Dear D.C.V.I.

Earlier this week I had the chance to go in to the older part of Kuwait City and visit the souk there.  Souk is the word for Market.  This market, located in the older part of the city, is simply known as the Old Souk.

The Old Souk covers several city blocks, with both indoor and outdoor sections.  I was expecting to see stalls, looking like the movie Casablanca, but instead it was more like tiny storefronts, open to the street.  All kinds of things were for sale, split in some cases in to sections. 

The part of the souk that sells gold jewelery is interesting.  Instead of the 14 or 24 karat gold that we are used to in Canada, most gold in Kuwait is 28 karat or higher, and it has a more orange colour, almost coppery.  The jewelery here is very ornate, and as of yet I haven't found much that I could wear at home, but I will definately keep looking!

The souk also carries clothing, both western and traditional, scarves, prayer beads, incesence (complete with very fancy burners) and other handicrafts.  Bartering is expected, and is part of the fun (as those participants in the Bahamas Trip will remember!)

Of course a big part of the souk is food.  This part of the market is mostly indoors, in a big shed-like complex.  Fresh fruits and vegetables are always available, although they tend to be expensive here, since nothing is grown locally (the sand doesn't support much in the way of agriculture).  The meat, poultry and fish markets are not hard to find.  Just follow your nose!  Live and dead animals are for sale in their entirety, as well as cuts of meat.  I would not suggest that the animal lovers among you spend much time in this part of the souk!

Mrs. Cronsberry asked where the other teachers at AAG are from.  There are some who live here in Kuwait full time.  Some women, over time have married Kuwaiti men, and chosen to make this their home.  There are teachers from all over Canada (including Kamloops and Antigonish), some Americans, and a few South Africans.  In addition I have met both British ex-pats and people here from Austrailia teaching at other international schools.

I hope everyone is enjoying the fall weather.  It has finally cooled down here.  Currently the temperature sits in the low 30s during the day, and drops to the mid 20s at night.  I hear it's slightly cooler where you are!

Miss Jewson

P.S.  I would like to encourage any of you who have questions to post them to me, and I will do my best to answer them, or poll the girls I teach to get the real story!

Comments

[Mary-Lou D'Avirro]

Hi Sarah;
Looks like you are having a great time. I love the pics. Keep them coming. I miss our chats, but look forward to seeing you at Xmas.
Mary-Lou
PS. What are the shoes like there? I bet they are beautiful!