City of the Gates

It has been two weeks since Saud left his town. A young man in his twenties, he had aspirations to lead a better life, yet he was tied with the family. A decision had to be made. Saud, almost out of food and water needs to reach his destination soon or all what he has sacrified for will vanish and become intertwined with the desert's resident mirages.

I must live on, and god willing I will reach the city soon

From a distance he could see something that appears to be like a man riding a horse aproaching him. The heat does wonders, but a man accustomed to living to such harsh environments knows that what he sees is real. Wearing heavy garments, might seem at first a very illogical choice in such heat, but people of the dessert have learned that doing so, keeps them sweating without losing moisture, and thus neccessitating less water. The man reached Salem in a blink of an eye, or so it has appeared to him.

Where are you heading? a man with sharp features and a long braided hair asks. Saud, exhausted and thirsty unable to reply. Here, take some. It seems you are lost. Salem quickly grabs the water and drinks it. The man steps down from the horse and examines Saud's camel.

I see you carry more than what a person needs for a trip. You a merchant?

Saud looks up, pauses and slowly shakes his head. I am heading to Likwait (Kuwait), if you would help me to reach there.

No one passes by here without being inspected. This is my territory, and no merchants can pass. The man suddenly claimed with a raised voice. You must show me what you are carrying immediately.The man moves towards the camel. Suddenly a strong hand holds his arm with a grip that could crush the bones of an elephant. You will not touch my camel and you will immediately leave. Thank you for your help anyways.

Remove your hand or I will cut it for you! The man stares back while unveiling his sword from underneath his bisht (long woolen garment). This is an insult!

You will leave now, and I shall not see you again. Saud affrimingly said.

The man leaves towards his horse with slow steps and rigid movements, when all of a sudden he draws his sword as he turns back to strike it in Saud's position.

7ameesat Chabda
(Liver fried with mixed spices)

1kg Lamb Liver chopped bite size(may use chicken liver)
1 large onion sliced
6 cloves of garlic chopped
1/4 cup chopped parsley
Juice of 1 lemon
4 tbs vegetable oil
2 tbs mixed Kuwaiti spices
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt

Method:

Fry onion and garlic in oil until soft. Add liver and mixed spices and cook until well browned. Add chopped parsley and stir well. Add lemon juice, salt and pepper and cook for a further 5 minutes or until liver is well done.

Serve with flat bread (5ameer) or to try nouvelle Kuwaiti, spoon in baked puff pastry vol-a-vents.