Postcards from the Past: Bahrain

Playground of the Middle East

When and Where:           1/2020 – Manama

54th Country Visited; 4th Asian Country Visited

Interesting Facts:

·        Bahrain is the smallest country in the Middle East

·        Bahrain is home to the Tree of Life, a single mesquite tree planted around 1583 in the southern desert. It is still unclear what sustains the tree as there are no obvious water sources nearby.

 Bahrain is one of the more interesting countries I’ve visited.  It’s the only country bordering the Persian Gulf with western influences.  Unlike its Gulf neighbors, life on this island nation is much more relaxed.  Women have more rights and are not required to wear head coverings.  Bikinis are even permitted on the beach.  In addition, alcohol consumption is permitted, and homosexuality isn’t illegal.  Bahrain is the playground of the Middle East.  In 1986, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia built the 15-mile King Fahd Causeway connecting Bahrain to mainland Saudi Arabia.   Young Saudi’s, as well as the rich and famous flock to the beaches and bars to party on weekends. 

 Aaron and I visited Bahrain under unusual circumstances.  We were on a cruise and days before arriving in Bahrain, we learned of something called the Coronavirus spreading throughout Asia.  Just prior to arrival, we were informed that there was an unspecified threat against tourists, but not specifically targeting Americans.  Most of the people on the cruise were European, predominately Russians.  Our tour bus was searched by armed guards before leaving and arriving back at the port.  While in Bahrain, we visited a camel ranch.  Predictably, the heat combined with the stench of the camels, was not a pleasant experience.  Aaron and I fed the tethered camels leaves and tree bark. 

A highlight of the trip was a visit to the Al Fateh Grand Mosque.  Like most mosques, it was ornately decorated with unblemished marble, gold fixtures and pristine Turkish rugs.  The tour guide sat us down for a discussion about Islam.  A few members of the tour group walked away, not wanting to hear what she had to say.  I sat patiently and listened.  I think there are a lot of misconceptions about Islam.  For example, Muslims believe in Jesus.  Muslims also believe in praying directly to God – not Jesus or Muhammad.  Islam is not for me, but it was an interesting lecture.  Our tour also took us around Manama, the capital.  The city is very modern with flashy skyscrapers, similar to Doha or Dubai, but on a much smaller scale.  Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by Bahrain. 

Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Manama

Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Manama

Sunrise Over the Persian Gulf, Bahrain

Aaron feeding a camel

Manama, Bahrain



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