Thanks Bahrain

The Bahraini border is a quick four-hour drive from us. We have already visited the country twice, and it’s a beautiful reprieve. Women can drive, the abaya is not compulsory, stores stay open through prayers, and we generally just breathe a little more freedom. Thanks Bahrain.

Our first visit came a few long weeks after arriving in Riyadh. I was already welcoming a little break (I think I have since grown into a thicker skin). The trip was impromptu and poorly planned. We stayed in a hotel north of Manama (Amwaj Islands) where everything was under construction and generally undeveloped. We also didn’t plan correctly and were not able to drive our car across the border, so we had to rely on taxis. Being outside of Manama made this more difficult and costly. But we still enjoyed our trip and were smarter the second go around. Below are some of the highlights from both trips.

Al Fateh Grand Mosque
This mosque is open to the public and although it isn’t the most grand we have seen during our time in the Middle East, I remember it feeling so inviting. The doors and chandeliers have exquisite detail, and it was a beautiful, peaceful place to learn and explore.

A’Ali Pottery

The pottery coming out of Bahrain is so unique. When Wade and I read somewhere that the ninth wedding anniversary is the pottery anniversary (please don’t correct us if we’re wrong), we started planning another trip to Bahrain. There was the option to have the pots painted and fired, but I liked them “naked”. They are a beautiful cream color in a vase or sitting-lantern style, with the most exquisite cut out patterns. When lights are placed underneath they give off a calming glow. I’m in love with them and it causes me great anxiety thinking about someday shipping them back to the United States in one piece, but I try to just enjoy them. We also bought a large water jug with Arabic writing inscribed, and it was painted and fired in a rustic turquoise color. Honestly I’m surprised we didn’t come home with a lot more. 

Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve

This one was for the kids. We were generally pretty impressed with Al Areen. The grounds were really clean (always notable in this part of the world) and lush, it wasn’t overcrowded, and the variety of animals was really great. I was a little anxious for some of the animals and the way they were (or were not) being cared for, but overall it was a fun adventure. Our favorites were the ostriches (not pictured) and the Arabian leopard. 

Movie Theater!

We always plan to go see a movie (or two) while in Bahrain because WE DON’T HAVE MOVIE THEATERS IN SAUDI ARABIA! Supposedly that is all about to change soon, but it hasn’t yet and we miss going out to the movies every once in a while. This last trip we found a popsicle store right outside the theater and decided that movie popsicles might be better than movie popcorn. 

Other highlights include buying Ollie a Bahraini soccer jersey at the Bab el-Bahrain Souk, having a little beach moment, and being able to try on clothes at the mall. Thank you for the reprieve Bahrain. We will be back.