"It just so happened" seemed to happen a lot on this trip. It seemed that things fell into place as needed, unexpected surprises continued to surface, and so many wonderful parts of Kuwait life and culture continue to open to me.
So here is one blog with my favorite "it just so happen-ings!"
It just so happened that one day during the workshop, a woman came to Beit Al Sadu with a treasure load of sadu from her family. So imagine walking out and seeing the most beautiful, large pieces of sadu on the ground just inside the doorway . The two pieces flanking the long side are woven using a pile technique, the details are beautiful!!!
Apparently this is a common occurrence at Beit Al Sadu - once again, how different it is to live in a culture where textile traditions are so close and available.
It just so happened that on Thursday night, Patricia and I were at the Mubarakiya Souk and an amazing group of musicians were set to play traditional music. I think this was part of the Qurain Festival. I enjoyed watching the older man, he showed such joy in his movements! Apparently the idea is that you dance over to someone and egg them on to get them up to dance with you. So much fun to watch!
It just so happens that there is a stairway leading to a treasure room. Really, look at it, only something good can be at the top of a stairway like this. So I was able to visit the store room for the Sadu House. Layers of rich color, intricate patterning, and folds of cloth were packed into this room. We had time for only a quick glance around but can't wait for an opportunity in the future to revisit and spend some time searching through and learning more from these textiles! So many techniques, details, and life were in each. Just wow!
It just so happened that I had the chance to experience a shop like Patricia was talking about - where you go in and sit down, and stay longer than you need "to grab a few things." I was picking out two traditional drums for Donnie, called
Ta and
Mweras. Patricia and I were warmly welcomed by the older gentleman you see to my left and his younger friend. They answered all of my questions regarding the instruments, how you play them, and where they were made. So as I was picking out the drums, they continued to hand me things/gifts to take home, flute instruments, tapes of Yacoub (the older gentleman) playing in his musical group, small toy drums, a set of hand cymbals, I think that may have been all that was added to my bag. But what was most interesting was being able to talk with the friend (via his daughter who he called on the phone to act as translator) about Yacoub and this traditional music. The friend sent out for several waters for us to have then we sat down and began to listen to a tape of Yacoub playing the haban (a type of bagpipe-ish instrument if the details are right). The daughter described this as very old and rare music to hear. So this was an very unexpected addition to this already unique shop visit. We had permission to take a video (which Patricia will be sending to the friend) so I hope you enjoy a piece of this as well! Before we left, Yacoub handed me his worry beads, a very kind gesture. I brought them home and now Liam asks if he can take them to his bed at night, in case he has dreams and worries;)
It just so happened that my final day in Kuwait fell on the beginning of Hala February - a time to celebrate in Kuwait. My hotel happened to be at the perfect spot to watch the Kuwaiti Airforce do fly-bys in a 30 minute airshow!
What a send off;)!!!
