THE OIL SERIES, DAY 7
KUWAIT
The most insane waterfight in the world. Today I woke up like a little kid again and couldn’t wait to get involved in the waterfight; however, that was for later.
THERE WAS 7000 WATER BALLOONS IN HIS PICKUP
Today I’d be heading around the city and seeing what it offers other than a water balloon to the back of the head.
As the celebrations continued, a lot of the city was closed; nevertheless, the old town is for sure an interesting spot to check out.
FAMILY EVENT
After visiting the Fish Market and marina, there were people already throwing water balloons at the cars. The daytime appears to be more of a family affair, whereas the night is for the rowdy crowd. Don’t be fooled however as the kids are just as aggressive as the adults.
Daytime traffic is lighter, consequently making traffic lights ideal for stationary targets. A jeep at the lights became a target when a kid threw water balloons inside. Within no time about 10 other kids were doing the same, and the driver in the front felt helpless; it was hilarious!
GENEROUS
I have to say as well the kids (and families) were nothing bus generous to me. I minded my own business and watched the chaos, but people constantly offered me Arabic coffee, Mars bars, Ferrero Rochers, and a steady supply of water balloons.
YOU CAN’T LEAVE
I quickly stopped at the hotel, and afterwards, I went back to the old town to eat at Freij Sweileh. Moreover, hospitality in this part of the world is like nowhere else.
I went to a restaurant that didn’t serve food, but a gentleman recommended Freij. After eating, I walked past the same chap when I left the restaurant.
‘You can’t leave,” he said.
I was thinking, ‘what?!’
“You must have a coffee.”
So he guided to another seat and gave me all the coffee I would need before a night in the trenches! It just amazes me and I know this kindness is from the heart as we both know we will never see each other again.
BACK TO WAR
I met the boys from last night; their water balloon stash was unlike anything I’d ever seen before. They said “good luck and help yourself” before it was time to start launching some rockets.
RULES
I’m not sure if there are any rules per se but there are certain things you don’t do without getting a water balloon or 10 thrown in your face!
For example, don’t open your car door and roll your window down; otherwise, you are asking for trouble.
Don’t walk on the footpath and not expect to get a balloon in your face. A few of these got real messy and although I walked most of it the first night I was let off lightly compared seeing how others were treated.
It was then I realized that they didn’t target me yesterday and had likely given me a pass for being a tourist. They did not give a miss to any person who walked past us. I have never seen a waterfight so aggressive yet everyone was full of smiles.
BROKEN WINDOWS
The cars all came out to enjoy the same event, and whenever an opportunity arose, drivers would open their doors or windows and take their shots. But you have to be sure to take your chances or get back into the car before a retalian as people on the ground were quick and you could have 10 balloons thrown at you within seconds.
Cars with broken windows were easy targets, sitting ducks in the traffic. The really brave ones get out of their car for more room but run the risk of having their car filled with water.
DINNER
Twice a week the camp puts on a special dinner towards the watering hole. After seeing the table setup I can confirm it is as crazy as it sounds!! Within no time it was dark and you can hear the animals as clear as day all around you.
From the elephants walking through the bushes to the Hyenas chittering to one another. You knew you were super exposed but rarely have I felt so alive. These lodges really know how to put on a show!
FUN
I tend to have fun fairly often and don’t need to be on holiday to do so but here brought me back to my childhood. I saw some of Kuwait, but I mainly had a fun, unique experience by luck. I was supposed to be in Iran; it could have turned out very differently!
NEXT UP
Off to Qatar, where yet again I would get an absolute shock! Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
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This post is part of The Oil Series, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.
To watch the video of my trip, head to my highlights on my Instagram.
