Nestled between the countries of Saudi Arabia & Iraq, Kuwait may remind you of sky-kissing buildings, impeccable architecture, blue water & an expansive coastline. Officially referred to as the ‘State of Kuwait’, the Middle Eastern nation is synonymous with its three Kuwait Towers, overlooking the pristine Persian Gulf.
I was just 11 years when I emigrated to Kuwait to live with my father. He worked as an engineer there. Being a typical keralite girl raised by her grandmother, I suppose I was the only person in the whole flight wearing a heavily worked churidar. It now feels embarrassing you know. Today I wear comfy track pants and sweatshirts and my favorite pair of travel shoes but back then, it was mandatory to wear sparkle wherever you go. I still cringe about that day.
So yes I was taken to my school-to-be right on the day I landed. I cleared my entrance interview. Before the blink of an eye, my admission procedures were completed and I had started my school life from the day after. Since then I spent five years of my life there under the scorching sun of Kuwait City.
We lived in Riggae. And I must tell you every city in Kuwait looks about the same. Almost all buildings and houses are colored in a light off white or yellowish shade that match with the color of the sand. We seal the windows during summer to block the sand storms. Dad used to have leave on Fridays so we used to wait for the weekend to hang out with him in our car.
Speaking of Kuwait, there is nothing too exciting to do in this country other than go camping at deserts and go for a shopping spree. I’ll share with you my favorite places in Kuwait:
Desert camping at Wafra
Wafra is a place somewhere about at the border of Kuwait. It is basically a desert but there are luxurious resorts, swimming pools, bbq areas, tents, hookah areas and playgrounds to rejuvenate your mind. It’s a perfect escape from the harsh and tiresome day to day life. Spending the New year at Wafra is a different experience.
Roam the Avenues
Well well well the Avenues!!!! My favorite place in Kuwait. It isn’t a place as such but a long long stretch of building with almost all brands over the world under it. From Gucci to Prada they got it covered. The building is so long and fully air conditioned that it is super comfortable to walk in there. Oh yeah people come for their evening brisk walks there too! My favorite spots to nibble on are the PF Changs (Chinese restaurant), the mashed potatoes and grilled meat from IKEA ( yes you got it right it’s a furniture store but do not forget to check out their restaurant at the first floor), the Cheesecake Factory that serves the best carbonara in the city and a lot more.
Visit the Kuwait national museum
The museum. Man the museum is one must visit place in the city of Kuwait. It fills you with the history and the culture of the Arab community and the evolution of their lifestyle over the ages before and after the discovery of petroleum gas. There are huge displays of their old coins, currencies, clothings, etc that takes you back to the 80s’ Kuwait.
Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center
We call it the Kuwait Cultural Centre. It is a tourist attraction in the country where you find a massive planetarium and everything under the sun explained under a single roof. One brilliantly created masterpiece, this place is a work of art.
The Grand Mosque
Also called the Masjid-Al-Kabeer, it is the largest mosque in Kuwait. I remember my 6th grade school education trip was to the Grand mosque. We all wore tiny mufthas inside the mosque and we given speeches about the history of the religion in the country.
Souq Al-Mubarakiya
Traditional market built early 1920 , originally for merchants to gather meet & trade goods with local merchants. Expanded & modernise over the years but still maintaining its original decor .
Popular for locals & tourists, restaurants & shops offering variety of traditional food & products .
Must visit spot in Kuwait . No entering fees, paid parking available too.
I lost myself in this market. Walked away with some really great items; one of which was a Persian handmade carpet, and a few choice items. I hope everyone who go to this market enjoy the vast amounts of boutique shops that include antiques, antiquities, art and crafts and great food vendors. Also you get the best Attars in Kuwait (strong scented Arabic perfumes). You will love bringing all these home.
Kuwait Zoo
A highly maintained clean zoo with a wide variety of flora and fauna. I liked the idea of green natural habitats created for each species. You find huge striped tiger, roaring lions, dancing flamingos in the water, black swans wagging their tails, bears and hippos and zebras and giraffes and bison and a lot more. The best part about the zoo is that the animals are not suffocated behind tiny bars. They are built huge cages covering vast areas.
Kuwait beaches
Kuwait is blessed with a gorgeous coastline as the Azure waters and white sand are absolutely breathtaking. Tourists can relax by the waters, sun bathe and enjoy the cool sea breeze or enjoy the various kinds of water sports. Wha more can one say? One of the best places to visit in Kuwait is the AL Kout beach, known for its serenity of the sands and peaceful blue waters. It attracts tourists from all over the world every year. What more can anyone ask for in terms of having the most peaceful and relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the city?
The Kuwait Towers
The identity of Kuwait, these three towers serve a purpose of their own. The Kuwait Towers are a group of three thin towers in Kuwait City, standing on a promontory into the Persian Gulf. They were the sixth, and last, group in the larger Kuwait Water Towers system of 34 towers. They’re magnificent giants at night.
Liberation tower
There isn’t much to talk about this tower. Just that completed in 1993, this 372-m. communications tower symbolizes Kuwait’s liberation from Iraq.
Explore the Arabic cuisine
My mouth waters at the thought of Arabic food. You get these kebabs and tandoors of best quality at local shops. Their home made hummus and other salads are worth a try. Also you should savour their traditional falafels, grilled halloumi, fattair, manakeesh (Arabic pizza), and Moutabal. The Kuwaiti meals usually consist of lamb and Chicken which are mostly eaten either grilled or fried.
So that sums up my experience of Kuwait. If you ever visit the country make sure to check these off your list. Tight hugs !!
Wandering Sasha 