Jan 31, 2001 02:29 PM
6672 Views
Kuwait is an oil-rich, modernized, cosmopolitan state in the Middle East. It has sovereignty over nine small islands (the largest is Bubiyan and the most populous is Failaka) Although the entire state was mercilessly raped during the Gulf War, Kuwait took a rebirth and today you find tall buildings, the most expensive cars on road, big bungalows/villas of the Kuwaities in Islamic architecture, mega shopping malls and plenty of restaurants. Arabic is the official language but English is widely spoken and understood. Avoid visiting during April – Sept, the heat and humidity will drive you away.
GETTING AROUND - The local Buses are both reliable and inexpensive. However, you will have to navigate the place yourself sans a tourist guide. The orange Chevrolet Taxis, recognizable by red license plates should be avoided since the old drivers are mostly from the nomad clans (Bedouin) and always cheat in the fare. Call -Taxis are popular and reliable and tipping is not expected. Self-drive is also available provided you produce an International Driving Permit.
WHAT TO SEE – The capital, ‘Kuwait City’ is a bustling metropolis of high-rise office buildings, luxury hotels, wide boulevards and well-tended parks and gardens. Shopping is cheaper here as one can bargain with the vendors who are mostly Indians or expatriates. The most dominant landmark of Kuwait is The ‘Kuwait Towers’- which has a peaceful beach around it and lush green lawns. At the entrance inside the tower are blow-up pictures of the Iraqi Invasion and destruction and on top is a lavish revolving restaurant offering buffet dinner/lunch, which is mighty expensive. Advisable to spend on the nearby souvenirs/gift item stalls instead. The ‘Seif Palace’ and The ‘Kuwait Museum’ with its historic artifacts is also open to the public. For those who want to shop till they drop, ‘Salmiya Center’ is a must stop-by. Its similar to Haji Ali in Mumbai. Do not miss a trip to the ‘Entertainment City’ or Doha Village – Kuwait’s mini disneyland and my favourite hangout. Entrance is charged while the rides inside are free on token basis. You only pay for the eats. For beach lovers, there are many clean beaches all around Kuwait. Ladies outta be careful with that swimsuit, you surely gonna get A LOT of attention. Cities like ‘Al Ahmadi’ and ‘Al Jahra’ are oil refineries and at the outskirts. Not worth visiting as they are mini towns compact with theatres, shopping malls etc.
In Kuwait, there are restaurants serving a wide choice of international and Arab cuisine alongwith popular fast food joints almost everywhere (The people here are major foodies) Your choices range from grilled Iranian Kebabs, to Filipino rice caldos, to Indian Mughalai biryani, to Italian Pasta, to American hot dogs to..the list is endless.
DON’Ts – Pork and Alcohol is totally forbidden. Customs will drain out the last bottle if you are caught carrying booze into the country. People here do have illegal locally distilled stuff but no one dare go out on the streets after drinking. You surely don’t want to taste the hospitality of the cops here!
Always ensure you are carrying all your documents (visa and passport copies) while touring or shopping. The police have regular checks at signals or bus stops and are very rude to expatriates.
Do not bargain in big shopping malls. You will only be given a cold shoulder.
Don’t expect to find a pub or a disco.High Hopes buddy!!! A big NO here.
Don’t expect the locals to be friendly. Majority can’t stand Indians, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis and Filipinos.
A 3 to 4-day stay is advisable, as there isn't lots to see. You could fly to Dubai or Bahrain from Kuwait to make your trip compact.
A few Arabic words would come in handy.
Thankyou = Shukran, Welcome = Ahlan wa sahlan, Please = min fadlek, Sorry = Asfeen, Hi = Marhaba or Halla, Bye = Ma’a Salaam. However, if you want to further equip yourself with some non-veg vocab, feel free to email me :)
