Reporting to you live from Kuwait City!

But first let me backtrack to getting here!

Hamad International Airport is such a beautiful airport it always deserves a shout out!

First – the car you could win in a raffle at the airport is a McLaren.  Of course it is.

Walking to my gate:

Boarding the plane:

After an hour and a half flight, I’m in Kuwait!  The process of obtaining a visa was interesting.  It was easy to find as the signs clearly indicated where to go. You enter and an employee takes your passport and photocopies it.  He gives you a document to fill out and a queue number. As you go to line up, you buy a stamp out of a machine to pay for the visa.  The stamp costs 3 dinar.  Have exact change as in 1 dinar bills. When it was my turn, along with processing the paperwork, my fingertips were scanned, my picture taken.  I was a bit intimidated because of this, but the staff and police were friendly!

The Kuwait Airport has taxis.  The taxis are not metered.  My 15 minute taxi drive from the airport to Four Points Sheraton was 8 dinars plus a .50 dinar tip.  That is about 102 Qatari riyals.  An expensive cab ride. The drivers are local.  I spoke with a Qatari woman while waiting to get our luggage and she travels to Kuwait all the time.  She tells me the locals are trustworthy and I would be ok.  I was.  The driver did speak to himself while driving, but I think he was reciting prayers?  He drove at warp speed, but I felt safe because he wasn’t an aggressive driver.  Just an experienced driver.  The blurry blue tower is my hotel!  At the speed we were going, it was difficult to get a picture!

After checking in – it was time for a swim and some relaxing in the whirlpool that are located on the top of the tower – the 43rd floor!

Then a room service nightcap of greek salad and warm pistachio pudding with vanilla sauce!

Goodnight!  I can’t wait for tomorrow!!!

S.  xo