Job Discussion Forums

[Margaretswimming]

I read on a previous posting that many people hire cars. Is it unadvisable to buy a car and if so why?

I have some Kuwaiti friends that I visit me in Scotland. Would it be difficult for them to mix socially with me during my stay in Kuwait as I am not muslim?

[veiledsentiments]

Some people buy and some prefer to rent. Depends on your budget and how long you plan to stay. The longer term your stay, the more sense it makes to buy. If you will be there for a year or less, I would definitely rent or lease.

Kuwaitis and Westerners mix socially, though much less than we do if they are in our country. They have very large families and strong social responsibilities that take up much of their time. Religion wouldn't be an issue at all...

VS

[Margaretswimming]

Thank you for your reply. One more question.
I am currently living in Scotland but I lived and worked in Canada for 10 years. I worked in NWT (Artic Circle) and although life could be a little monotonous I didn't mind the cold as it was a dry cold. I think I am more comfortable with extreme cold than with extreme heat.
I know schools and apartments are air conditioned never-the-less is it very uncomfortable outdoors, In the evenings maybe:?:

[veiledsentiments]

Just one more? you promise?

I grew up in one of the coldest US states - even colder than much of Alaska. I found that living in the Gulf was very similar - for 6-8 months of the year, you go between airconditioned spaces (car/ home/ office) rather than heated. Personally I hate both extreme heat and cold. It is unbelievably hot. A couple of strange details to share with someone who has lived in extreme cold - minus 45 feels very similar to plus 45 - both of them make your skin burn!! The main difference is that extreme cold will kill you faster. Ha!! Also, it is strange that your glasses fog up when you go outside rather than when you come in.

Personally I spent as little time as possible outside for about 6 months of the year. For months on end it does not even get below 90 overnight. Kuwait does usually have a dry heat because the prevailing winds come from inland... ie Iraq. It does sometimes get humid if the wind turns and comes off the water. (to compare, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are usually suffocatingly humid because of opposite winds...)

The climate is an issue in the Gulf and some are really bothered by it while others are out playing tennis when it is 39 degrees!! For me, it took a year or two to get acclimated. Since teachers usually arrive at the height of the heat in August, I hibernated for the first few months. Then, in their winter (when the climate is lovely) I started walking in the afternoons. Every year I could walk a bit later... at first only till late March... eventually till late April. By May the temps get into the 40's every day.

Not very good news... sorry

VS

[Sara Avalon]