Kuwait in three days

I’ve just returned from a fascinating visit to Kuwait.  Although Dartmouth has a long-standing relationship with the American University of Kuwait (AUK), and I’ve hosted two AUK faculty for summer fellowships in my lab at Dartmouth, I’d never had the opportunity to visit.  This was my first trip to AUK and Kuwait; indeed, my first trip to the Middle East.  Although it was a short visit – just three days – it was fascinating and delightful.

In addition to touring the AUK campus, discussing research, and meeting several students and faculty, I had the opportunity to learn a bit about the history and culture of this small Arab country on the Gulf coast of the Arabian Peninsula.  Two of my colleagues were extremely generous with their time, bringing me to visit several parks, markets, restaurants, museums, and historic sites.  I enjoyed meals highlighting Lebanese, Iranian, and Kuwaiti cuisine.  

I learned more about the history of Kuwait – from 8,000 BC to present – in the Al Salam Palace that has recently been renovated into a museum.  In a small-group guided tour we learned about the arrival of the people (now known as Kuwaitis) on these shores in the early 18th century, their talent as mariners and traders, the discovery of oil, the decades as a British protectorate and then independence in 1961.  Well worth a visit!

I’ve collected more photos in the gallery. I also found the Wikipedia page to be full of interesting facts and history about this small country. The entire country is smaller than Vermont and New Hampshire – and the vast majority of the people and infrastructure are located in Kuwait City, along the coastline.