www.theblisspages.com - travel: Bahrain
www.theblisspages.com - travel: Bahrain
I didn't even know Bahrain was an island until I was descending into Manama
airport, but I had a great time there, even though I was in a fragile mental
state as my first wife had just left me.
I found the Bahrainis very friendly and welcoming and I felt safe walking around. I still remember the sounds and smells of the souks and the bakery.
The colleagues I was working with were great company and there was a busy social whirl.
At
a party, I met the British Consul's daughter and we hung around for a few weeks
and had some great laughs together.
I remember walking several miles from my hotel to deliver a Valentine's card and walking back in the dark, my feet scarcely touching the ground.
Unfortunately, we're no longer in touch.
Bahrain has very strict licensing laws and it is illegal to have any alcohol
in the car. One day, after five hours continuous dancing in a local club, I
went with a group of expats to a party. I was a little apprehensive as the driver
of the car was driving well over the speed limit down a main road whilst holding
a gin and tonic. It seems that you can get away with a lot if you have diplomatic
status - and no, she wasn't British! I seem to remember lots of people falling
into the pool fully dressed, but not a lot else about that evening!
I spent quite a few evenings in the comfortable surroundings of the hotel bar, which had a resident Philipino group. One day, they did a rendering of Men at Work's "Down Under". I really enjoyed it, and requested it on several other evenings. In the end, whenever I entered the bar, they broke off whatever number they were playing, and launched into "Down Under", dedicating it to yours truly, much to the bemusement of any guests I took there!
Not all the entertainment was indoor though. Particular memories include picnics
in the sand, the golf course, marked out with oil on the sand, various swimming
pools, and snorkeling in the Gulf of Bahrain.
One unfortunate on the snorkeling trip had extra cause to remember the lucidity
of the water, however, as it was shallower than it looked and he hit his head
on some coral, gashing himself quite badly.
I still have the bit of coral he broke off!
One day I got totally disorientated after I went for a walk in the souk, and after several miles walking, asked a taxi driver for directions. He was obviously a bit miffed that I didn't want to drive back, so headed me off in the wrong direction. After several hours in 44°C searing heat, I eventually found my way back, but since that day I always carry a compass when I'm traveling!
It seems that work on a Grand Prix track in Bahrain is due to start next month
at Sakhir. This track will be the first world-class racing circuit in the Middle
East. I hope it is successful.
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: © Mike Bliss 2008