Kuwait - Day 1

We have ventured to Kuwait with the intention of finding a place to live when we move next month, plus maybe check out a few pre-schools and get a general feel for daily life here. The traveling went well, it was a long day, but that was expected. A bit of a wait for the visa once we got here, but it may have seemed longer because we were tired. It also could have been because I was looking for a rock to crawl under after Saige pointed to all the 'black ghosts' (aka - women in burkas). I swiftly corrected her and we left without incident. The first night of sleep hopefully reset our clocks, so we can be on a routine schedule. We didn't get up until noon today, so our itinerary was shortened to exclude apt. hunting. We decided to head to one of the malls to get a few essentials (hair dryer, IKEA items for the company apt., groceries so we don't need to eat out all the time). We were prepared for the girls to gawk and point at some of the non-traditional sights they would see back in Texas, but I was not prepared for the gawking in the other direction. I lost count how many times people, everyone from grown men to young ladies, came up to the girls, mainly Jessie, but Saige too, to 'pet' their hair, touch thier cheeks, give them a hug. The blonde hair and blue eyes and light skin were too irresistable. i was quite taken aback by the boldness of this, and it made me uncomfortable. In the end, it was all in a very friendly, non-intimidating manner (all asked to touch the hair or cheek, except for the odd person just patting them on the head as we walked by). And my non-shy kids were more than happy to dole out hugs and smiles. I will still never let my guard down, no matter how many times this happens. It is a very safe-feeling place, and children are free to be kids, as far as I can tell already.
Back at the apt, we went out to the pool area to meet one of Robb's work colleagues, who also lives in the complex. We ended up spending the evening visiting and Saige played in the water with the other kids, not wanting to leave. Dinner was served in the form of PBJ toast and fruit, as it was too late to headout to eat. The weather is really nice, but expected to heat up as the week goes on. Until tmorrow....