Fonzation

I'm a chips freak especially Lay's. I always have a stock at home cos my favorite chilling session would be a big bag of chips, a couple of coke bottles, and a nice DVD. I spotted these new flavors from Lay's at the market yesterday and got all 3 to try them out:) So far, tried the balsimic vinegar (on the right) and its pretty good.

I actually had a great time this past weekend. Like I said, it was a chilled, relaxed, and detoxed weekend.

Thursday: Went to Palms Hotel for Ghabka. We were a pretty big group, around 23 people. We were seated by the pool and the weather was just perfect. The buffet was really good; I personally had barbeque, shawarma, mongolian beef, kibbeh, and lots of other stuff. We got there around 10:30 and stuck around till a little after 3:00 a.m. All in all, it was a great night and doing it again is a must:)

Friday: Home. TV. Relax. Sleeeeeeeeeeep :)

Saturday: Work :(

Well this weekend is gonna be different than the usual weekends been having past few months. Its the first weekend of Ramadan so plans naturally have to change. Nightlife during Ramadan is so much different than the usual. They are more chilled, relaxed, quiet, and detoxed :P The only times you can go out are from 6:00 p.m. for iftar till 2:00 a.m. for sohoor or anytime inbetween for ghabka. I knew the words iftar and sohoor before Kuwait but ghabka was a new entry to my vocabulary. From what I understood and seen, it is mostly done outdoors and is a full meal with drinks, coffee, and the hubbly bubbly (argeelah). So tonight, we are all meeting up for one of em ghabkas. Haven't decided on the place yet, but working on it. So for those concerned, expect a message soon with the plan :P For those who are not concerned, and would like to join, you are more than welcome, just drop a comment with any kind of contact info and will get back to you. Anyway, the ghabka will probably last till 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. And tomorrow, the usual beach is questionable since am fasting.... dont need to be dehydrated:) Well, am off now. You kids have a great weekend. Cheers!!

Hehe..... this is funny!!

While stopped at a traffic light this morning, there was this van parked in front of me with the picture of the late Amir on the rear glass. Ok, for starter I am against those posters cos they block the whole rear view and could cause accidents and I believe they put them only to kiss ass; if it were for something they believed in, a small sticker would do, no need to cover the whole glass. Second, if you are gonna put it up, at least show some respect and do it right, put a proper new clean one up!! This one has been there for so long in the sun, it has faded. Not only is it stupid putting it up, its more stupid being so unattractive.

What a great morning. Although I didnt sleep much, I woke up late today thinking I will be late to work. Usually, thursdays the roads are empty but it being Ramadan, I wasnt too sure. But when I finally hit the road, it was a beautiful drive to work. Empty roads and a relaxing chilled drive:) Looking forwards to the three other thursdays!

When I first heard about the new working hours during Ramdan, I was ecstatic! From 9:30 to 2:30. Which I thought meant I wake up at 8:30 and back home by 3:00, perfect! But it so happened that Ramadan and schools started at the same time so we got screwed and couldn't enjoy the less working hour. On top of the usual Ramadan traffic came the schools traffic. So this year is worse than the many years before. Instead of waking up at 8:30, I wake up at 7:30, leave by 8:15 to be at work by 9:00!! Yes it takes me 45-50 mins to get to work and if I leave the house at 8:30 then it will take me 1.5 hours and I'm at work at 10:00!! So, in a nutshell, I'm screwed in the morning, not to mention getting to work all pissed off cos of the traffic jam you just got out of. Then comes the time when you want to go home. You think you are out of the office 2:30 - 3:00 but nooooooo...... again, cos of Ramadan, clients dont come to the bank before 1:00 and so we are left with a shitload of work to do in the afternoon which much be ready next morning. So instead of me enjoying the Ramadan timings, I'm actually awake by 7:30 and back home by 4:00 - 4:30. All I got out of it was one hour sleep, which is definitely no compensation to my caffeine, food, and red bull daily requirements!! Ok had to get that off my chest..... been pissing me off for hours now! CHEERS!! :)

Columbus Cafe is definitely my favorite coffee shop in Kuwait. And yesterday I found their second branch that had opened a few months ago in Bahr Center. I had a caramel machiatto there and it was just as good as the main branch. The staff was very friendly too and welcoming. They were offering a new Apricot (Kamereddin) drink which wasnt that good honestly. The only problem with the place is that not many people go there, since the mall is still new.

While stuck in traffic I snapped this picture, hehe Gotcha!!

Been passing by Al-Bahr Center, a mall that opened up 6 months ago, and been wanting to check it out. And I'm extremely sure nobody bothered to check it out. So yesterday, I finally did. Its on Tunis Street, so at first I thought it will be impossible to find parking, but they took good care of that; loads of parking area. Usually, when a mall is new, people rush to it and are flooding it for months. But this one was empty. Not because it sucks or anything, but because it was designed solely for one reason: Shopping. You got all sorts of shops there but no entertainment; all there is are two cafes: Columbus and Caribou and they are both on the last floor. So if you got some shopping to do and want no distractions, I recommend you visit the place.

Today while stuck in traffic, I saw this and immediately snapped a pic. People like this piss me off. dont they realize how dangerous it is to have your kid on your lap while driving. The slightest brake and the kid will be flying out the window. The father is simply reckless, ignorant, and stupid.

The hotel designed a hall especially for Ramadan. You got daraweesh, a vocalist, entertainment for kids, and open buffet. Its for Iftar, Sohoor, or Ghabka. Its only 8 KD per person + 10% service charge. I remember I tried the Lebanese restaurant there once a while ago and it was pretty good so am sure they will have good food here too. Bon appetite :) Cheers!

Its been 6 weeks since Aug. 10 when carry-on items were banned aboard American, British, and many other airlines. Yesterday, officials decided to loosen the ban a bit by allowing passengers to carry lotions and gels onto airliners, but only in tiny containers of 3 ounces or less and only if they're in clear zip-top plastic bags. Also, starting today, air travelers also will be able to buy drinks or other liquids or gels at shops inside airport security checkpoints and carry them on board under partially relaxed anti-terror rules. Although they have every right to take precautions, especially after September 11, I think they overdid it when the measures they were taking and the only ones paying the price are the passengers. They need to loosen up a little bit, keep the restrictions but not as bad. {More}

Yesterday Sita and I went to Costa Coffee in Bida'a. This is my third time going to Costa, but each time I make sure I go to a different branch. For some reason, the coffee at this branch was pretty good. I had a cafe latte and Sita had a cappucino (with skimmed milk :P). The coffee was good, the ambience was nice and quiet, the company was great, the staff were friendly; but there was MAJOR problem................... NO BATHROOM!!! I went up to the cashier and asked her where the bathroom was and she says, "Sorry sir, we dont have a bathroom". I asked her to repeat cos I thought I heard, "we dont have a bathroom", and yeap, I heard right. I just stood there for a few seconds, stunned and speechless. So I had no choice but to go to Wasabi, next door, and use their bathroom which was a very embarassing experience. The whole staff at Wasabi was sitting down waiting for cutomers, and when I walked in around 20 people were on their feet, and I told them to chill, just want their bathroom. Costa needs serious work, every branch has a serious problem that will keep driving away customers.

Update: Okay. Turns out its been there since the very beginning, as Mark brought to my attention :P Oops. Well it was the first time I see it and I took photos. Weird I never spotted it before. Well, in that case, consider this a reminder then:)

For some weird reason my posts are not being listed on the Safats Page although my blog is listed there. It was fine before but the past few days, been checking out the Safats page to see whats being posted and not seeing mine. Any ideas?

Yesterday I thought of going with my parents to a chilled out cafe. My mom took me to Coffee Club in Muhalab Complex. It was my first time there and I liked it. I've walked past it several times but never really noticed it. They have a very nice setting in the middle of the complex connected to the cafe by a narrow bridge. You sit on the tables and you see the entire complex and it's a very nice view. The decorations are pretty funky, but simple. And the service is amazing. All I had was their Choco Freeze, which I highly recommend, but I heard their food is pretty good too. You can find it on the first floor next to Mexx.

Its getting worse everyday. I tried manuevering today and being slick by taking back routes to escape the traffic but it was useless; wherever I went I got stuck in traffic. I ended up being 20 minutes more late to work. Its 10:10 now!! It took me 1 hour exactly to get to work. I have a feeling this is just the beginning.

Finally, the latest Airbus contribution to the skies is the A380. It is the most spacious and efficient airliner ever conceived. It is the first true double-decker passenger airliner seating 555 passengers. Its introduction has witnessed some delays but now it is up and flying the skies. Here are some pics of what the plane looks like from the inside. Personally, I can't wait till I am on one of those! {More}

I know I've been nagging and complaining a lot about the traffic but.................. WHAT THE HELL!!! My working hours at the bank are from 9:30 to 2:30 now, and only the banking sector and financial institutions have those hours. Government offices start at 8:30 and so do schools. Yet today, it took me 50 minutes to get to work. The traffic was insane! The people were insane! And for some odd reason, the traffic lights take more time to turn green now! There are cops everywhere that are NOT controlling traffic and it feels like am in some kind of bump-car area in an entertainment park! You had those people zigzaging on the highway moving the leftmost lane to the rightmost without giving signals or looking in the mirror, then you got those idiots who stick to your car from the back only cos they think they will get there faster, and the worst are those who want to start a third lane in a two lane road. I dont know how I got to work without losing it. Because of today, I got some options to think of..... 1. Move and live somewhere else. 2. Find me a new road to get to work 3. Wake up much earlier 4. Buy me a monster truck and run over those idiots like the bugs they are:) I like #4 :D

Maze left yesterday to Lebanon for 10 days. He has been talking about this trip for quite a while now and I think he deserved a vacation. He has been working his ass off, which has been rough on him, especially that he is alone here with no family. So now he is back in Lebanon with family and friends and will soon be hitting the streets of Monot and Gemayze partying on! :) And if he calls me once to make me hear the music and tease me, am kicking his ass!! :P Have a great time bro. Wish you a great vacation and come back with a whole refreshed attitude.

Back to work today, the weekend is over. Been doing the same shit every weekend that it has become very normal.

Thurday: Party, but with a vengeance cos it was the last weekend. Stayed up till 5:00 a.m. and I love driving when the sun is rising and the roads are empty:)

Friday: Slept for a few hours then got up and head to the beach. Went to Palms and spent the whole day just lying down next to the pool. Pure relaxation.

It was crazy getting to work today!! I got into my car, put in a chill-out CD, and began driving to work. First, there was the school in front of my house with dozens of kids everywhere not to mention those sitting on my car, for some reason they like sitting on my car, maybe its cos its one of the few that is always washed and clean. Anyway, it took over 30 mins to get out of Hawally and on the 4th Ring Road cos of the traffic. When I finally got on it, I thought the traffice would be less..... it got worse. And then came the 5th ring road where the traffic was moving but it was filled with stupid crazy drivers who are mostly fasting and cant wait till they get to their offices to sit and relax. Seriously, fasting makes so many people supid and even more useless drivers. The traffic was insane today. I passed by the exit into Shuwaikh and I was thankful my work is not there. I also heard on the radio that the ministry of interior is majorly fed up with all the traffice violations going on and are launching a serious campaign to fight it. Anyone who seriously breaks traffic laws will have his license withdrawn. So far, during the past month over 600 licenses were taken away and over 10,000 files have been placed under review. They mean business so SHAPE UP!!!!! Its about time someone did something about those retarded drivers out there.

Well it's the first day of Ramadan. So Ramadan Kareem to everyone! First day is always the hardest day. Time is passing so slow, you are 10 times as thirsty as any other day, you have a headache all day cos ur missing out on the morning coffee and cigarette, and you feel spaced out and can't get any work done. On the other hand, everyone is in this happy mood at the beginning of the day but by 10:00 they switch to a grumpy mood cos of the lack of caffeing and nicotine in their systems. At this point, everyone is isolated from the rest and in a world of their own. Anyway, Ramadan Kareem to all!

This is the last weekend before Ramadan. Personally, I feel like staying at home and sleeping. But, it being the last weekend, I feel like I have to make the best out of it cos in Ramadan all the partying will stop and I become an angel :P I mean its a month every year when you put everything aside and follow a quiet life. Its a month with rules you have to respect. Plus its all about fasting, sleeping and being a bum, at least for me it is:) So, for the finale, what I have planned is quite simple and much like all the past weekends. Tonight I'm meeting up with an old friend who wants to take me shopping to buy her a birthday gift..... isnt that funny? :) Later on, it's Steve's third birthday party, but this time paaaartyyyy ;) A lot of people will be there so I'm sure it will be good. Tomorrow, the traditional day at the beach but not sure yet whether Palms or Hilton. As for Saturday...... work!! Well, that's it for me. Have a great weekend everyone!! Cheers!

Note: Apparently some misunderstood me thinking I am offending Islam. I am muslim myself and I was saying that during Ramadan I stop all partying and follow and respect the rules. Maybe others disagree with me that I'm some kind of hypocrite, so be it. This is who I am. I live my life and respect those around me. So if i offended anyone, I apologize and hope you understand that you misunderstood what I wrote.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez called Bush "the devil" in a speech to the United Nations on Wednesday, accusing him of "talking as if he owned the world." He continued to say, "Yesterday, the devil came here," Chavez said, referring to Bush's address before the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday. "Right here. Right here. And it smells of sulfur still today, this table that I am now standing in front of." His speech was harsher in tone than that of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who sparred with Bush the previous day over Tehran's disputed nuclear program but avoided any personal insults. {More}

Thumbs up to you President Chavez and hope all other presidents follow in your footsteps and speak up once and for all.

The plan was I pick Steve up at 8:00 p.m. and take him to Maze's place by 8:15 where everyone would be waiting to surprise him. Throughout the day, everyone was telling off Steve by telling him they were all busy and show him his birthday isnt that big of a deal:) So, I told Steve I needed to talk to him and Maze urgently about some personal problem I was facing. He made us all wait cos he had some shopping to take care of. Not until 8:45 did I pick him up and we head to Maze's place. The whole time he was with me in the car I was receiving messages from the crowd giving me instructions of what to do; I silenced my phone in case he got suspicious. We parked under the building and I gave the signal that we arrived (a missed call), head up and naturally, I waited for Steve to walk in first. As soon as he opened the door........ SURPRISE!!!!!! balloons were flying everywhere, flashes going crazy, screams in the air...... I was surprised myself:) Steve was speechless for a minute or two but he was ok. Yeap, the surprise worked:) The place was nicely decorated with balloons and "happy birthday" banners, appetizers and pizza were great, and the cake finale tasted really good, and the best part.... Steve loved the gifts. All in all, it was a great night, Steve was surprised, and we all had fun. Part Two is over....... tonight is the party!!!!

For the first time this week, I wake up and come to work in the best mood ever. I get out of the house and the weather is cool and there is a nice breeze. Also, there are no schools so no 20 kids sitting on my car to kick off. Best part is on my way to work, I actually made use of the gas pedal :D It felt great, roads were empty, and got to work early!

Yesterday was a busy day. On top of it being Steve's birthday, the gathering was also meant to be a farwell for Nadine, who left back to France this morning. She was here for a two week visit. It was her first time in Kuwait and she said she had a blast. She loved the malls, people (esp my friends), way of life, entertainment, coffee shops, restaurants, beaches, and the private parties. She is actually considering a working career in Kuwait in the future, that would be great!:) Her leaving hasn't hit me yet, but I'm sure it will when I get out of work and go home and she is not there for me to complain about work :P I got very used to her being around. I drove her to the airport today and on the way back I was kinda down. Well, Nadine, if you read this.... thank you for visiting, glad you had fun, I miss you already and so does everyone else. Good Luck and hurry back for another visit.

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I went to Marina Mall yesterday to buy something quick and leave but ended up hanging around a little longer. As I was passing through the circular area where all the cafes are, I spotted a crowd gathering up in front of H&M. I knew the opening wasn't till next day but was curious what was up with the crowd. Turns out they had opened up the shutters for the people to see what kind of merchandise they are selling. I asked one of the promotors there why not wait till the opening. He said they wanted the people to have a before-hand idea of where they should go when the shop open today cos many want that Madonna bag and it is a form of advertising. Well both make sense, but imagine hundreds of shoppers stampeding through the doors racing to spend 20 K.D. for a bag!! Anyway, I got a look of the place and I thought it was very well designed, organized, spacious, and big. As for the clothing, they got some nice stuff going on but not my style. If you head down today, I would advise you to stand aside until the stampede is over then go in. I am gonna get me a nice Caramel Machiato at Starbucks, have my camera next to me, and enjoy the show:) This is gonna be fun :P

Today Steve turned 25 years old. We stayed last night at Diva's till midnight only so that we all witness the second Steve hits 25. When the clock hit midnight, we all gathered up around him and started singing Happy Birthday, none of that music crap, we had to do the real thing:) And then there was the traditional blowing out the candle event then the smash-the-cake-in-birthday-boy's face part, my favorite:P He already had an earlier surprise party from other friends and then it was us. So yesterday was his pre-birthday gatheringS, today is birthday, and tomorrow is his post-birthday party!! :) Happy Birthday Bro!! Wish you all nothing but the very best and hope whatever you wished for when you blew out that one small candle on the small cake comes true:P Cheers!!

So yesterday we went to Diva's for their last Karaoke night before Ramadan begins. It was extremely packed. I didnt know their number so drove by them during the day to reserve a table but it was fully booked, had been for the past few days. This is my second time going for Karaoke night, but first time with a group of 15 people. After some tiring negotiations, I managed to get a table on the terrace. The guys working there were very polite and helpful. Anyway, when we got there, the place was flowing with tons of people that our table got "misplaced" but we managed to pull small tables from left and right and put together a nice decent long table. It was a happening night, people singing, dancing, going crazy, eating, having argeelahs, socializing; it was a blast. The only problem were the people singing..... ok my voice sucks especially nowadays since I have a cold; therefore.... I dont sing cos that would be noise pollution, if I felt like singing, I will sing in the shower or somewhere where nobody can hear me:) But yesterday.... oh maaaan, it was bad. It got to a point when we all got headaches and were asking around for panadol. But one of the people with us, Eiad, got very fed up and asked the waiter to disconnect the speaker outside; that was a major relief. We also had dinner there and the food, I must say is great. Its a 4 K.D. minimum charge per person outside and 5 K.D. inside, and I believe it is worth it, if you want to eat that is.

Reminder: Dont forget the H&M opening tomorrow at Marina Mall at 6:00 p.m. I'm sure you all know about it cos of the serious advertising going on. Recently been hearing rumours that Madonna is actually coming to perform. Would be nice but I don't believe that would happen. Either way, I'm going to the opening only to see what is the big fuss about although I know it will be full of kids and agad.

I have no idea what model this jet is nor how old it is. I was in the parking lot next to work and spotted it out the window in Kuwait City. What is it doing in the middle of the city?? But it does look amazing where it is, but it should be in a museum. I think paper planes fly faster than that:) Hehe.. very funky.