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Abandoned Amusement Parks in Kuwait

Published by halyoosha

Kuwait Magic Mall

THE AMUSEMENT PARK

With each passing day of our current partial lockdown here in Kuwait, I think about how underprivileged we are in terms of geography (the hot weather). But despite this, I try to make the best of what we have – during winter times that is. When the scorching sun quickly creeps back in, I can’t help but wonder what is left to do in this country. I love going to malls, dining and so on but eventually you want a change.

Even during winter, people just migrate to outdoor seatings of restaurants and coffee shops. Heck, now that restaurants have closed people are just dining inside their car. Me on the other hand, I’m trying to take advantage of the weather with my little daughter and being in the outdoors on parks and beaches.

What Happened at the Kuwait Magic Mall?

I was visiting Kuwait Magic Mall the other day with my daughter because I remember they had quite a nice seaside area there. The shores were inaccessible from inside the mall (due to COVID-19), so we walked all the way to the backside of the building to reach it.

It’s been ages since I last visited the mall, probably since school. From inside, the mall looks outdated in a 90’s kind of way. Most shops are old-fashioned and the best part – the arcade upstairs- has been closed for over a year now after the pandemic hit. A few live popcorn stations and cheap toy booths are still operating.

So as we walked across the long stretch of beach with fishermen lined up on the coast, we found an easy entryway to the amusement park which was obviously closed down too since the pandemic. Most of the old-time rides were draped with giant blue coverings while the exposed ones were rusty.

At the time, there were workers cleaning the place with large spraying devices. I walked into the amusement park with caution and nobody seemed to mind me stepping inside, although I am positive it wasn’t allowed. But what harm could it do?

The main entrance closed shut with a lock

My daughter and I wandered in with our nanny and we had fun pointing out the large-scale zoo animal replicas standing tall amidst the place. We also spotted a carousel and some other funny carnival-themed rides. It kind of took me back to Kuwait’s now demolished Entertainment City- a vacant retro amusement park. I was taken back to a time when we used to frequent this theme park at Kuwait Magic as a family before any of the other malls existed in Kuwait. The mall is kind of forgotten now.

This was one of the most eye-catching rides for me. I love the 70’s character designs in the background! Can you imagine having the entire (working) amusement park to yourself? That has always been a fantasy of mine!

I was curious to look up this specific ride and some interesting information turned up. This ride was manufactured by HUSS Maschinenfabrik of Bremen, Germany from 1982 to 2000. It’s a ride that moves around in a clock motion – either clockwise or counter clock-wise in an orbit-like manner. The surprise factor is that it stops in midair and then meant to reverse to any position without warning.

So there you have it, our mini adventure to a closed off amusement park. It was a brief peek since the experience was like a “see and run” kind of situation hehe. I can now (kind of) check off one of my bucket list things to do, which basically was to visit an abandoned amusement park. Except this one is still operating.

A funny looking restaurant stand for French fries

This got me thinking…why is Kuwait choosing to forget the nostalgic places?

I wanted to dedicate this post to one of the last amusement parks we have left here in Kuwait (in addition to Hawalli Park). Kuwait’s 80’s Entertainment City was completely demolished in 2020. Shaab Park, another popular amusement park, has ceased operating in 2017 is approaching the same impending doom (yes, it’s still standing there in desolation). The only them park still operating is the Kuwait Magic Theme Park. I understand that the former parks will be renovated and replaced with more modern ones, but it’s sad and feels wistful knowing that the old places are quickly fading. We’ve been seeing it a lot with constructions in Kuwait – they were worn out, haven’t been taken care of for ages and of course they were outdated, kitschy and trapped in time. For that very reason, the country wants to make way for more progressive and modern infrastructure that can accomodate things like “an indoor snow park” or another massive aquarium.

However, those places were Kuwait’s treasures too because we felt affection for them throughout our lives here. I wondered why they couldn’t have been preserved instead or atleast mixed nostalgia with renewal to pay homage to the old place. Otherwise, the complete destruction of it left a kind of void in the community. Removing such places is ridding us of all our time and joy spent in them. I have old photographs of my family and I in Entertainment City in the 90’s. We would frequent the park ever so often just like everyone else remembers it. This very place has fallen into disrepair and now POOF! suddenly gone. It was more than just an entertainment place. It was something Kuwait could call it her own, rather than just another global franchise.

Even with so many malls around now, Entertainment City would have still been a favorite because spending time there would evoke happy memories and a shared love for these places with family and friends. As time goes by, these memories turn to nostalgia as we reminisce it’s iconic attractions like The City of Sinbad and Ali Baba.

After the park ceased its operations, people lamented over the sad news from across the country. Let’s admit it, most forgot about the place. It’s a good case of “you don’t appreciate something until you lose it”.

Old amusement parks remind us of a simpler time, afterall.

What about our children?

Honestly, ever since our last main amusement park was demolished it got me thinking about the lack of places left for children to go to in Kuwait. Kids need to experience the fun that’s synonymous with a classic childhood – the outdoors – like theme parks, carnivals, farms, zoos, museums, botanical gardens, travel, field trips and more. The type of places where you hear childrens’ laughters and screams. Our zoos in Kuwait deserve a massive upgrade (and yes the hot weather doesn’t help) and a new theme park is in the distant future. We need better and more parks, gorgeous blooming gardens, exciting boat trips, a fun water park (which by the way, was demolished too!)

We need to prioritize our kids.

If the only places kids can go to nowadays are shopping malls, that’s a pretty sad reality. Who really needs a “baby spa?”, an indoor snow park? or an arcade room? Kids require active and thrilling entertainment. Something they will remember forever.

Interview: Life in Japan through the Eyes of a Kuwaiti Student.

Published by halyoosha

Some of us have traveled to Japan at least once in our life. But let’s face it, Japan is quite unlikely to be somewhere you will end up living. For those who have, they had to deal with many of the surprises and challenges that come with moving to a place that will always defy your expectations. So what is it really like to acclimate to the Japanese lifestyle? Here, I interview Mishal Almashan, a Kuwaiti student currently earning his PhD in Japan. I was curious to ask about his experience in Japan, especially when you also consider how vastly different both Kuwait and Japan are. Either way, living in Japan sounds like a whirlwind of an adventure!

Please introduce yourself and how your journey lead you to Japan?

Hi, my name is Mishal Almashan, I’m from Kuwait. I’ve started loving Japan subconsciously when I began to recognize and love everything produced and imported from Japan back in the 80s. What sparked my interest in Japan were the high quality Japanese products, their good designs and beautiful colors.

I was telling myself there must be something very special about this country, but I didn’t give it much attention at first since I was too young at the time to even realize that this kind of appealing design aesthetic was something unique to Japan. All I knew back then was that it was very attractive.
With regards to products and design, I was a bit confused between American, European, and Japanese products. However, I gradually figured out that I was drawn to Japanese.

One of my first exposures to Japanese society in general was watching the infamous game show “Takeshi’s Castle” (الحصن). It made me like Japanese people and their language. Way before that, it was all about “Made in Japan” products and that’s all I knew. Then I started to step further into getting to know the Japanese culture.

In the 90s, from 1993 to 1994, I was determined that I loved Japan. What started this passion for all things Japanese were my frequent visits to Japanese bookstores in London during my summer vacations. I got to buy random Japanese products that ranged from food, soundtracks, video games, anime magazines, electronics, printed dictionaries and maps of Japan.

Back then I urged my mother to plan our next summer holiday in Japan, to which she replied that there is nothing to eat or buy there! Only refrigerators and TV’s! But at this point, I already knew that Japan was way more than that. I got to know it more from the video game magazines that I flipped through, featuring various interviews, events, and workshops. They gave me an overall image about the real Japan and what it’s all about. This was before the advent of the internet!

So I kept visiting the same bookstores every summer and the turning point was in 1999! My dad received an invitation from the Embassy of Japan in Kuwait for him and my mom to attend a ceremony there as he used to work for the Ministry of Interior. He approached me and gave me the invitation card telling me he knew how much I loved Japan (although he used to yell at me every time I use my chopsticks when eating lunch haha!) He wanted me to take the invite and go to the ceremony instead of him. And I was like, “OK … I’M DEFINITELY GOING!”

I wasn’t expecting anything except that I will be meeting the Japanese ambassador himself! I took a friend to come with me. We were quite lucky that they let us in. We got acquainted with his excellency the ambassador and later on enjoyed authentic Japanese food, most of which consisted of raw fish. To be honest, I didn’t like it at the time. The taste caught me off guard and I thought to myself, maybe I don’t like everything Japanese haha! Afterwards, I walked into a small exhibition in the corner and there I got branded merchandise by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a magazine that was both in Arabic and English introducing the Japanese culture in a simplified and visual way. I was so excited and thought, yes! This is what I’ve been looking for! I WANT THIS! I got several free copies and that was the first issue that the Embassy of Japan came out with. However, the publication eventually became discontinued! So they don’t have them anymore.

Turning the pages of this periodical, I told myself OK, this is Japan, this is everything I imagined it to be. However, everything I knew was only in my head back then. But now, I had something tangible that actually featured Japanese information, right in my hands. I stared at the published images, read their interviews with foreigners living and working in Japan in the 90s, got to know about the story, culture, modern Japan, architecture, food, and more. I enjoyed all of the articles in that issue and kept getting the subsequent issues from my later visits to the Embassy of Japan.

Right after graduation in 2003, I decided to go to Japan with a couple of my Kuwaiti friends. That was my first exposure to JAPAN! It was the long awaited moment! It’s finally JAPAN. I felt like the still pictures and the TV documentaries about Japan that I had long read and watched in the past are coming to life! The only difference this time is that I was about to be totally immersed. The journey has begun, and it’s still ongoing!

Why did you choose to study and live in Japan specifically? What inspired and convinced you to travel all the way there? And how long have you been there? Would you consider staying for good?

I visited Japan in 2003, 2007 (Sakura season), 2012 (after earning my Master’s degree from the States), 2013 (homestay and learning Japanese language), 2014 (Summer in Hokkaidō) and finally in 2015( I’ve decided after this final trip I will be leaving to the states for my PhD).

However, something changed entirely. I decided to live and study in Japan. And I was like, it’s either now or never! So I seized the opportunity.

We know that traveling to a place is entirely different than actually living there. How would you describe living in Japan? What’s the true reality of living there? How does it contrast with life In Kuwait? Did you experience any culture shock? Did you face any hurdles when trying adapt? Were there some big adjustments that you had to make to live there? What was the transition like to go from a place like Kuwait to the opposite side of the spectrum in terms of culture and environment?

Because of my previous frequent visits to Japan, I was determined about my decision to move to Japan for my studies. However, I didn’t really know what to expect living in Japan with my family (a wife and two kids). Since Tokyo is the safest city in the world, I tried not to worry about it too much. The language barrier and the food were the only two daily problems that one could face in Japan. I eventually did learn the basics of the language to help with daily communication and through this I got to know where to eat or what kind of food is consumable for us in Japan. Now, it’s way easier than that first year.
Do you work in Japan too?

No I don’t.

What would you say is the best and most difficult part about living in Japan from your perspective?

The best part of it is the lifestyle. I enjoy my daily life in Japan and I’m now enjoying it not just as a tourist. The architecture, convenient transportation, delicious food, all four seasons, the nature, are mostly things that a tourist would not get to totally appreciate for short-term visits. I also feel that my personality goes well with my favorite city, Tokyo!

The negative things could be (in very minor situations) racism. The Japanese will always treat you as an outsider. But, if you think about it, this occurs technically everywhere. It’s human nature. Other cons could be the very crowded rush hours, which I’m totally fine with it as I know my ways. But it’s not so convenient when accompanied with kids.

What’s something that surprised you or even shocked you during your time in Japan? It can be anything to do with the food, culture, transport, people etc).
The senior people, in many situations, refuse any kind of help. They just don’t want to feel like a burden to the society and that’s amazing and inspiring for me in the future!

Tell us what’s a day in your life in Japan like?
On a typical working day, I shower, have coffee, go to university for my research, have lunch, go back to my office, leave again in the evening (studying Japanese on certain days, going to some nearby places for dinner and coffee!) then back home.

On a typical weekend, I go to events, exhibitions, shopping, cafés, sightseeing (mostly nature and it depends on the season), theatre, concerts, and so on.

You mentioned in your daily life that you go back to your office? Or maybe you meant in university?

Yes, that’s correct. As PhD student I get to work/do research in a laboratory .. a desk probably!

What are some kind of events and exhibitions that go on there? Any examples?

Special exhibitions at museums (historical or scientific). Anime and manga related and other special exhibitions as anniversaries or so.
What about the concerts? What are they like?

Classical music. Hisaishi Joe (the composer of Studio Ghibli films), for example.

Were you required to learn some Japanese?
The program that I have joined is entirely in English and that’s why I’m here as I’ve completed my BS and MS in English so doesn’t’ make sense that I travel all the way to Japan to struggle with my Engineering studies being in Japanese! However, I’ve learned some Japanese and passed the JLPT N5 level just for my own benefits and to improve my daily communication skills whilst living in Japan.

If you were to stay in Japan permanently, what’s one of the reasons why you would prefer living there?
Definitely the lifestyle, respectful people, good manners can be observed everywhere, cleanliness, beautiful nature, safety, their advancement in technology and most importantly, the very convenient transportation and mailing services which we lack in Kuwait.

Was it easy making friends and building a social life there? Did you meet any fellow Kuwaitis there like yourself?
To some extent it is difficult as they are not very open to foreigners but it got easier through daily conversations with my lab mates.
And yes, I got the chance to meet with some Kuwaiti fellas during the national celebrations of Kuwait organized by the Embassy of Kuwait in Japan.

Do you have any piece of advice to anyone that’s considering to move to Japan? Or study there? What’s the education like there?

Moving for work might not be a good option for Kuwaitis as it’s way more challenging and competitive compared to Kuwait, unless if you feel like you can make it with any struggles.

I’ve completed my Master’s degree in the States and now I’m doing my PhD in Japan. So, comparing both experiences I can conclude that no place on earth is heaven. It’s all based on your personal preferences and experiences. You might join a good school in the States but your daily life wouldn’t be as expected or as you wanted it to be, or vice versa, and the same thing is valid in Japan.

Generally, speaking about education in Japan compared to anywhere else, they have good schools and they do offer English-based programs but learning basic Japanese could help greatly to find your way around more “smoothly”.

In addition, always keep in mind that in Japan they have their own educational system that could be way different from the States or UK, unlike in Kuwait where most of our schools are affiliated with the American or British systems. Just ask and politely express your thoughts before you decide or take any action through your professional/educational life in Japan.

So you follow a Japanese style of education?

It is Japanese but it’s a world-class education. At school you’ll get to see more differences but in universities they almost follow the world-class universal educational system.

And if you can point out any differences you see between their system and the ones we are used to here in Kuwait? How is the Japanese educational system different? Are there any big differences that stand out?

The Kuwaiti one is affiliated and accredited, for some programs, by American associations. The Japanese one is just that they have their own quality control systems and their own measures. The curriculum for grad school is to be associated with the local Japanese research society (conferences, events, etc.).

I’m a member of The Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers (IEICE) and it’s a Japanese one! You can say that Japan is a self-sufficient country even when it comes to education. However, they care about their global presence and contribution/participation and that’s why passing TOEFL exams is mandatory to enter one of the top universities in Japan.

Those societies in Kuwait are not as active and big as this and in many cases you’ll find the local ones that we have in Kuwait are only chapters/sub-divisions of the American/European ones.

I understand that every country is different than any other country, but Japan really does stand out from the rest of the world, in a good way, no exaggeration. I just hate calling it a “planet” but it is sci-fi-ish, though!

Japan is different in a “normal-logical” way with a very simple-complex concept that runs throughout almost every aspect of their daily life.

Once you return to Kuwait, what is something you think you will take with you from Japan? What lessons? Memories? Experiences?
Japan is a way of living. I can live in Japan while I’m in Kuwait! What makes Japan very unique is that its spirit is different, not the concrete.

Other lessons are to be punctual, enjoy the surroundings, be active, be humble, chase my dreams even if they are different from the mainstream, try to establish/join a community where you can enjoy practicing your hobbies or improving your skills in something. They could be all Japanese-related not necessarily the language if one feels that it’s boring to learn a language. Japan is rich in culture too! Practicing JAPAN is joyful for me even when I’m not in Japan. The things that cannot be taken back to Kuwait are the convenient transportation and the extremely good manners (in public) .. and even the good, homegrown fresh food. Here you can even taste the four seasons!

While in Japan is there anything you missed about Kuwait?
Of course. I missed my childhood! Kuwait has been attached to my childhood and this is normal for anyone at any place in the world but you’ll get to miss it and reminisce about it while you’re living abroad.
It’s your birthplace after all, home to where all your childhood memories are. I know that you’re asking about Kuwait in recent days but still the childhood I spent there is attached to my memory. Also the residential areas of Kuwait, palm trees, sun, dust, co-ops, etc. They all become fond to me!

Social gatherings are not of an interest to me, probably they are different between here and there. But for me it’s just ok.
What is something that you would miss the most about living in japan?
Being a Tokyoite and then leaving my life in Japan behind as fond memories.

Do you have any additional personal comments to add?
Thanks for the interview and good luck on pursuing your dreams .. not necessarily in Japan, but anywhere on the planet earth .. it’s all about the journey itself not the dream!

—Sincerely, Mishal Tokyo, Japan

An Art Spree: Kuwait’s 60’s Art Gallery

Published by halyoosha

I have decided to go on a long spree around Kuwait’s art galleries to check out the current art scene.

Today, I decided to visit the Sultan Gallery, which is located in the industrial area of Subhan city.

The gallery was founded in Kuwait in 1969 by the Sultan family, with the purpose of bringing together artists and intellectuals to explore and address various aspects of Arab Society through contemporary art.

The current owner is Farida Al-Sultan, who has been working with a range of artists to advance the “discourse of art” that’s steadily emerging in the country. Based on my conversation with the gallery owner, she is keen on supporting rising artists around the Middle East and Kuwait, particularly drawing the youth to partake in the art scene too.

At the time I was there, an exhibition was in place on the topic of “Q8 Gas Stations” around European continents. The primary goal is to tell the story of the stations and their role in branding Kuwait abroad.

There was an exert in one of the books at the exhibition that read:

“For Kuwait, domestic policy became foreign architecture – the creation of a Kuwait abroad through a network of gas stations and oil infrastructure to build demand and secure a market for Kuwaiti oil. The gas stations would sell the Kuwait name and product, but there would be no Q8s in Kuwait, nor any political or social involvement in the country – as a result, Q8 was purely a foreign architecture with the aim of supporting the country – but otherwise invisible to the average Kuwaiti. The adoption of Q8 as a brand meant that Kuwait had to be simultaneously sold to the European citizen yet not to be so flagrant as to brand itself as Kuwait. The choice of Q8 was to then attempt to find a middle-ground, a form of soft-nationalism where one is both exposed to the idea of Kuwait, but without the over-bearing associations of an exported national identity.”

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The exhibition imagines the future of these gas stations for the years to come in terms of a changing global citizen and the changing idea of Kuwait at home, as well as the idea of Kuwait abroad. This photo depicts a possible re-imagining of the Q8 service station in countries across Europe.

Interestingly, in 1979, a British-Irish comedian called Spike Milligan started a BBC comedy series called The Q. Each episode was titled Q1, Q2, Q3, and so on. The episode Q8, played on the fact that it sounded like the word Kuwait. The following year the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation was formed, and decided to adopt the moniker ‘Q8’ for its petrol stations.

Some snippets of the exhibition…

The Story of Mila, the Cat 🐈 : Days in the Life of a Stray Kitten that Survived the Streets and Became Our Friend.

Published by halyoosha

It was a summer afternoon when I drove to our house to water our indoor plants. My parents were vacationing at the time. As I enter our backyard there’s a frightened and timid kitten, about 7-8 months old, with white fur and an orange-tinged head and tail. Whenever spotted, she would scurry towards a corner, occasionally peeking out at the stranger with curiosity. Her hiding place was a dark outdoor staircase leading to our basement.

Mila was cautious, yet at the same time, seemingly desperate for somebody to feed her. I could tell she wanted to be approached and feel safe, but with the unknown harsh streets out there she kept her guard. She was super dehydrated, starved, and miserable from months of scavenging trash and fending for herself. Keep in mind, this was last year in July at the height of summer in Kuwait.

I immediately entered our house and fetched a can of tuna, the readily available go-to snack for pretty much every street cat out there!

I stepped outside with a plastic bowl of tuna and water in the other, and walked to her hiding spot. I approached Mila slowly, speaking softly to reassure her I’m safe to be around. At that exact moment, she surrendered to her hopeless condition. I was no longer a stranger, no longer a threat. Perhaps Mila didn’t care anymore, and just wanted to be fed and cared for. Before the bowls even touched the ground, her skinny and boney neck reached out headfirst to feed. At this point, Mila’s desperate hunger and cry for help was greater than her fears.

This continued daily for a few months ahead. I eventually became a friendly stranger that she waited for in the exact spot at the same time. She was no longer afraid and I won her confidence.

Time passed and suddenly Mila disappeared and we didn’t know anything about her whereabouts. I just assumed that she mustered up the energy she needed and wandered off to face a new path, as with most cats that mature and leave.

But little did I know, that this was not the last time we would be seeing Mila.

Mila making her second appearance, all grown up!

Months later, on the morning of our outing, we spotted a familiar face in our neighborhood. It was indeed Mila, now a young adult, back from her temporary fling! She instantly recognized us too, and perhaps even remembered the place where she was nurtured and rescued. Around that time it was already the onset of winter, and the ruthless searing weather was not around anymore (thank goodness!). She noticed us from afar, stared for a few minutes, and came sprinting at our direction.

From that day on she became our close neighbor and our loyal companion, visiting us every day from morning to nighttime, taking naps in her little nook, and enjoying our company.

Stretching after a nap 😴

Whenever we stepped out of the house, we were welcomed by her, and upon returning she would follow us and obediently sit at the foot of the door and wait to be petted, sometimes asking to be caressed with a broken sweeping brush that lay in our backyard.

Mila looking through the door as she waits

My father would feed her meals such as fresh fish, yoghurt, some cold cuts, bread and cat snacks. Recently he got her a collar, a better cat house to rest behind our backyard, and even grooms her. He instantly became her best friend (let’s just say she was well-pampered lol).

Mila waiting for my dad, as she relaxes on his car 😊 .

Mila is very patient, quiet, and compliant for a street cat. She has a unique personality of her own that we love! In return, she shows her affection and appreciation too.

Mila playing with the kids

Mila takes comfort in hanging out with us on BBQ nights 🍖

Most recent photo of Mila, taken in April 2019.

So far, Mila is doing well!

Treatment towards Animal Welfare in Kuwait

Through-out the years, I’ve witnessed lots of stories surrounding the street cats in our neighborhood. Cats and her kittens stuck inside a drain pipe that had to be rescued, orphaned kittens left abandoned on the sidewalk, domesticated cats left astray, and many more incidents. But Mila, was one of those cats that stuck around. To some people, such cases are a trivial matter because they perceive them as pests that continuously breed and populate the streets.

But, Mila’s story made me think about the overall cruelty towards animals in Kuwait which unfortunately still runs rampant. I still see and read about children and teenagers who have violent tendencies towards animals, and I can’t help but wonder why this happens and what goes on through their sick minds. Why do they feel the need to torture and kill an animal that 1) Doesn’t harm them in any way, 2) Is trusting towards humans and 3) Can’t defend themselves because they’re helpless. It’s just all-in-all inhumane, no matter how you look at it.

Animals are constantly faced with the perils of the outdoors because of people like this, who can’t just let them be and they derive some kind of sick fun from animal abuse. Doesn’t our community teach kids to care for them? What goes on in raising these young adults to make them think this is acceptable behavior? Don’t they know about the prophet’s love for felines if you’re so religious and obey god? I believe this only predisposes them to other acts of violence in the future, because this kind of behavior is certainly not normal.

In Kuwait, we aren’t being tough enough towards animal cruelty. Yes, there are shelters (which aren’t supported as much nor taken seriously) and pet businesses are booming with pet cafes and grooming salons. However, that doesn’t erase the fact that animal cruelty still exists.

How many “social media stories” have appeared on platforms, claiming that a local mistreated an animal and the authorities just looked away? Yes, they might charge or fine and even arrest animal abusers when they’re called out by a concerned community of animal lovers, but how far does this ‘punishment’ go and does it teach others anything?

There’s a law to protect pets only, but even owners can be irresponsible (why would you keep a Chow Chow dog in Kuwait when you know the summer is merciless?) A lot of pet owners deem an animal as an accessory more than anything else, instead of a creature with feelings just like any living being on this planet. They’re either neglected, exploited or preyed upon.

Many might argue, that there’s nothing that can be done to reduce the uncontrollable increase of stray cats. The cat outburst that happened in Kuwait a few years ago, lead the government to implement a poisoning campaign. But, in other places around the world, such as Turkey, there’s a community network of cat-caring. It’s not purely idyllic, as animal abuse exists everywhere unfortunately, however, in countries like Italy as well, street cats are well-groomed and well-fed.

In some cities in Germany, street cats should be neutered or spayed by law to control their population. That’s why you probably don’t see as many. They’re also caught and taken to a shelter or housed.

Sometimes, if you go for a walk at Kuwait’s Scientific Center on the seaside where there’s a big population of street cats, you will find cans of food placed for them by strangers. There’s even a small self-made shelter for cats that’s overseen by a caretaker. The cats there are generally cleaner and healthier due to this. A few efforts are indeed done in Kuwait, but increasing punishments for anyone found guilty of intentionally causing harm or distress to animals is still missing.

It starts with reporting more of these cases, teaching children to be kind towards animals, volunteering to help them even if you find one in your backyard that seeks care, and supporting legislation that encourages kindness towards animals.

Until then, there will be cats like Mila in search for compassion.

BetterBooks: A whiff of printed nostalgia. Meet Kuwait’s Community Book Shop

Published by halyoosha

There is no sign, no direction, nor a main entrance. Its intention is to be hidden and discovered.

Better Books is tucked away from the bustling streets of Salmiya, accessed through an obscure entry followed by descending stairs. It reminded me of a hole-in-the-wall.

The down-to-earth second-hand bookshop has been around for 10 years, but this is my first time visiting it. Who knows, there might be a dusty old treasure that’s been sitting on that shelf since 2009, waiting to be given a second chance.

Books can be a nice source of solace. In a small second-hand bookshop like BetterBooks, there are quite a lot of old finds, collectibles and out-of-print editions. At the time I was there, they had just received a box of Tintin books for the first time, which is great because I’ve wanted to read certain editions but they get sold out quickly and become harder to find. There’s also a whole stack of Archie comics as well, an entire shelf in fact. I spent quite a bit of time rifting through their inventory, searching in the nooks and crannies. I had this nice feeling that I would find something nostalgic perhaps.

The bookshop not only serves as a place for ‘homeless books’ but also as a library resembling a cozy living room, where you can spend time lounging and simply being engrossed in the words resting in your lap.

I chatted with the Indian caretaker, Jacob, who was there at the time, and got some insight into the bookstore. He mentioned that the charm of the shop was to keep it low-key and have people just wander in. It’s less of a book “shop”, and more of a community for bibliophiles. Moreover, it’s a way to recycle books by donating unwanted ones. In exchange, if you have a purchased volume you are finished with and want to return, you can also receive half of the price back and this is how the cycle continues. The whole experience might seem like a treasure hunt, as there is only one copy of a book.

The bookstore is also home to a charming cat and a bird that roam the library. The place is pet-friendly and you can bring in your companions 🐦 🐈 🐢 🐇 🐩

A new breed of print?

Published by halyoosha

To me, hard copies of paper like books, magazines and newspapers remain alluring even though everything has almost turned digital. I’ve tried picking up an iPad, mobile, and even a kindle to read, but I still find myself going back to savoring each physical page like it’s an indulgent snack.

With the launch of Apple News+, it promises an “immersive magazine and news reading experience” with a comprehensive digital newsstand of up to 300 publications on your devices. It’s definitely great to have an all in one app for that. But, I don’t know how it’s going to affect my readership in general.

I still feel somehow wedded to print. I get sentimental about flicking through pages. I get more excited when I purchase a fresh and crisp new publication or even wait to get a hold of one via courier, than simply downloading it instantly online.

There’s just something about curling up with a book or magazine in hand and losing yourself between its pages. I continue to have the urge to visit a bookstore or the library to get a physical copy even though I know it’s available digitally. It’s as though the physical version holds more value. I also get enthusiastic when I hear about a new print publication. This reminds me that a few days ago, Buzzfeed, the online media company for news and entertainment, launched a limited edition newspaper of their content for distribution in New York. They called the stunt as “printing out the internet”. It almost seems that we had gotten so used to consuming the internet and the electronic side of things, that having a print version of anything is gradually becoming unusual. Who knows, maybe print will indeed make a comeback someday.

I decided to dedicate a post to my current favorite magazine called FLOW because it reminds me of how publications can still be charming in their original form.

It all started when I was seeking good, print content. I came cross this quarterly magazine from the Netherlands and thought it was interesting. So, I started an annual subscription with them.
This magazine is essentially called a “Magazine for paper lovers” and is filled with artistic inspiration, interviews, and thought-provoking articles on mindful living and positive psychology. Each page is a delight to turn over and meant to nourish your creativity and help you stay connected to the world around us. With each issue, also come postcards, art illustrations, and calendars that you can carefully tear out and collect. You just don’t know what to expect when you turn the page over! It offers plenty of food for thought.

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I think exploring such independent, foreign indie magazines is also what makes print fun. It’s what they call, the work of “slow journalism”, which are publications that simply take their time on quality. That is why Flow Magazine is a quarterly one. It’s not one of those magazines that you toss out after the issue becomes outdated, because it’s usually filled with rigorously edited long form stories and original photography, illustrations and graphics.
Slow Journalism is my new favorite journalistic term now. It’s all about about taking the time to report information with close attention and more depth. I enjoy how, when I open the pages, time slows down in a fast-paced contemporary news world such as ours.

Photo diary part 4: Kuwait’s Old Souk, Mubarakiya

Published by halyoosha

Check out part 3 here!

Inequality and Feminism in Kuwait

Published by halyoosha

I would like to address an issue, or rather, misconception that I commonly hear when it comes to the topic of inequality between men and women. This topic seems to agitate both genders, especially in a seemingly patriarchal society such as Kuwait. Male-dominated societies are most prevalent particularly in the Middle East, which is where I live and that is why I am going to refer to this region the most.

So far, I’ve heard of many definitions and views on inequality and the topic has been discussed repeatedly. But, I would like to explore it myself and voice my personal stance on this subject.

Gender inequality, which is not synonymous with feminism, advocates that women should share the same opportunities and respect as men. Wait a minute, let me rephrase that! Men AND women should share the same opportunities and respect within society. I had to make that clarification because even with the term Gender Equality, we still tend to refer to women when in fact it means equal opportunities for both genders and overall not letting any form of “sexism” act as a constraint in a social or cultural context.

Some men would argue that if women want equality, then they should change the tires themselves if their car breaks down, carry heavy bags on their own without mens’ help, or start doing other roles that are usually dictated to men. Yes, men have said that! That already is a misconception itself because inequality doesn’t emphasize physical equality as that enters biology. That’s all common courtesy. There will always be differences between both sexes, you can’t make them exactly the same in everything and this is also hardly the case in Kuwait. Men in general are wired differently, but I don’t need to tell you that. Men and women are different sides of the same coin.

What’s actually meant of it is, why is a man preferred for a standard office job over a woman? I’ve been faced with that on one occasion from a reputable telecommunications company in Kuwait and they even admitted that they prefer a man for the Marketing role. Although in other cases I would personally never agree to work for a female boss and prefer men (there’s just too much unnecessary drama, jealousy, competitiveness and snake-like behavior but that’s a different story). Women want equally the same strong if not stronger career as men, and that’s great. But then again, if a strong career to support a family is NOT what a man is – what is? If I continue down this path of discussion, the blog post will read like a book.

Also, why is a Kuwaiti woman who smokes still considered indecent? Like inhaling a roll of tobacco somehow defines who she is and her morals. There are some things like this that just don’t make sense and shouldn’t be judged upon. There are more examples that are ingrained in our society and we sometimes stop questioning them altogether because they are internalized by many. It seems that even with discussions about gender equality, women seem to be the main focus and that’s why feminism exists.

Men aside, here come the women with their feminism. At first, I was wondering why females who claimed the title of “feminists” seem to be automatically associated with “man-haters” when in fact, feminism is such a broad term. But then I realized that there’s a growing number of women here who actually believe in this definition. They are usually young women who are upset about the other gender and have either never found luck in love, faced failed relationships and had bad encounters with men. It has turned in to some kind of trend as I see it more often through conversations on social media where they are now constantly dropping the “F-bomb”. Suddenly, men become the bad guys and they advocate that they don’t need one at all in their life and should be thrown from a cliff! To each their own, you just haven’t found the right one, so stay calm and hold your horses! We live in this world in harmony, no gender is more irrelevant or unwanted than the other.

Also, why should women have to shave for men? I didn’t know that was done solely to please them actually. All of a sudden, these women from around the world start coming out with hairy legs as if to reclaim their rights to unshaven body parts. I mean, it really comes down to aesthetics and hygiene at the end of the day. You can go ahead and stop shaving, no one is forcing you to! You have just internalized the concept yourself, just as we have internalized that dresses and skirts are for women.

The constant bashing of men and blaming them for so many problems is equally as concerning and even silly because it’s generalizing and misusing the term “feminism”. Perhaps some use it as a cover for misandry? I really don’t know. However, it’s clear that women’s specific views on these issues are rooted deeply in their own personal and direct experiences that they immediately take out on the entire male population. I wonder, if a man does decide to help you with your flat tire, would you see it as an act of courtesy? Or is it a sexist insult to her strength and competence? That’s why I say that feminism is such a broad term that is misinterpreted by many and has devolved into something it’s not.

Regardless of the individual feminists who do in fact hate men, feminism if distilled down to it’s core in a much broader sense, isn’t even about being equal to men or stepping up to achieve what men have and trying to be “stronger” than them. It focuses solely on women, their liberation all over the world from the harsh misogyny that continues to harm and oppress them. Indeed, women have gained a lot of rights in the past century, but still aren’t held in the same regards as men. Women had no right to vote, a lot of things were and still are considered shameful if a women does them, and until now, some women can’t leave the house un-chaperoned by a man. They still do lack a lot of basic rights in under-developed countries. The male superiority is still there in many occasions, I’m not denying it or complicit of it. Times have changed though especially in my home country, Kuwait, which is deemed “most democratic” of all it’s Middle Eastern neighbors and generally women aren’t oppressed or that disadvantaged, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t existing flawed societal standards and ideologies especially considering that its only been 15 years since women have been granted the right to vote which is quite recent!

I don’t know what kind of feminism is running rampant nowadays, but it certainly isn’t the feminism that’s meant to make women more independent or empowered as done by female activists fighting for a worthy cause. Young women now champion petty things and call it being a feminist which in modern terms comes off as anti-male. Being bitter about the whole situation also doesn’t make women any more empowered or happy!