About xxjerrad

Status:

Expatriate  

Currently Lives:

United States

Citizen Of:

United States

Some Forum Posts:

Kuwait: Getting Rey to move to Kuwit-Advice please:

We moved in Sept/2010 from Dallas TX and while it's a cultural jolt in some ways it's been a great experience for us, as it has been for many of the Western expats we know here. If you're open minded, it's a good place to be -- I often say our quality of life is better in Q8 than it was in Dallas. That's true in many ways. We thought we would live in Salmiya because it's near the "action" (even if it's a different kind of action in Q8). But it's also crowded,noisy and dirty because loads of people live there in apartments, not villas, and there's lots of commercial development. So it's convenient and we are there frequently for one reason or another. If you don't go for a sea view, it's also economical. After considering several places in Salmiya we settled out in Zahra, which is near 360 Mall. We live on the top floor of a villa. Quiet, spacious, easy to park, relatively clean, good for bike riding. It's also very convenient for the university where I teach. I would definitely want to live NEAR work because traffic is a hassle and driving can be treacherous. We decided not to get a car and we hired a driver -- very economical though not as convenient as having your own car and go when you want, but with some planning (like 45 min notice) the driver comes anytime. There's more to do than people tend to say in Q8. You will learn from other expats once you arrive. Many weekends I say to my wife, "I hope we don't have anything to do for a change!" Lots of socializing and also lots of events. I hope you enjoy it!

Kuwait: When you need a ride, call my driver!:

When I moved to Kuwait from the USA a year ago I drove for the first two months -- it was CRAZY. Once I became a resident it was illegal to drive w/out a Kuwait driver's license and it was going to take at least 2 weeks to get a license (it was at the time of Eid) . . . so I found a driver through an agency. Turns out to be less expensive to have the driver and it's not all that inconvenient -- he always picks me up on time. The driver has now left the agency and is freelancing. If you are looking for a driver, or you need a ride occasionally, I recommend Sharif. Call him at 5543 7090. Tell him Dr John from GUST recommended him.

Kuwait: Mystery dining in Kuwait:

I'm interested. I'm the spouse of a university professor and we've lived in Kuwait for about a year. I have experience as a mystery diner and in customer service, which is sadly lacking in Kuwait. Anything to help improve it would be a boost while we're living here. How do I learn more?

Kuwait: Should I consider moving to Kuwait?:

One thing you might like -- there are lots of good Lebanese restaurants in Q8. That was a pleasant surprise for us, from the states. Had not eaten Lebanese before and our fav food is Italian but that's impossible to find here (quality wise) so Lebanese has been great . . . as for safety, I know lots of single women here and I've never heard any talk about safety. As to where to live -- where are you going to work? And how close do you want to be to work? Traffic is Q-razy. If you like narrow streets, lots of traffic, lots of delays, then Salwa and Salmiya and such places are great -- especially since they are close to malls and restaurants etc. We chose the South Surra area which is close to 360 Mall and extremely residential. I don't know if there are one bedrooms out here but a 2 bedroom would be in the range of 400-500 KD probably unfurnished. It's quiet and safe and traffic is not Q-razy. And it's convenient to major roads.

Kuwait: Seeking dependable driver:

I've been in Kuwait two months. Finally got a Civil ID (what a hassle) and now it's illegal for me to drive until I have Kuwait license (another hassle). Since it may be a month until I have a drivers license, and leasing company will not let me continue leasing, I want to hire a driver. How likely is it that I'll find someone who is dependable? I need daily service, on time, to/from a university. Plus my wife needs transportation occasionally too, and both of us together will need it on weekends especially. If you've got any leads please let me know. Thanks.

Kuwait: Where to live in Kuwait?:

60-year-old USA couple moving to Kuwait. Job will be in Mishref. Questions about where to live? Salmiya is repeatedly suggested because it's within walking distance of shopping, etc., but others say it's too noisy and we'll only find apartments and they are small and not up to Western standards. Better to move inland and find second floor of a villa, but then we'll need to drive to get to shopping, etc. So where do we go? We value a comfortable place to live in the range of 600 KD monthly. Like quiet (at night) but also like the convenience of an urban setting. Also want some space so we don't want a small apartment. Also important to be able to play piano in apartment without complaints. Finally, we want to live near a Catholic church where there will be western expats if possible. All suggestions will be appreciated.

Kuwait: Buying a piano in Kuwait?:

Where can we buy a piano in Kuwait? Not a keyboard, but a piano?

Date Joined:

7/22/2010

Total Posts:

11

Posts/Day:

0.00