The Tareq Rajab Museum preserves Kuwait's traditional heritage, while the bustling Avenues Mall showcases a globalized, consumer-driven lifestyle. This cultural flux raises questions about identity in any modernizing country.

Istanbul's allure lies in its blend of European aesthetics and Middle Eastern culture. But the city's intense haggling, transactional expressiveness, and lack of relaxed spontaneity can feel unrelaxing, and remind European travelers that home is better.