Living in Kuwait offers a unique comedy of climatic surprises, where the weather seems to have its own unpredictable personality. One of the most humorous aspects is the stark contrast between summer and winter temperatures, which can have residents wearing heavy coats one part of the year and practically living in shorts the other.
Summer: Imagine stepping into a sauna, but it’s not a spa—it’s just stepping outside your home during a Kuwaiti summer! Temperatures can soar up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), making air conditioners less of an appliance and more of a survival tool.
Winter: Conversely, winter might have you believing you’re in a different country altogether. Temperatures can drop to near freezing, with cold winds that compel everyone to dig out their winter gear, which was collecting dust in the back of closets.
Kuwait’s roads are akin to theatrical stages, featuring a daily performance of peculiar driving habits that can range from baffling to outright hilarious for expats and locals alike.
The Need for Speed: Speed limits often seem to be mere suggestions, with the fast-paced driving providing an adrenaline rush equivalent to many amusement park rides.
Roundabout Confusion: Navigating roundabouts in Kuwait can be a comical ballet of cars, with some drivers treating the rules of the road as optional, making for some heart-stopping yet funny near-misses.
A diwaniya is a traditional gathering space where men come together to discuss everything from politics to family matters. These gatherings are an intrinsic part of Kuwaiti culture and provide some amusing insights into local life.
All Night Long: Diwaniyas can last until the early hours of the morning, with discussions getting more animated (and louder) as the night progresses, fueled by copious amounts of tea and Arabic coffee.
Unexpected Topics: The topics at a diwaniya can wildly vary, often leading to humorous debates over matters that wouldn’t seem discussion-worthy elsewhere, such as the best method to grill a kebab.
Shopping malls are not just shopping destinations in Kuwait; they are colossal entertainment hubs and a sanctuary from the scorching heat, where some of the funniest people-watching opportunities occur.
Winter Clothes in Summer: It’s amusing to see a full array of winter clothing for sale in the middle of a desert summer. The irony of browsing through heavy jackets and woolen sweaters when it’s 45 degrees outside is not lost on the amused shoppers.
Escalator Etiquette: The unspoken ‘stand on the right, walk on the left’ escalator rule is frequently ignored in Kuwait, leading to some comical (and sometimes frustrating) escalator dances as people try to get past each other.
The Kuwaiti hospitality is legendary, often to the point of comedy, as hosts go to extreme lengths to ensure their guests are well-fed and comfortable.
Feast Fit for a King: Being invited for a meal often means confronting an overwhelming amount of food. Declining anything is not an option, and guests often need to strategize their eating to make sure they try a bit of everything.
Tea and More Tea: The amount of tea one is offered can be astonishing. It’s not uncommon for a guest to be offered tea repeatedly during a visit, with each refusal met with even greater insistence.
While many countries have pedestrian crossings, Kuwait sometimes has camel crossings. The sight of these majestic creatures having the right of way on modern highways is a whimsical juxtaposition that embodies the blend of traditional and contemporary in Kuwait.
Camel Traffic Jams: Traffic can be held up by camels just as it can by cars, leading to amusing traffic reports and some unique photo opportunities for amused drivers.
Camel Signs: Road signs warning of camels are as common as those warning of other more typical road hazards, adding to the unique driving experience in Kuwait.
From its weather extremes to its unique cultural quirks, living in Kuwait is filled with moments that range from the bizarre to the downright hilarious. It’s a place where the warmth of the people complements the heat of the sun, and where every day is an opportunity for a new and amusing adventure. Whether it’s the peculiar driving, the extensive feasts, or camel crossings, Kuwait continues to be a delightful enigma wrapped in a humorous mystery.
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