The First Post

I recently got married to an absolutely wonderful guy. He is almost perfect. Why just almost? Because he’s got one flaw...

He lives in Kuwait.

Naturally, I have to join him there. Because why else did we marry if we won’t be together?

Oh he’s also a Filipino. A proud OFW. He was already working in that rich-oiled country even before I bestowed him my matamis na oo (sweet “yes”). In fact he’s been there for 6 years now.

I have nothing against Kuwait. I have strong respect for that country as it seems to have survived the recent global financial meltdown better than most. But you see, I gave up my rewarding work in UK...

Don’t get me wrong, it is okay. I even consider myself so lucky to have snagged a guy with a more stable career than mine that when it came to deciding who should resign and switch continents, it was plain obvious it would be me.

I don’t regret it. (Oh okay, I am disappointed I missed the numerous High Street Sales during the Christmas season. Not to mention Boxing Day!)

But I am somewhat uneasy, almost bordering to being a bit scared.

Why? Well Kuwait doesn’t really have a good image. Sometimes when I think of that country, the song Sa-Sa-Saddami ng problema natin! (Literal translation is "We have many problems!" – a song made popular during the height of the Gulf war) just sounds off from the deep recesses of my mind.

And whenever I tell someone I am moving to Kuwait, I am most of the time greeted with disbelief.

And of course, It doesn’t help either when your closest friends tell you, “I still can’t picture you, of all people, to settle in Kuwait!” Oh yes, always with a strong emphasis on “you”. Geez thanks for the support.

But I admit I also share the same concerns.
Will I be forced to dress conservatively in public?
Is it safe for a woman to go out alone? Take the public transport alone?
Will I be subjected to discrimination in the workplace because I am a woman?
Most crucially, like every Cebuano who positively start drooling at the mere mention of lechon (roasted pig), will I survive without eating pork for months?

My mother-in-law has worked as a nurse and lived in Kuwait for more than 20 years now. So it can’t be that bad, right? If she can do it, then so can I... right?