VISIT WITH ALEX, DAY TWO!

I know, I know.  This is almost two weeks overdue.  I'm going to excuse myself with the "better late than never" idea.

Before Alex even arrived, he asked us about going to a place called "The Red Fort".  We had never heard of this place and told him that none of our friends had either.  In fact, we tried to persuade him away from this random place because it was a "far" drive (40 minutes) and would likely be a disappointing journey.  Nonetheless, Alex was a keener and was determined to find this Lonely Planet gem.

So - Phil called our trusty taxi driver, Hashmat, and the three of us ventured out early Saturday morning with a bag of nuts and some bottles of water.  We were skeptical the entire drive there - especially since Hashmat had no clue where he was going and neither did any of his taxi driver friends.  But guess what?!!!  WE FOUND IT!!!!!!  It DOES exist and to tell you the truth, it's actually pretty COOL!!!!!  Here are some pictures:

Shadow show on the rooftop!  WOOT!

This room was PITCH BLACK.  Thank goodness we could use digital photography to determine what was in this black hole.

Some of the rooms had been converted into mini-museums where visitors could learn about different aspects of Kuwaiti culture.

It gets BETTER!  Turns out.........the red fort is actually on the 20KD bill!!!!!  WHO KNEW!!!!!  It's significant enough to decorate the currency but not significant enough to be discussed or traveled to frequently.  Haha.

Once we were done at the fort, we decided to extend our drive and follow the signs towards the Iraq border (because what else is there to do here).  It seems that when tourist attractions are limited, you get creative (or crazy) and generate other options.  

I think it took us another one and a half hours total - and most of the drive provided views of.......NOTHING!

Well, there was the odd oil rig.  And camel.

TA-DA!!!!!  There it is!!!  This photo is courtesy of someone other than MOI.  Because I don't break rules on big red signs near scary borders.

In the evening we headed to the Souq Mubarikya where we met up with Shannon and Emily.  It was nice to walk around in the cooler air and enjoy some yummy cuisine in a bustling area.

I love this part of the Souq.  There are different coloured lights that are built into the walk way :)

When we returned home, Alex spoiled us with a copy of The Polar Express and refused to take any money for all of the Christmas cards he took back home with him.  Keep in mind that he had already brought me decaf Tetley tea and Kraft peanut butter!!!!  (THANKS ALEX!!!!)

There you have it.  The title of "First Official Visitor" is no longer up for grabs!  But there is still room for the second, third, fourth, etc.............(HINT, HINT)!!!!

MISSING YOU!
XOXO