In Kuwait

Arrived in Kuwait Sunday morning. Took a while to get here. Flew British Airlines to London Friday night (the 10 PM flight, which arrived in London about 10 AM Saturday). The later flight is actually better than the 5 PM flight, I think. We left home about 7:30, breezed through security (just carry on) and ate dinner at the airport. This meant we were ready to sleep by the time we boarded.

Slept pretty well (despite waking up frequently to check up on Mark -- who seemed OK). Plane was packed -- but I traded my leg room for some room on Mark's lap to sleep. Had not flown British Airways for ages -- they still give out socks, tooth brushes, little bottles of water. Wish we had sprung for the business class flat bed seats (like we did for South Africa in 2003). But they have doubled the miles you need so Mark would not hear of it. Nice that the tickets were "free" (except for the outrageous taxes).

I had booked a "day room" in London as our flight to Kuwait did not leave until 10 PM on Saturday and I did not cherish 12 hours at London Heathrow. We were at the Hotel by 11 AM and were pleasantly surprised that the 54 pound rate was actually for a whole day so we did not have to check out at 5 PM. Slept till 5 PM, took showers and walked to MacDonald's. Free shuttle to Heathrow at 8 PM. Only glitch was they confiscated my contacts saline solution (even though I had just flown through Heathrow with the very same bottle two weeks earlier). Luckily there is a Boots (a pharmacy like place) after Security so I was able to get some more. Hope they don't take it on the way back -- although that may not be an issue since they will probably make me check the bag I carried on here!

That day room was the best investment ever. Mark seemed to have no issues. We got to Kuwait at about 7 AM Sunday. Had to get visas on site -- which seemed like it would take hours (given the number we had and the number they were serving, coupled with the speed of the agents). But somehow a lot of numbers weren't there and speed picked up. We were through security by 8 AM -- and into the hands of the Hilton.

OMG -- this IS customer service. They met us and took us into a waiting shuttle. Got iced water. The Hilton Honors agent met us at the door and had us sit down at her desk. Got orange juice (best tasting I've ever had). An upgrade to a sea view room. Vouchers for breakfast (which we were not entitled to until Monday) and vouchers for massages at the Spa (Mark refused his -- what an idioso!).

The room is awesome -- super comfy bed. Luxurious couch. Flat screen wall TV. Large sized toiletries, bath robes. And breakfast is out of this world -- one of the nicest I've ever had (only equated by breakfast in Brunei and at the Moscow Marriott). After breakfast, slept a few hours. In a "turn about" Mark had more energy and woke up first and went to the gym. I went after he came back ..... then caught up with him in what might as well be a private beach because there is no one else there. Only drawback is Mark won't go in the water so there is no "buddy" for me to swim with.

The restaurant prices are really reasonable -- there is so much oil wealth no one seems interested in turning a big profit. Particularly given tourists are almost non existent. Sunday night ate at Pizza Express. Had the most scrumptious chocolate cheese cake.

I could not sleep Sunday night (maybe because I had slept all day). But Mark had and when I started stirring (a bit after 6) he got up and went to the gym. So when he came back we went to breakfast. Which was after he made up an outfit like the local garb ....with the bathrobe the hotel gave him. Luckily reason prevailed and he did not wear it outside the room. But it makes for a good photo! I am obsessed with finding out whether the men wear pants under their robes. It would be so easy if Mark would just go to the public restroom ..... but he won't do it! So I have to rely on trying to have a look when someone stands in front of a light. I think they just wear a long shirt. Seems comfy. The women's all black robes and covered faces are spooky. But there are plenty of women in Western clothes and I have not needed the scarf I got for my head (at Lynn's behest). Except as a shawl as I did not bring a coat and the a/c is freezing.

Had my massage ... and then used the Spa facilities. The whirlpool is the perfect temperature and as big as a pool. There is an aromatherapy steam room. And lots of other touches.

We ate dinner in the Arabian tents Monday night. Mark had "issues" as his legs were too big and could not reach the table. And he tripped getting up. For some odd reason the resort does not allow pictures (maybe because we can see the oil tankers?). Anyhow -- I am sure the satellites have lots of pictures of the resort.

I miss Sydney ... but could stay here forever. Actually dogs allowed (Sydney would so fit in). And they rent villas. Maybe a place to do a long stay post retirement. Mark seems just fine ... which I attribute to exercise, lots of rest and no alcohol .......