In my last meeting with Osama, we agreed to meet again at his apartment. After receiving directions earlier in the evening, I arrived at Seminole Suites. I had told one of my TEFL classmates, Jesse Marks, of my plans to meet with the Kuwaitis and he taught me a little Arabic. Basically, when one friend greets another they say "habibi" to each other, which translates to "my love". In Middle Eastern culture, this is similar to the normalcy of males holding hands. When Osama opened the door, I practically yelled the phrase (more out of nervousness than anything), but he laughed and reciprocated.
After entering, introductions were exchanged around as I meet the three other guys living there. Their names escape me, but they were very amiable. I was immediately impressed by the hospitality I was given. They practically jumped out of their chairs to offer me a seat and a tray of snacks had been prepared. I certainly felt like an honored guest. Osama explained that when entertaining, Kuwaitis go above and beyond. I told him that I needed to visit Kuwait more often.
We shared stories and questions about each other's cultures. I was very inquisitive about the inner workings of Middle Eastern customs and the shock of moving to America. When I inquired what they wanted to learn about their host county, there was a slight pause before Osama replied with "girls". I probed deeper by asking "well what about American girls?" and he said "tell us how to make them love us"... which was maybe the funniest reply ever. I awkwardly laughed and replied "well Osama, if I knew the answer to that, I wouldn't be here", which received a round of laughs.
We conversed more, smoked a little hookah, and agreed to meet again for a real Kuwaiti dinner. I can't wait.
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