A pretty low key and enjoyable day here in Kuwait. After a very interesting class about the foreign policy of Saudi Arabia, we went to the Tareq Rajab Museum, home to probably thousands of various artifacts from all over the world. The museum is in a Kuwaiti home and is absolutely packed with pieces. However, there is barely any organization or pattern to the collection, which made for a somewhat confusing tour. There would be a glass case with 30 pieces of jewelry, with no description other than a list of 4 different countries on the side. There was also a calligraphy museum that had incredible pieces from hundreds of years ago. There were even tapestries that had originally been in the Kaaba in Mecca.
The museum had so many incredible pieces, but it was interesting because there is no state involvement or investment. If someone (even other than the state) put some time into the collection, there would be many opportunities to make money. Especially with some of the jewelry; creating smaller and cheaper versions of some of the necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc. and selling them in a gift shop could become a huge source of revenue. I would definitely buy some! But there just seems to be no interest. So instead, in the Tareq Rajab Museum lies this fascinating history, barely appreciated by anyone.
Tonight we ate dinner at a Syrian restaurant, followed by Sheesha and tea. All of the workers were from Syria; our waiter was a Syrian Christian, in fact. We had really great discussions about a bunch of different topics, and it was a very relaxing evening. Although it totally freaked me out during the first couple of days, I'm really starting to get used to these 4 hour dinners!
Since we weren't allowed to take pictures at the museum, for the first time this entire trip I took zero pictures today! To make up for it, I'll add some pictures from the past few days taken by some of my classmates:
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| At a dessert cafe at Marina Mall called The Chocolate Bar, which is actually based off of the one at BC! How's that for a small world?! |
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| Marina Mall |
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| Doha, Qatar |
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| Group Falcon photo! |
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| Another picture with my new, slightly frightening friend |
Hey Katie! I love the picture with the falcon! Here is my question: Why do you think, even though you personally saw some money-making opportunities, that there isn't much interest in the Tareq Rajab Museum?
ReplyDeleteHi Kates
ReplyDeleteDid those different topics you discussed with the Syrians at the restaurant include what's going on right now in Syria? That must have been somewhat difficult . . .
Eric - that's just the nature of Kuwait. They really aren't interested in the historical or cultural aspects of their society. Whenever we're at a museum, we're usually the only people there. And if on the off chance there are more people, they're never actually from Kuwait.
ReplyDeleteDad - we didn't really discuss anything with our waiter, just found out where he was from. Professor Bailey did tell him that she really believes things are going to get better in Syria, and he just gave her a sort of solemn look. It was pretty sad. As a group we talked a lot about what is happening in Syria right now, but it feels impossible to really get a grasp on it.