Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2006 8:43 pm Post subject: bunch of little questions
Hello there,
I am hoping some people living in Kuwait will be gracious enough to help me with a few questions.
I'll try to list them point form so that it's easier to pick them out.
- would you advise a single gal open to dating expats and / or locals to take a self defence course?
- can you buy a guitar, acoustic, or electric, amp ect in Kuwait, or would it be cheaper to buy at home and ship it over?
-is there Kraft Dinner? haha, silly but hey I get a craving for it sometimes.
-I know alcohol is illegal and can only be purchased on the black market, but when you're moving and bringing you're stuff over on the plane can you bring it with you, or will they take it from you when you enter Kuwait, and same with things like vanilla extract...?
-can you buy a little dog over there? like a yorkshire terrier or something like that, and if so would it be from a puppy mill or in good conditions.
-How much are the beach club memberships, and what activities do they offer, which one is best?
-Would you suggest a karaoke machine for hosting house parties, and if so can you get it there, or buy it here and ship it?
-Can you buy Mac / Apple computers/ laptops, IPODS ect there? would they be more expensive there?
-Can you buy painting / art supplies there like acrylic, oil, paints , brushes, canvas?
-Do you recommend buying clothes and shoes before I come, or get them there? I am tall for a girl and have size 10 womens or 8.5 mens foot size. Are the clothing sizes the same as USA's?
I realize that anyone person may not be able to advise me on all of these, but if you can reply with the ones you know about that would be great!
Thanks for all your help
Gender: Age: 29 Zodiac: Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 1 Location: Khiran Home Country: uk
Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2006 10:32 pm Post subject:
HI,
I have only just arrived in Q8 from the UK and I don't think you should worry. The shopping over here is as good as it is in the UK if not better as you have a lot of the Yankee and Asian stuff as well. There are several huge new shopping malls etc.
Regarding the shoes..... I haven't a clue!
Anyway, don't worry you'll be fine!
As for the self defence classes, if you are mid twenties and stunning I will take you under my wing! Wink wink!
Ha ha!
Take care _________________ You got to be in it to win it!
Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 11:28 am Post subject: bunch of little answers
Cactusgirl,
Firstly welcome to Kuwait as I’m sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how livable it is here. Culturally much different than the west with regards to social freedoms but with so many expats living here there is plenty of ways to make time pass while not feeling restricted. You’ll see!
Anyway there is plenty of shopping and plenty of shoes even for big footed folks. Kraft products are available but stock is limited so if it’s macaroni and cheese you want you should bring some extra boxes for those late night cravings. Computers, instruments, and panting supplies can be purchased retail as once again shopping is abundant in Kuwait. Look in the local news paper for puppies and pets that are for sale. I strongly advise against not bringing alcohol with you on your first visit.
Self defense and awareness are good points to look into as you may want to gain some knowledge into these areas before coming if you plan on going out by yourself. I’m not saying Kuwait is any more dangerous than other place but how you carry yourself could influence greatly if you are going to be a victim or not? Unfortunately, here there are daily stories about women being followed by Kuwaiti men wanting to get a phone number or thinking they’ll get lucky. This tactic is part of Kuwaiti culture and for the most harmless unless the male becomes too aggressive with his driving and runs you off the road. By the way driving in Kuwait can be a hair raising experience and is by far the most hazardous thing I have done since living here four and half years.
I suggest you talk more with other western women once in country for a list of shopping areas and do’s and don’ts. Be wise and use your common sense while out in public. I hope you enjoy your stay in Kuwait.
Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 1 Location: Kuwait Home Country: canada
Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2006 1:07 am Post subject: Thanks
Hey there Mr.Paris, and Jam,
Just wanted to thank you for taking the time to reply, I feel better knowing that I don't have to try to buy everything I want to use to keep myself occupied before I leave. If you want another friend, or to find out more about me you can email me at cactusgirl_kuwait@hotmail.com.
Thanks again for the info!
Gender: Age: 31 Zodiac: Joined: 16 Jan 2006 Posts: 54 Location: kuwait/dubai/KL Home Country: japan
Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 11:43 am Post subject:
as a long time and almost permanent expat here in kuwait welcome if youre already here.
if not heres some info on your questions:
- would you advise a single gal open to dating expats and / or locals to take a self defence course?
always comes in handy.
- can you buy a guitar, acoustic, or electric, amp ect in Kuwait, or would it be cheaper to buy at home and ship it over?
might be cheaper to buy back home and ship it, but yeah you can find almost anything you want here, and if you cant they'll order it for you for a fee. panasonic in salmiya is a good starting point.
-is there Kraft Dinner? haha, silly but hey I get a craving for it sometimes.
ummm not too sure, but they probably do. i have seen krafts mac n cheese in sultan centre
-I know alcohol is illegal and can only be purchased on the black market, but when you're moving and bringing you're stuff over on the plane can you bring it with you, or will they take it from you when you enter Kuwait, and same with things like vanilla extract...?
they might take it off you if you ship it. theres more than enough floating around here, expecially if youre gonna be hanging out with the teachers community.
-can you buy a little dog over there? like a yorkshire terrier or something like that, and if so would it be from a puppy mill or in good conditions.
couple if pet stores here and a society called PAWS that has animals for adoption.
-How much are the beach club memberships, and what activities do they offer, which one is best?
these range from 300 to 1000 KD a year. alot of expats chill at the hilton, but theres also the SAS hotel, and corniche,... basically join the one you like.
-Would you suggest a karaoke machine for hosting house parties, and if so can you get it there, or buy it here and ship it?
hahaha,.. yeah you can get that here too. probably from panasonic in salmiya along with your guitar.
-Can you buy Mac / Apple computers/ laptops, IPODS ect there? would they be more expensive there?
theres a mac shop here called mac city,... macs are pricey everywhere you go tho
-Can you buy painting / art supplies there like acrylic, oil, paints , brushes, canvas?
yup, couple of good shops in hawalli/salmiya and one in muthana complex
-Do you recommend buying clothes and shoes before I come, or get them there? I am tall for a girl and have size 10 womens or 8.5 mens foot size. Are the clothing sizes the same as USA's?
they have largeish women over here so that shouldnt be a problem. being smallish might actually be more of a problem.