300 real Christmas trees available for pick-up in Kuwait
By Wendy Clayton, Staff Writer
Kuwait Times Article
KUWAIT, December 23, 2010: A lengthy customs process to release more than 300 Christmas trees from Shuwaikh port finally came to an end last night. The trees arrived in Kuwait more than a week ago but the long paperwork process meant the trees did not leave the port until last night. An excited Nicole Collins, who arranged the import of the trees, said she was relieved that the venture was finally going to be realized. "It's been a very frustrating process but people have been so supportive," said Collins. "It hasn't deterred me though.
I will do it again next year but advertise a little earlier. Now I know the process required by customs, hopefully next time it will be smoother." Customers had been notified on Dec 15 that the trees had been cleared and were scheduled to be available for pick-up beginning Dec 16. However, a distraught Collins had to notify everyone that there had been another glitch in customs and would take a few more days.
The Balsam Fir Christmas trees have come all the way from Nova Scotia, Canada in a humidity controlled 40 foot container. The trees range in size from six feet to 10 feet in height. Collins was not worried about the condition of the trees upon arrival but more about their availability before Christmas Day.
People began to gather at the pick-up point at the Waffle and Steak car park in Mangaf last night to await the arrival of the truck carrying the precious cargo. "The owners of Waffle and Steak have been fantastic," said Collins. "They have allowed us to use their premises for the pickup of the trees and to display them in the front of the store.
Kuwaiti Customs
Cheers went up as the truck pulled into the car park. Once the container was offloaded the doors were opened, greeting everyone with the glorious aroma of fresh pine. "Now it feels like Christmas," said Sophia Collins, daughter of Nicole Collins. "I just want to dive in on the trees.
Arriving in Kuwait last night after being away working, Austrian Ralph Kindl said, "For me Christmas without a real tree isn't Christmas. When my wife picked me up from the airport and said we had to go straight to Mangaf to pick-up the tree I was excited." He added that although it wasn't an Austrian Christmas tree he was happy to have a Canadian one.
We have lots of trees left," said Collins. "It would be a shame if they didn't all get decorated. I'm encouraging everyone to come down to Mangaf and pick out one of our beautiful, fresh smelling Nova Scotia Christmas trees." Collins said that those who have trees already, real or artificial, should come take a look at the quality of the trees she has.
Christmas trees can be picked up from the Waffle and Steak car park on Gulf Road in Mangaf between 5pm - 10pm or call Nicole Collins at 9009-1103.
Christmas at my parent's house
