Tammy Camp

Stop the Hate, It’s safe in Kuwait

Posted on 29. May, 2009 by Tammy Camp in Adventure Travel, Kuwait, Middle East

As soon as I announced I would be traveling to Kuwait, the calls of concern came rushing in from all corners of the United States and other westernized cultures. Controversial issues such as safety in the region, women’s rights and cultural/language conflicts were the most popular topics of concern. What is it with most Americans and their need to believe everything the media tells them?

Safety in the Middle East

Concerned American #1
“Be careful, a war is over there!”

My reply
“Last I checked, there was a war in the country north of Kuwait — Iraq. It technically ended a few years ago.”

Concerned American #2 (My Favorite)
“Watch out for those Kuwaitis, they invaded Iraq a few years back.”

My dumbfounded reply, “Excuse me? You can’t be serious? Kuwait was invaded by Iraq in 1990 and was occupied by Iraqi Republican Guard for seven months.”

Come on people! Let’s try to educate ourselves on what is happening in the world. Most safety issues people were talking to me about were based on the lack of education in history and current international affairs. Only certain areas in the region are potentially dangerous much like the ghettos and projects in the United States. About 95% of the region is completely safe just like any other place in the world.

Women’s Rights Issues in the Middle East

Tammy wearing an abaya to visit the Grand Mosque in Kuwait.

Despite what most people may think, women in the middle east are treated with the utmost amount of respect. My girlfriends were very concerned when I told them I was traveling to the Middle East, especially as a single western women. Of all my travels all over the world, I’ve never been treated with as much respect for being a woman until I visited Kuwait. If you are a woman alone in the queue, you are automatically escorted to the front of the line so you do not have to wait. This also goes for anything else service related. Ladies first! The perception from media these days are men in Saudi Arabia beating their wives. Realistically, domestic abuse happens worldwide including the United States. Why the media focuses on such issues in that region is puzzling for me.

In regards to the abaya or the traditional Muslim outfit that I am wearing in this picture, it is not required. I simply put it on one time during my month long exploration of the Middle East while visiting the Grand Mosque in Kuwait.
As for the local women in Kuwait, they are not required to wear it either. About 50% of women in Kuwait wear it by choice in public because they are religious or traditional. Don’t be fooled though! Beneath their black attire, they are sporting Sex in the City type outfits such as Armani, Dior, Versace, Gucci and other high fashion couture.

Getting past the language barrier.

I have to admit I traveled like a rockstar to Kuwait. As soon as I hit the ground and stepped off the airplane, a lady was waiting for me from the Hala Service and had a sign that read “Tammy Camp”. From the gate, she escorted me to obtain my visa. She filled out all my paperwork, cut to the front of the line and paid my visa fees. After that, we whizzed past customs and I was off to my adventures beyond the airport. I recommend the Hala Service to anyone traveling to Kuwait the first time.

As far as the getting past the language barrier — Everyone speaks English. The barrier doesn’t exist!

Conflicting News Information

Here’s a bit of juicy news information. While in Kuwait, I was reading the Arab Times, the leading newspaper for the Middle East. On the front page of the newspaper they reported, “The majority of Middle East, including Israelis agrees Palestine should have their own state.”

This is not what the US is reporting. Who do you believe?

Interesting Traffic Sign – “Crossing the Red Signal Leads to Death or Prison”

Death or Prison Traffic Sign

The first time I saw this sign, I thought I was going to be hung to death if I drove through a red light. I had a case of western paranoia! After a few days, my interpretation of the sign had changed and new perspective came into play.

If you were a westerner in the Middle East, how would you interpret this photo?

Please leave your answer and feedback below.

Tags: Adventure Travel, Kuwait, Middle East