A Very Memorable Visit to The Amricani Cultural Centre and a Preview of The Incredible "Treasury of the World" Mughal Jewelled Art Exhibition

Amricani Hospital then..

And now..

 











A fascinating visit to the Blogger's Night last night at the Amricani Cultural Centre, formerly known as Amricani Hospital or by it's proper name Mylrea Memorial Hospital; but no one calls it that. A wonderful refurbishment and tribute to the interesting history of Kuwait. A tender appreciation of those American missionary doctors, some of whom lived and served here all their lives and chose to be buried here.  


Dr. Stanley Mylrea (Chief of Medicine, Amricani Hospital, Kuwait)
and his wife in Arab attire.



















An insight in to Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah's brave foresight and understanding of the need for progress, as scary as it may have seemed (there is an old dentist's chair and tools in the exhibition and one can only imagine the sheer panic at seeing that for the first time.) But at a time when smallpox and trachoma, were widely spread, then these doctors must have seemed like answers to a pray.  

Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah (1896-1915)

“… These men! Who are they?  Are they diplomats?  Are they politicians? Merchants?  No!  These men have come here to teach us.  They will build a hospital and take care of our sick.  Everybody dies today but when these men come we shall have our sick attended to.”











Going back in time at Amricani Cultural Centre exhibit, a small museum featuring some short films on the past history of Amricani, a chronological, geographical map of the development of the health care and hospitals here in Kuwait, prominent people in Kuwait's medical history, also some objects and settings of when Amricani was first being used as a hospital... 

The dentist's chair

The surgeon's tools

The Amricani Cultural Center is currently the headquarters of Dar al Athar al Islamiyya. Besides holding the DAI’s offices, the completely restored American Mission Hospital also hosts events such as lectures, workshops, exhibitions and performing arts. The Amricani opened to the public after in 2011.

The American Hospital first opened in 1911 and was probably the first modern hospital in the Gulf. It closed in 1967 and was abandoned until 2000. From 2000 until 2011 the building was restored and renovated with the support of the UNESCO. It now houses the DAI’s impressive Islamic arts and culture library – including many rare manuscripts – in the former women’s wing and the cultural center in the men’s wing.

The cultural center consists of a 200-seat theatre, temporary exhibition spaces, a permanent exhibit on the history of the hospital, a conservation laboratory and a training center, where museum staff is being trained with the support of the UNDP.

We had the absolute privilege to view part of the fantastic collection of Indian Mughul jewelled art entitled, "The Treasury of the World" an incredible exhibition housed upstairs. The Mughul period was 1526-1858.

The collection has now come home again, at last, after a 10 year world tour having been showcased at The British museum and The Hermitage, to name just a few. Read one of the reviews in the New York Times of the exhibit [link].

I first learned of TOW after reading a very interesting interview given by the owner/director Sheikha Hussa Al-Sabah whilst she visited the exhibit in Malayasia [link]. The collection is owned and lovingly cared for by Sheikha Hussa and her husband, Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah.

This will, undoubtedly, be the number one destination for residents and any visitors to Kuwait. It will be open to the public soon (perhaps as soon as January 2012).

To learn more about this incredible Al Sabah collection and Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah [link] . Keep updated about their DAI on Facebook [link], also if you're Twittering [link]. 

Al Amricani Cultural Centre and Administrative Offices
in the Historic Amricani Hospital Buildings

Tel: (965) 2240 0992
Fax: (965) 2246 7770
Email: info@darmuseum.org.kw

Map- click to enlarge

The stunning "Treasury of the World" Exhibition.

The Mughal collection comprises of many elaborate bejewelled necklaces, thick bracelets, plume-like turban ornaments, protective rings for archery, hookah mouthpieces and elongated hair ornaments, as well as jewel-encrusted boxes, fly whisks, dozens of swords and daggers and scabbards. Precious stones used in abundance include diamonds, rubies, emeralds and natural pearls.

Turban brooch



Turban brooches and rings.

The exquisite, jewelled ring on the far left above and larger pic below has a moveable head and a secret compartment for poison in case the wearer was captured and needed to commit suicide before the gruesome torture began.


Adorned cups

Diamond and pearl necklace


Dagger, scabbard and jewel encrusted hair swisher 3rd from right

Pearl and jewel necklace

Hookah water reservoirs

Emerald turban brooch

White jade

Extensive collection of daggers

This photo on display has been blown up to almost adult size to show the very intricate details of the original miniature painting.

The astounding collection is not to be missed! Will keep you posted when it opens to the public. A very proud moment for the Kuwaitis indeed.

LWDLIK- Thank you to the wonderful people at DAI and to my young photographer Ibrahim Al Athari.

Kuwait Weight Loss Camp

Kuwait Weight Loss Camp is a program provided by Aymstrong that’s all about lasting weight loss. The Camp is designed to make you lose the fat and challenge your limits in weight reduction exercises through team work activities scheduled three times a week. Which is all you really need.

The camp has 3 elements: weight loss, work out and teamwork. Click here to know more about it.

The History of theTattoo



A tattoo is made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment. Tattoos on humans are a type of body modification, and tattoos on other animals are most commonly used for identification purposes. The first written reference to the word, "tattoo" (or Samoan "Tatau") appears in the journal of Joseph Banks, the naturalist aboard Captain Cook's ship the HMS Endeavour in 1769: "I shall now mention the way they mark themselves indelibly, each of them is so marked by their humor or disposition".

Tattooing has been practiced for centuries in many cultures spread throughout the world. The Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan, traditionally had facial tattoos. Today one can find Berbers of Tamazgha (North Africa), Māori of New Zealand, Hausa people of Northern Nigeria, Arabic people in East-Turkey and Atayal of Taiwan with facial tattoos. Tattooing was widespread among Polynesian peoples and among certain tribal groups in the Taiwan, Philippines, Borneo, Mentawai Islands, Africa, North America, South America, Mesoamerica, Europe, Japan, Cambodia, New Zealand and Micronesia. Indeed, the island of Great Britain takes its name from tattooing, with Britons translating as 'people of the designs' and the Picts, who originally inhabited Britain, literally meaning 'the painted people'. British people remain the most tattooed in Europe. Despite some taboos surrounding tattooing, the art continues to be popular in many parts of the world.

Since the 1990s, tattoos have become a mainstream part of global and Western fashion, common among both sexes, to all economic classes, and to age groups from the later teen years to middle age. By the 2010s, even the Barbie doll put out a tattooed Barbie in 2011.

To read more on this interesting subject [link].

Create Your Own Tattoo and Win $100

 
 

 

Visit website above for details and to enter competition



Be creative and get a temporary tattoo on any part of your body then send amani your tattoo picture and she will post it on her blog to let others vote for it.

Terms of Competition :

- You must "create" your temporary tattoo. "New designs"

- Each competitor allowed to post 2 pictures only. No more than 2 designs.

- Both women and men can join the contest.

- Send clear pictures please.

How to apply :

- You must send her your " REAL NAME" no nicknames allowed but if you prefer not to show your name in public write your nickname beside your real name and send to amani5@ymail.com.

- Send her your verified email address or anything she can reach you on like Facebook or Twitter account.

- You can follow her on Twitter @amanisab then tweet her '' Follow me to send you (Tattoo Contest) DM"

 

Be creative and join the Contest

XoXo

amani











Chai Al Dhaha (Morning Tea) at Sadu House شاي الضحى في بيت السدو

  

Time	5 December · 10:00 - 14:00
Location	Sadu House Arabian Gulf Street, Next to the National Museum of Kuwait Kuwait, Kuwait
Created by:	Sadu House
More info	Chai Al Dhaha (Morning Tea) at Sadu House An open day welcoming designers, textile enthusiasts, and all persons interested in Kuwaiti traditional weaving. When: Monday December 5th 2011 Time: 10 am – 2pm Place: Sadu House

Join the 2012 Ford Explorer Experience

This is not how I remember Ford cars to be..Wow! Looks more like a Cadillac/Range Rover. Their website and link for this little beauty. [link]

Explorer - Equipped with all the standard features, plus:

• 17-in. steel wheels with 5-spoke wheel covers and P245/65R17 all-season BSW tires
• AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) and Curve Control
• Front-seat side airbags*
• MyKey® owner controls feature
• Personal Safety System™ for driver and front passenger
• 1st-row bucket seats with 2-way adjustable head restraints and 6-way power driver’s seat with manual lumbar
• 2nd-row 60/40 split fold-flat seat
• AM/FM stereo/single-CD player with MP3 capability and 6 speakers
• MyFord™ with 4.2-in. color LCD displays in instrument cluster and center stack; and media hub with auxiliary audio input jack

Explorer XLT - Includes select Explorer features, plus:

• • 6-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission
  • 18-in. painted aluminum wheels with P245/60R18 all-season BSW tires
  • Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control with auxiliary rear controls
  • Automatic headlamps
  • Chrome door handles
  • Fog lamps

Explorer Limited - Includes select standard Explorer XLT features, plus:

• Intelligent Access with push-button start
• Remote Start System*
• 20-in. painted aluminum wheels with P255/50R20 all-season BSW tires
• Ambient lighting
• Audio System from Sony with 12 speakers
• Ford SYNC® voice-activated, in-vehicle communications and entertainment system
• MyFord Touch™ with 2 configurable displays in instrument cluster; 8-in. LCD touch screen in center stack; and media hub with 2 USB ports, SD card reader and audio/video input jacks
• BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert (requires Comfort Package)

^*Always wear your safety belt and secure children in the rear seat.

LWDLIK- Oooooeeee preeeettty! As a woman, of course, all I see is cool black car with remote start and voice activated features that looks affordable. Needless to say Santa I've been very, very good but probably not good enough :OI

Crazy Driving Kuwait! Un-flipping-believable..

Wanted: A Santa with a Great Ho-ho-ho!

I had an email today, from an events organiser, looking for a Santa-to-hire for a Christmas party. If you're interested, or know someone who might be, please tel. 94082225/6.

Kuwait Government Resigns But Stays as Caretaker

  DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Kuwait's ruler has accepted the resignation of the government, but has asked the Cabinet to remain in a caretaker role.

The decision by the emir, Sheik Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah, to keep the Cabinet in office is likely to anger opposition groups that have pressed for the dismissal of his prime minister amid a growing crisis over corruption accusations.

The report Monday on the state-run Kuwait News Agency did not give a timetable for how long the caretaker Cabinet could remain before possible elections in the oil-rich nation.


DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Kuwait faced a fresh bout of political uncertainty on Monday after opposition lawmakers said the government has submitted its resignation to the Gulf nation's ruler amid a growing crisis over corruption accusations.

However, there was no official word on such a move, which could lead to parliament being dissolved and new elections — if it's accepted by Kuwait's emir.

One opposition lawmaker, Khaled al-Sultan, told reporters that the Cabinet tendered the resignations just hours before a major protest rally was set to begin Monday.

The oil-rich nation has been locked in an increasingly bitter dispute between the government and opposition groups demanding the prime minister's resignation. Protesters stormed parliament earlier in November to decry claims that officials transferred state funds to bank accounts abroad.

The unrest comes against the backdrop of widespread and sometimes violent protests that have roiled the Arab world this year.

Yet there is little sign the tumult could seriously challenge Kuwait's political system — a constitutional monarchy whose parliament has the most powers of any elected body in the Gulf.

Kuwait's political uncertainty is nonetheless a cause for concern among its Western allies. The OPEC member nation could host thousands more American forces under a Pentagon-drafted plan to boost troop strength in the Gulf after the U.S. withdraws from Iraq.

Although the battles in recent weeks have been over the corruption allegations, Kuwait's prime minister, Sheik Nasser Al Mohammad Al Sabah, has long been a lightning rod for the opposition. Sheik Nasser — a nephew of the emir — has survived three no-confidence motions in parliament, most recently in June, and was scheduled to appear before the chamber on Tuesday for more questioning about government affairs.

Kuwait's opposition — ranging from Islamists to liberals — have accused authorities of trying to limit political openness and using heavy-handed measures such as raids and arrests to silence dissenting voices.

But the Cabinet resignation may not even cool the political battles. There is widespread speculation that the emir, Sheik Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah, could reappoint Sheik Nasser as prime minister after new elections, which must be held within 60 days.

The latest political crisis has its roots in a corruption scandal that emerged over the summer. Allegations were made that the prime minister was connected to bribes paid to pro-government parliament members, who were then accused of transferring the money to foreign accounts. The country's long-serving foreign minister stepped down last month after claims that the transfers were routed through his ministry.

Despite the turmoil, there have been no calls for a removal of the ruling Al Sabah family. Instead, generous subsidies and a cradle-to-grave welfare system have helped the government resist calls for reforms until recently.

But a stalled out economy — despite 12 consecutive years of multibillion dollar budget surpluses — has left many frustrated as Kuwait has been overshadowed by fast-growing Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in the past 20 years.

Opposition groups accuse old guard political leaders of failing to keep pace with Gulf neighbors. The result is a power struggle over the entire way in which the country is governed and who has the right to appoint a Cabinet, which is dominated by members of the ruling family.

"It's becoming difficult, almost impossible, to reach a compromise that will put our country back on the right track to achieving its aspirations," wrote columnist Sherida al-Moasherji in the daily Al Jarida

A Christmas Appeal: Operation Hope

Operation Hope are running the refreshments in the diwaniya at the Winter Fayre, Sadu House on Saturday, 3rd December from 10AM-4PM. If you want to donate some baked goods to this amazing group of people for them to sell on Saturday please contact: operationhopekuwait@yahoo.com .

All proceeds will go to help the less fortunate in our community. 

The Winter Fayre at Sadu House, Arabian Gulf Street is supporting 5 charities on the day  so hope you will all go along and support them and have a great festive day out at the same time! :-)

Mission of OH

Operation HOPE-Kuwait is a Mission of Mercy which provides practical humanitarian relief primarily to expatriate laborers in Kuwait in a manner that restores their God-given dignity.


LWDLIK- Shall be sending 2 dozen of my finest cupcakes :O)

Christmas Trees in Kuwait 2011 Photo Gallery

After the blood, sweat and tears of putting up the Christmas tree; a few satisfying, fabulous beauties.


Linz'

Carol's

Lorraine's 



Deb's




















Ours (sun too bright to photo whole tree now) so just a few choice areas.

This is what happens when you have an 8 year old supervisor mess with your tree..tree frogs! Couldn't really argue with her logic LOL. These are favourites of my daughter, they are hand-made in Kuwait by a dear friend, who sends all the proceeds to a charity for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research Fund. They are available to buy or order from kalanizi@yahoo.com.  

Merry Christmas all :O)

If anyone would like their tree pic posted here pls send it to me at LWDLIK@gmail.com

Wonderful Pics of the Japanese Festival 'Matsuri' at Souq Sharq

1- The opening ceremony
2- Japanese Taiko drums concert
3- Japanese Folk Dance "Bon-Odori"
4- Exhibition of recovery from great disaster
5- Charity exhibition
6- Japanese culture workshop and exhibition Origami, Ikebana, Kimono

More lovely pics at Kuweight64's blog

Red Bull Art of Can Exhibition at 360 Mall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

360 MALL, Exhibition Hall | December 3 - 17, 2011

Kuwait will be hosting the Red Bull Art of Can Exhibition in 2011 for the first time in its history.

You can see images from previous Red Bull Art of Can galleries. [link]


The Winners

Cute, Healthy Recipes for Kids on YouTube by Jumana Alawadhi of WeLoveKuwait.com Bookstore

Healthy chick pea nuggets

Mushroom risotto

Very simple and fast to prepare mushroom risotto just the way my kids like it! Using short grain brown rice, and allowing it to cook on low flame for the longest time possible.
UPDATE: Received few questions that made me realize I skipped some important steps in the recipe:
SALT AND PEPPER: preferably towards the end of the cooking time.
WATER TO RICE RATIO: for every cup of brown rice use 3 cups of water for this dish, remember to cook on low flame, use a diffuser if necessary.

Mexican pizza

Thank you Jumana of http://www.welovekuwait.com/ for sharing these great recipes and for taking the time to put them on YouTube. I really must get along to her darling little bookstore in Al Muthanna Complex, Downtown, Mezannine - #122. Store Hours 9 AM- 1 PM and 5 PM - 9 PM, Friday closed.

We Love Kuwait has more than 12 best sellers sold in all the major book outlets in Kuwait, they believe they have the responsibility towards creating more educational aids for children. Encouraging them to live a more healthy life style, eat better, read, and maintain a healthy body through exercise. 

They chose COLORING as their theme because coloring is a well recognized and established method of children's education. They added rhymes because they are an excellent tool to teach children of every age, even before a child learns to hold a pen or open a book, babies enjoy their mommy's and daddy's voices; especially when reading rhymes! 

They try to keep all their books bilingual which is what makes them unique. Welovekuwait.com’s books are sold in all of the major bookshops and gift shops in Kuwait and have been widely available in schools and book fairs.

Camel Racing, Desert & Dinner Buffet

 

Camel Race & Desert Dinner Buffet on Saturday Dec.10 (Registration/Payment Deadline: Tues.Dec.6) Members- KD6 Non-Members- KD8 Children- KD4. Contact AWARE Center.

AUDITIONS: Vocal Rhapsody at KLT – December 3rd/4th/5th

December 3rd - December 5th @ Various Times

It’s audition time again for the next show of the KLT season, a ‘GLEE-esque’ show choir production – Vocal Rhapsody’s “Love Story”, slated for the stage in February 2012.



Vocal Rhapsody’s “Love Story” – is a show choir production with hit songs from artists such as Journey, Queen, Katy Perry and Meatloaf. If you love to sing and perform come out to audition for this ‘GLEE-esque’ production that is guaranteed to be fun, exciting and musically intriguing for all!

AUDITION DATES/TIMES
Auditions are Sat Dec. 3rd 6pm-8pm, Sun Dec. 4th 7pm-9pm and Mon Dec 5th 7pm-9pm (you should arrive promptly at the start time on the day you choose to attend and stay until your audition is complete. You only need to attend one audition.)

Who we are looking for are:
3 Male soloists (Character age 18-30)
1 Male soloist (Character age 35+)
3 Female soloists (Character age 18-30)
1 Female soloist (Character age 35+)

All parts require strong vocal/dancing/performing ability
3+ Male/Female Choir – any age (we can include any amount of people if they have the required skills)
All require strong dancing/performing ability and good vocal ability

AUDITION FORMAT
Everyone who auditions needs to prepare one modern song of their own choice to perform acapella (it must show off their vocal ability as well as their performance ability)
-There will be a small dance routine they will have to learn and perform at the audition
-Everyone will also have to come ready to sing the song “Don’t Stop Believing” – the lyrics below:

Don´t Stop Believin Lyrics
Don’t Stop Believing – Audio Track
Just a small town girl
livin´ in a lonely world
She took the midnight train goin´ anywhere
Just a city boy born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train goin´ anywhere
A singer in a smoky room
The smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on
Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the nights
Streetlights people
Living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the nights
(skip to end)
Don´t stop believin
Hold on to that feelin´
Streetlight people
(repeat)
Don´t stop!

Download

Any questions fill out the form and send to the director [link].

Wow! The Google Offices in Zurich

Google has installed in Zurich, Switzerland, an office that could pass for an amusement park where you can play pool, pinball, slide through the toboggan to the cafeteria, get a massage, etc. Yes, it is really hard to work for Google..

To Review or Not to Review..That is the question

I get quite a few invites from restaurants, some I visit and some I have no desire to visit. Occassionally something piques my interest and I go along. However, I have yet to be invited or try goods from a business that has really impressed me. I am straight with them - If the food, ambiance, service isn't up to par then I feel it's best to tell them in an email and not rave about them or give them a recommendation.

I have read some recommendations and glowing reviews of restaurants that have me wondering if we visited the same place.

This morning, for brunch, I decided to order some bagels from a place that is currently causing a buzz on blogs (I'm sure I could have asked for a freebie and got one, but I would never ask). Other than the fact they delivered, all else was disappointing. Not meaning to be cryptic but actually the business in question is not really the problem. The problem is it got so much hype from social media that my expectations were also heightened.

Businesses out there - do yourself a favour, improve your product instead of shmoozing people and trying to live off the hype.

Kuwait Mooseheads Ice Hockey Team

If you, too, had no clue that there was an ice hockey team here, then you will also not know that they are the winners of the 2011 Abu Dhabi Capital Cup Division B.

WTG guys!

You can contact them via their Facebook page Kuwait Mooseheads Ice Hockey Team. 

Thanks Les :OD