"Just another way to do business"

Almost every day I am amazed at how very different things are here. I can't imagine what it would be like for a student from this school to fit into a small town in Minnesota. Besides the obvious weather-related challenges, there are so many differences.
**For example: the sports here are good but they don't receive the importance of small town USA
**It is a very common site for male students to walk down the halls arms in arm. The accepted way to greet one another is to give a kiss to each cheek. No one even thinks twice about this. It's a supreme expression of friendship.
**Entitlement comes at an early age here. Children have had a maid, nanny and driver since they were born. They are also used to giving them orders. When children get to school, they assume the teacher is also filling the "servant" role. It's a site to see a 4 year old throw their trash on the ground and then turn around and yell at the teacher to pick it up. (of course the teacher "Corrects" them)

Even business tactics are different. The whole "Kuwaiti time" concept (note: It's very similar to Hispanic time which I dealt with in PR) of not showing up on time for an appointment or an event. And when you are expecting something to be completed by a company (like a bank) they will always say "You'll have it tomorrow, Inshallah". I know it's part of the Muslim belief system, but sometimes I do want to say "Just tell me if I'll have it tomorrow, yes or no".

BUT here is my favorite example thus far. This is an email we received from one of our vice principals:

All teachers:
Some of you have received notices on your apartment doors (in Arabic) stating that the water and electricity will be shut off if the bill is not paid. Please note that this is nothing to worry about. The Ministry of Water and Electricity do not issue their bills (sometimes for up to 5 years). When they decide it is time to pay, they place these signs on people’s doors. This sign is a cue to come and pick up the water and electricity bill. Please be assured that the school has the bill and has paid it.
Just another way to do business

Remember my motto:
Ya Gotta Love Kuwait!