My not quite as limited view of Kuwait

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

11/15/2007 01:00:20 PM · #1

As many of you know, I started my adventure in Kuwait in July. After less than a month, I went to Iraq for nearly two months, then back to Kuwait for a couple weeks, then off to Afghanistan. I've just returned to Kuwait, and will be here for two weeks, then it's back to Iraq for a couple months. I don't get to see the fun places, like Dubai, or Oman, or United Arab Emirates, or Jordan.

Anyway, some of these are shots that have been in my portfolio, and some are new. This is my view of Kuwait....

Most of Kuwait is very flat, very beige, and not very scenic. Lots of power lines, and not especially exciting stretches of road:

Some views from around the post where I live and work:

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But there is scenery to be had if one ventures to Kuwait City, which is where nearly all of Kuwait's inhabitants live. And yesterday, SFC K (known to all who know and love him as Sgt K, Coack K, Special K, and any number of other K's) took me into Kuwait City - we had to pick up MAJ W at the airport so we left just a little early (like while it was still light out.)

For those that don't remember, this is Sgt K:

We stopped along the shoreline for a brief bit - a much nicer view than on post:

And all along the shoreline there are cats. They're small and very very shy/skittish, and they're everywhere. The little black and white one in the shot above actually let me pet its nose. The one below was apparently working on its modeling career:

Some buildings viewed along the way - all taken as drive by shootings - and an elegant mall on the water:

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We continued down the road a bit and found a lovely little inlet with fishing boats, and yes, more cats!

By then, though, the light was nearly gone and we had to get back. I'll try to get a few more shots before I go back to Iraq. For one thing, the Kuwaitis have moved out to the desert: they set up tent cities which are all over the place right now. The tents are surrounded by a square of lights (probably to keep from driving over each other) and I'd like to try to find out why and what for, and maybe get a picture or two if I can.

Bruce_the_Robert

Nikon D7000

11/15/2007 01:21:29 PM · #2

Deb,

As always, something unique and insightful in each of these, something that even if I was there, I probably wouldn't have seen. I need to learn to open my eyes; I'm glad you already do.

Thanks for sharing, and godspeed.

Best,

~~Rob~~ Bruce

pamelasue

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

11/15/2007 01:23:35 PM · #3

very cool images ... thanks for sharing a part of the world I may never get to see ...

island_girl1

Nikon D70s

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6D ED

11/15/2007 01:59:05 PM · #4

It's nice to a different side of the Middle East!

Kelli

Canon EOS-D60

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

11/15/2007 02:40:41 PM · #5

Awesome images as usual! It does make me feel like I'm traveling to view your portfolio. Love the kitty smile (a new fav)! The fishman is quite cute too. Are you sure he wasn't offering an exchange of favors? LOL! Keep staying safe!

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

11/16/2007 09:06:44 AM · #6

Heh - I wondered later whether he was offering me the fish (I'm pretty sure he was) or just showing off his catch of the day. And yeah, he was kinda cute... :-)

CalliopeKel

Canon EOS-5D

11/16/2007 09:33:57 AM · #7

We live vicariously through your photos Deb! They are well shot and it helps us understand better that part of the world. Thanks for the effort!!

silverscreen

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

11/16/2007 09:34:05 AM · #8

Thanks for sharing Deb - wonderful pictures :)

Elmakias

Canon EOS-5D

11/16/2007 09:55:19 AM · #9

this is rad, thanks!

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-mount

12/01/2007 06:25:37 AM · #10

Snapshot warning! :-)

More stuff from Kuwait. I went to the Friday market on, well, Friday. Friday is the first day of the weekend here. Work week starts on Sunday.

On the way there, I took a "drive by" shot of one of the many "tent cities" that have cropped up. In the fall when it cools off a bit here, the Kuwaitis move to the desert and set up tents. I don't know that they stay in the tents full time, or just now and then. You can see the city in the distance. At night, they have lights marking the camps, so it's kinda pretty!

Anyway, the Friday market is kinda like a "flea market" with tons of vendors selling everything from chicks, to carpets, to curtains, to handbags, to shoes, and soap. Hats, too, though I can't fathom needing a hat here. OK, it does get chilly at night, but not that chilly!

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There are also lots of fabric and clothing vendors. You can buy clothes ready-made, or buy the fabric and have a tailor make something for you. In our trips to the malls here I'd rarely seen anywhere to buy abayas - the traditional black dresses/gowns that women wear here, but they had some here. They also had the fabric for the mens' "dishydashas: - the full length "shirts" they wear. This time of year the fabric is dark - in the summer they wear white.

Heading back to Iraq tomorrow - I don't get to go "out" there, so it was nice to have a half day to see people not wearing uniforms! :-)

Message edited by author 2007-12-01 06:27:00.

Hipychik

Sony Alpha a6000

12/01/2007 06:28:03 AM · #11

Deb...so interesting! Thank you!

snaffles

Nikon D7100

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

12/01/2007 10:49:21 AM · #12

As always, lovely and interesting pics with a story behind each one...

CorySmith

12/01/2007 11:01:59 AM · #13

Originally posted by Melethia:

Heading back to Iraq tomorrow - I don't get to go "out" there, so it was nice to have a half day to see people not wearing uniforms! :-)

just dont be late for the iraq gtg
i have a lot planned, like um. walking around aimlessly trying not to get run over by MRAPS and making a visit to the px