Traditional Clothing and Captain Ali

 I really enjoy seeing people in their national dress! Most of the men are in a long shirt over white pants. This is called a thobe. They also wear something on their head called a gutra. This is held on by a black rope called an agal. The first time I as seeing all of this, I had a lot of questions for Eric. The main one, why are most of the gutras white, but a few are red and white checked? He tells me that people at work explained the reason being that the men with the red and white had made some sort of pilgrimage to Jerusalem for some sort of extra religious experience. He was told that this is required. So I'm looking closely and trying to figure all this out. I saw more younger men wearing red and white than I did elderly men. Even some boys were wearing red and white. I'm wondering why the elderly gentleman hadn't gone to experience this required thing. I started reading about it online and I could not find anything about this religious event/experience that was required. I jokingly told Eric that I was going to have to make a friend so that I could ask someone. As luck would have it, I got that opportunity! I was waiting for Eric to come out of the restroom and a man in traditional attire actually started talking to me! I don't think this is normal. He was a super nice guy and he is an interpreter for the US Army. He said he had worked with John McCain and General Schwarzkopf. He is actually from Kuwait. I got brave and asked him if it was ok if I asked questions about the clothing. He showed me the difference in his from Kuwait and the ones the Qatari men wear. He said his is loose around the wrists to allow airflow and the Qatari's are tight and button around the wrist. I have since noticed that a lot wear cuff links. He said another difference is the black agal. His was plain and Qatari men wear them with ropes and tassels that hang down their back. I asked about the red and white gutras. He said that is merely a preference. They are worn more in the winter as they are thicker and warmer, but it is still just a fashion choice. So much for listening to what the Americans at Eric's work tell him!🤣 I think it is all so interesting. I have no idea what the other color of men's clothing mean.

My new friend, Captain Ali

Captain Ali was telling us that we should make a two day drive to Kuwait. I'm clueless and asked if we would be safe there. He said "absolutely! My people love Americans. You helped us get rid of  Saddam Hussein."  

Back to the clothing. The women dress in solid black. They cover Their heads with a headdress called a shayla. Their long black dress is called an abayha. I've seen some with their faces covered and some do not, so I assume that is optional. When their face is covered, it is covered by what is called a bourga.