Bahrain is a very special place and every expat I ever met said it took a piece of their heart.
But, and I say it again and again, the Middle East is not for everyone and not everyone is made for the Middle East.
Over the years I have spoken to so many expats who don’t even try to be part of the community, who have not a single Bahraini friend, who spend their days and nights in expat social clubs and literally know nothing about the diverse, amazing culture of our island.
Bahrain is nothing but a peaceful place. You see it looking at the diverse religions. The mosques but also the many temples and since recently the biggest Catholic church in the Gulf.
The people: My husband and I met so many Bahraini friends over the years, people that we trust, people that welcomed us with open arms into their families. That’s Bahrain for you.
No matter what ministry, authority you go to, I still have to meet the first rude employee! But maybe this is as my late mother always said, “the good you do in life comes back to you”, this certainly is right when it comes to Bahrain.
Next time just go out early on a Friday morning, talk to the fishermen when they tie up their boats after their fishing trip. Learn about them and you’ll be surprised.
The culture: Yes, we don’t have the (fake) glitter of Dubai and honestly, I’m glad we don’t.
We have a heritage established so many years ago by the beloved and late His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, His Majesty King Hamad’s father. How many of you have ever visited his birth place in Jasra, how many of you really did read about Bahrain’s history, the islands of the pearls?
Life as such. Yes, I understand many of you miss the Friday brunches and I admit they are fun. To me it’s still fascinating to have a birthday party with let’s say 20 friends from 15 different nationalities. I mean honestly, where in the world would you find this? Nowhere but, yes you got it right, Bahrain!
Now the island is in troubled waters, yet I never ever, not even for a minute, did I not feel safe! And that’s the beauty of our government, something I’m forever grateful for, something that is very close to my heart!
The Bahraini government protects its people and by people, I mean all of us, irrespective of nationality, the colours of our skin or our religion.
There is no difference and no different approach.
So, people of Bahrain, have faith in the government, have faith in His Majesty’s decision, have faith that all of this will pass!
And for now, let’s just hope we will complain very soon again about what we all love to complain about constantly: the traffic on our island in the sun!
On this note, have a good and a pleasant day!
Yours truly,
Bridget Strydom
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