Sunday, December 28, 2008

UPDATE on Starbucks Closure in Al Zour, Kuwait

UPDATE: Regarding the closure last month of the Starbucks nearest my work site in Al Zour, Kuwait (reference my earlier posting in November), a trusted Saudi colleague informed me yesterday that the Al Zour Starbucks is STILL CLOSED!! Honestly, I wonder what is going through the minds of the local Kuwaiti authorities when they closed this shop down ostensibly because the owner simply needed some paperwork! It really sends a bad signal to the world. When I stopped by the place on the last weekend it was open (way back in November), it was packed - both inside and outside. I only wish they settle this mess and reopen the place before my next anticipated return trip!! As the Saudis and Kuwaitis would say - "Inshallah" (translation: "if Allah wills it").

PS: I fully realize this topic may not concern many of my followers, but I am sure that Cheryl - who just signed on as one of my followers and is a self-confessed "coffee addict" - may wish to take note! :-)

4 comments:

VERONICA said...

Surely, Kuwait must have more interesting coffee houses than Starbucks; places with those highly concentrated doses of caffeine in the smallest of coffee shot glasses, as I have seen in Europe and most notably in Bulgaria. Would love to see a picture of those places. Veronica
http://veronicasboudoir.blogspot.com

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

I feel your pain. Starbucks closed their lone outlet in southeast Oklahoma (Mcalester). We stopped their frequently coming back from visiting in the area.

chemist said...

Veronica:

Apologies ... you are indeed correct in that there are other coffeee houses but unfortunately those traditional Kuwaiti shops will NOT offer me any decaffeinated coffee. But you raise a good point - perhaps I can seek out a truly authentic local coffee shop (no Starbucks!) and at least walk inside and snap a few pictures and maybe even sip some tea!

Traveling Chemist

Anonymous said...

What did you say? It's closed? Why is it closed? Are you okay? I would be traumatized. Where would I get coffee? Where would I waste time? This just isn't possible.
I have to sit down. I'm going to have a heart-attack.


Hahah okay, I'm dramatic; but seriously, if I were there, I'd be standing outside Starbucks with a sign and petition forms.