More from the Garden Party

This is just one more short video clip from my morning at the Garden Party, the other day. Thought it might be of interest to hear the women talking. And that is Justine, again, taking photos of the morning glories growing up the palm tree.

These still photos give you an idea of the architectural design of the house, although I was not concentrating on that.

The screened building is an aviary.

Petunias, petunias, and more petunias.

More from the Winning Garden

Yesterday was the epitome of my Bahraini experience. Starting with frustration, not being able to find the garden, then serendipity to "run into" women who could help me, to enjoyment of the glorious beauty of copious flowers, and followed by the realization of their fleeting presence, as the heat of summer has already started. While I was sitting comfortably in the shade of a few trees with so many women of different Nationalities, I marveled that the common interest in sharing the garden's beauty had brought us together. It was extraordinary.


Here is Justine, from Sweden, capturing a photo.


Here is our hostess in blue, and some of the guests.

A Winning Garden

I think I promised you some extraordinary things about Bahrain, and today is a wonderful example. I was invited to visit one of the Garden Show winning gardens this morning. My friend Thoraya gave me the invitation, but then at the last minute she could not attend. She gave me the name of a Swedish lady, Justine, who would be attending, and we connected by phone the night before. Neither one of us had a map of how to get to the house. We only knew the general area of the house. While I was driving around trying to find a big house with lots of cars in front of it, I spotted a car with two ladies in it, pointing this way and that. I followed them, thinking they might be going to the Garden Party. Then I dialed Justine on the my Mobile and it turned out it she was in the car ahead of me! Two cars pulled up along side of us, and one of the drivers said she knew how to get to the house. We all followed that car and got there.
Upon arrival, ( it was just around the next corner) we were greeted with the gracious Bahraini hospitality, introductions, and offer of juice. First, I had a walk around the garden with one of the ladies, who showed me the "tobacco plant" which is in flower, and a couple of unusual fruit trees. I sampled the fruit later when we sat and had tea. It is like a small apple/pear. Very tasty. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Justine, and her friend, Frieda. I met several new ladies, and saw a few of the ladies that I remember from when I was a member of the Garden Club. Enjoy the video. And more photos tomorrow!

We have all been invited to another garden on Sunday afternoon. Can't wait!

Say "No" to Plastic Bags

Bahrain is trying to make changes....I told you about how they are introducing the concept of re-cycling, and the changes of the weekend. Today I saw in our Geant (pronounced Jee-aunt, English style, we call it the Giant) Department store, I saw the following display:

These are Jute bags for sale, to be used and re-used when you come to the grocery store.
"Together for a Better Environment".
Great Idea!

Changes... ...and no changes

Not much excitement here in Bahrain over the Weekend. Did I tell you that about a year ago, the Bahrain government decreed that instead of the weekend being Thursday and Friday, they changed it to Friday and Saturday. So, that means Schools are open Sunday through Thursday. Friday is the Sabbath, so most shops, and all school, government offices and banks are closed. Saturday most shops are open, some government offices are open, and there are fewer Saudis around, as they still have the Thursday-Friday weekend.

And then some things never change.....see photo of sign in the Central Cafe (Indian Restaurant).


If the photo is hard to read it says: "Dear customer, Kindly note that the Buffet Lunch is Strictly at BD 1 /-per adult. Children below ten years BD 0.600 fils (per child). Sharing of Buffet is not allowed. To avoid wastage, we kindly request our customers to serve only what you need."

PS: BD 1 equals $2.50.

New Abayas

A few years ago, we did not see many Bahraini women wearing an Abaya. The Abaya was an outer black covering, long-sleeved, to the ground, with no decorations. Today, many Bahraini women, young and old, are wearing the Abaya. Today, you see most of the Abayas with elaborate embroidery, or other colorful embellishments on the sleeves, back and hems.

Election Primaries

While the US is in the throes of Election Primaries, this is what an election headquarter looks like here in Bahrain: ....... easily manned, portable, and doesn't waste campaign finances!