Bahrain Friends

Over the years we have made several great friends here in Bahrain. Some of these friends, of many different nationalities, have left Bahrain, and we visit them, or keep in touch by e:mail. Some of these friends are Bahraini, and I hope we will keep in touch with them, too.

Our good friend, Hussein, is the shop keeper, where we bought most of our household items to furnish and embellish our home here in Bahrain....a secondhand shop called Star Auction!

What a funny guy!

And now I'd like to introduce Little Hussein, "Ali" Who was born 2 weeks ago.

Another funny little guy? Congratulations, Mom and Dad.

Portuguese Fort

The Portuguese Fort is probably the most famous Tourist attraction in Bahrain, and has been for 30 years. Fifteen to twenty years ago there was an active French team of archaeologists at the site for several seasons. I believe they discovered many of the items that are now on display in the National Museum. Since that time the Portuguese part of the fort has been restored to show the towers and walls (of the moat), as they once were. The Portuguese conquered Bahrain in 1522, and were a presence until about 1600.

More recently they have excavated just outside the fort walls, and discovered at least two sites, which may have been villages from a much earlier date.

On the Road

Below is one of the "Gas and Pray" stops on the Road to Riyadh. That's a Petrol station and a roadside Walmart. Usually, there is mosque next door.

To Muharraq Again

A few years ago, a new bridge to Muharraq was built. Here is a view of that bridge, from the Manama corniche. Once you get to Muharraq, by any of the three bridges, it is interesting to explore the old suq and there are interesting photo ops are everywhere. The merchants are friendly and accommodating to the camera.

Below is a unique shop! Can you guess what they sell? It turns out it is a "Letter Writer".

Below, these men are leaving the coffee shop.

Potpourri

From my photo files this is one of my favorites:

Saar Archaeological Dig

Several years ago, one of my volunteer activities was to help the British team of archaeologists at one of the sites here in Bahrain. Today, I saw a new signpost pointing to the dig. (It had not been marked before, and you had to drive cross-country, no paved road to get to it.) I followed the signs, and when I got there found a team of Bahrainis working the site.

This site is in the middle of the island. They have uncovered what seems to be a complete village, and they estimate that it is 2,000 - 4,000 years old. They found a few "gems" here, such as Dilmun seals, and pearls. There were many pottery pieces. they identified what they think was the community oven, and located the place of worship.

When I was helping, there were 4-6 of us who would come early in the morning and sit under this tree with buckets of water, and have a production line of washing pottery shards. From rough rinse, to brushing with a toothbrush. Amazing to be touching something that was used by women several thousands of years ago.

Aboriginal Art Exhibit

This afternoon I went to another of the advertised Spring cultural events in Bahrain. I have been trying to find La Fontaine for a couple of years!. This is a restored 150 year old house on the edge of the Suq, in an area I am not familiar, that has contemporary art, a restaurant, and a spa. I did find it, with the help of the receptionist giving me directions. As you can see the building itself is worth visiting. Below is the interior courtyard.

The exhibition of Aboriginal Art was displayed in this unique gallery space.

The works of art continue the oldest living art tradition in the world.