About sakeenahq8

Status:

Expatriate  

Gender:

Female

Currently Lives:

Hawalli, Kuwait

Citizen Of:

United States

Dual Citizen Of:

Kuwait

Past Expat Posts:

Iraq

Japan

Costa Rica

Antarctica

France

About sakeenahq8

I love nature, hiking, photography. I love dogs and horses, they are fun to train. I am a Muslim, which is the greatest decision I've ever made. What I really love about Kuwait is the beach and the shopping!

My Website:

http://www.myspace.com/beaudettio

Advice for New Expats

Be open minded and embrace the culture of wherever you visit. The people here are amazing-just take the time to get to know them and you will respect their gentle, kind ways. In other words, don't be an ugly American.

I would love to live in...

in Colorado. You can go all over the world but not find a place nearly as beautiful or people so wonderful!

Education:

University of Georgia
  1988 to 1992

Favorite Websites:

http://www.ddfl.org
http://www.islamworld.com

Favorite Assignment:

Japan

Favorite Cuisine:

Thai, Japanese, Mexican, French

Favorite Museum:

Toss up, there are many wonderful ones around the world.

Favorite Movie:

A Few Good Men, Forrest Gump

Favorite Book:

The Holy Quran, hands down

Favorite Sports Team:

Denver Broncos, Colorado Avs

Some Forum Posts:

Kuwait: NEED Transport:

I am an American Teacher living in Mahboula and have a new job in Hawalli. My lease doesn't run out until November, so I have to requests. ANYONE know of, wiling to offer transportation? Mahboula to Hawalli at 7 am (ish) and back at 2. I AM trying taxi drivers but they seem to be extraordinarily high (the American curse.) Also, if anyone knows of a GOOD reasonably priced apartment in Jabriya, Hawalli, Maiden Hawalli or Salmiya, I'd love to hear about it. Thanks, BJ

Kuwait: Searching Hi & Lo- Where did the jobs go?:

Part of the problem is what they call "Kuwaitization." It is a newer policy where companies get an incentive for hiring a Kuwaiti over an expat and if they hire an expat they have to show that there were no qualified Kuwaitis that apply. A lot of the companies seem to get around it, but it might be where there seems to be a shortage. Also, yeah, I have been here for almost 7 years, have never heard of anyone jailed, but why risk it and have to sneak around? I hope you find a job soon, did you try militaryhire.com?

Kuwait: Computers / Garment Sizes:

I disagree. I brought my dell over from the US, burned it up in about four months. The problem is their electrical system is different. I had several suggestions (transformers, converters) but I couldn't save mine. I wouldn't buy ANY electronics in the US, they are cheap here and often you can catch an Expat on the way out and catch one heck of a deal.

Kuwait: Marriage Requirements:

I was recently hospitalized for a female medical problem. The hospital would not let my husband visit me without copies of our marriage certificate. If nothing, just do a paper marriage so that health care and visa and car rentals and dealing with the police is easy. They don't stone people. :)

Kuwait: Anyone know this story?:

I heard this story second hand, reminds me of the troubles I am having and the horrible US Embassy. There is a teacher in Kuwait who was between contracts for the summer, and went to renew his passport so that everything would be good for his new job. The Embassy said since he owes back child support they would not renew his passport until he paid. He struggled for a while, finally borrowed from a family member, paid the child support and the Embassy stilll refused to renew the passport until it was off the computer, even though the man had a certified reciept that the money had been paid. This dragged on into the new school year and the man lost his new job, now he is also stuck in Kuwait, with no money and unable to leave without a passport. In my search for solutions, I've heard this story a few times--wondering if anyone knows him or how to help? BJ

Kuwait: car leasing:

Just as a word of warning, Kuwait Finance House is known by American Expats as the "House of Thieves." There are many problems with them, such as hidden surcharges, misquotes, added service fees-which pop up and threaten to keep you from leaving the country. Many Americans avoid them like the plague. I leased a 2008 Prado (which is like the Highlander) for 220 KD a month. What is your allowance? They should have someone at your company who does a lot of this stuff for you.

Kuwait: ITT System Kuwait:

I have a good friend who works in their personnel department and they seem to be very good, take very good care of their people. Good luck!

Kuwait: Disgusting!!:

I was shopping yesterday when I came across the most disgusting purses. The man was very proud, "OH yes, they are the finest dog fur, they come from China and will last a long time." I felt the bile rise in my throat. Now I realize in many areas, the "east" and the "west" are different, but this is disgusting. I asked the clerk for the Kuwaiti store owners phone number and told him of my objection and he said he would no longer sell these things. I know a LOT of Americans come into his shop, so this was my leverage. IF anyone sees this, please do the same. Maybe we can't stop the Chinese from skinning dogs, but if there is no demand for such "finery" maybe it will decrease. Thanks,l BJ

Kuwait: Please welcome our new forum leader:

From what I understand, the other one doesn't even live here yet? S~

Kuwait: Christmas:

Most of the larger department stores and the Sultan Centers carry a pretty good supply of "pagan" type Christmas stuff--meaning, snow men, santa claus, tree decorations, etc. If you want mangers or anything religious, it will be nearly impossible to find and better to send from the UK.

Date Joined:

1/16/2007

Total Posts:

45

Posts/Day:

0.01