (i.e. nurses), IT, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores and supermarkets.

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My First Arabian Night

... was spent at the Dubai airport.

I was excited for my first Arabian night having had watched Aladdin in flight. Truly it’s the best prep to the Arab world that I could think of.

Harley booked me an Emirates flight to Kuwait. I had to layover in Dubai for 2 hours. I must say Dubai International airport was designed to impress. It features two Zen gardens in the middle and numerous recognizable pastry and fast food shops.

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1,000 Places Before I Die

A dear friend and an equally passionate traveller gave me an excellent travel guide to me as an advance birthday gift – 1,000 Places To See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz.

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Take me around Singapore, Uncle

On March 11 to March 15, I visited Singapore - my first. It's more like a leisure trip really - I didn't prepare some kind of a long checklist of must-see or must-do and then spent all my energy running around ala Amazing Race. My goal was to take it easy, meet some friends and wander around this cute country like a local.

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A Delish Idea for a Friday Gimik: Banchetto

Every 12 midnight Friday until 11AM Saturday (overnight) one side of Ortigas Emerald Avenue is closed off to motorists to make way for a unique, gluttonous experience, that is the Banchetto-Emerald.

Inspired from the Italian word that means "a feast", Banchetto is a Street Food Fiesta. Numerous stalls, that fill the street, offer wide array of food to delight the senses. Whatever you fancy - Filipino, Italian, Japanese or any cuisine - you're sure to find it there.

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