Bahrain aka: Al Bahrayn

During the Gulf War and afterwards, I became very familiar with Bahrain.

Great place to buy gold, perfume, rugs or have a custom suit made, but I can’t say I’d want to go back anytime soon.

When my husband and son and I lived in Saudi, it was nice to go to Bahrain for a few days to get away. In Bahrain women can drive and don’t have to wear an Abaya. My husband liked it because he could get a good beer and have ham, bacon or pork chops to eat. We also could see movies there.

Well I’m been here a little more than a week. Beautiful country. Some amazing architechture. An interesting mix of Arab and Western culture. A lot too hot for me now, but everyone swears that by the beginning of October it becomes a very liveable temperature. It’s averaging about 110 degrees right now. Never found it so important to park my car in the shade before. Makes the difference of entering an overly hot car and a burning inferno that needs to be released. Weird things can burn you. Like a reception desk countertop that is exposed to the sun. Leaned up against it to talk to the receptionist and YIKES! I think it left a mark. I’m definately going to have fun taking photos of this place.

Bahrain had its good points: it was clean and the people were friendly. But it was so expensive and sparse. Not for the type of traveler I am at all! If you are into paying out TONS of money and having a superficial experience, go for it. I enjoyed the marketplace (souq) very much, but it’s totally overshadowed by giant supermalls filled with designer brand stores. Bleh.

I was over in Bahrain back in 1997 after the Gulf War. It isn’t a place I would care to visit otherwise. There isn’t much of anything around there and many bad things could happen to you, especially the women. I wouldn’t go back unless I had to due to military obligations. Now you can understand while Michael Jackson lives there!

I visited Bahrain when I was around 12 years old. It’s a small country but quite pretty, a lot like Qatar where I live. Qatar and Bahrain are just 30 minutes away from each other by air, after all.

I lived here for three years. I have a grandson who is half Bahraini and a wonderful son in law from here. I learned about the Middle East from living here. I learned about the people the culture and the sterotypes that we as Americans have forced on Muslims. Tolerance and openmindedness are what I gained from living in Bahrain…..I miss you Adliya!

Moving there at the end of this month!!!

I admit my stay was just a stop-over while changing flights, but the Bahrain city did not seem too nice for me.

I went there many years ago and I would recommend going to Dubai if you want to visit this part of the world…Bahrain is too small.