Wednesday 24 December 2014

Christmas in Bahrain

Photo expose of sights in Manama


In 2014, my wife and I accepted teaching contracts in Saudi Arabia. For Visa purposes, ESG Saudi Arabia first flew us to Bahrain. We arrived on the 24th of December which is my wife's Birthday. We stayed in luxury at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Manama. We did a bit of sight-seeing in the time available.

About Bahrain


Bahrain, a nation comprising more than 30 islands in the Persian Gulf, has been at the center of major trade routes since antiquity. In its modern capital, Manama, the acclaimed Bahrain National Museum showcases artifacts from the ancient Dilmun civilization that flourished in the region for millennia. The city's thriving Bab al-Bahrain bazaar offers wares ranging from colorful handwoven fabrics and spices to pearls (Wikipedia).

About Manama


Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain, with an approximate population of 157,000 people. Long an important trading center in the Persian Gulf, Manama is home to a very diverse population. After periods of Portuguese and Persian control and invasions from the ruling dynasties of Saudi Arabia and Oman, Bahrain established itself as an independent nation during the 19th century period of British hegemony (Wikipedia).


A dromedary camel sculpture in front of the terminal at the Bahrain International Airport (BAH)

Crowne Plaza Manama (Bahrain)



Crowne Plaza hotel lobby

Crowne Plaza hotel lobby on Christmas Eve

Hotel buffet

Ansu in the Dining room for breakfast buffet

Ansu relaxing in our hotel room - Crowne Plaza hotel

Gym Crowne Plaza hotel

Crowne Plaza Hotel

Crowne Plaza swimming pool from our bedroom window

Entrance to the Gym - Crowne Plaza hotel

Confectionaries - Crowne Plaza hotel on Christmas day 2014

Confectionaries - Crowne Plaza hotel on Christmas day 2014

Confectionaries - Crowne Plaza hotel on Christmas day 2014

Ansu on Christmas day - Crowne Plaza hotel

Manama, Bahrain architecture

Manama, Bahrain architecture

Manama, Bahrain architecture

Late afternoon Bahrain

Late afternoon Bahrain

Late afternoon Bahrain

Late afternoon Bahrain

Manama, Bahrain architecture

Bahrain Manama Souq


Actually, the word 'Souq' is Arabic for ‘marketplace’ but for visitors to Bahrain it is much more than that. This is an open-air trading center where you can still experience the bustling trading hub past of Bahrain and soak up some authentic street life while you’re at it. The district is best explained as a rabbit warren of interconnecting streets through old Manama (timeoutbahrain: online).


Bahrain souq

Bahrain souq

Bahrain souq

With my wife, Ansu, At the Bahrain souq

Souq in Bahrain

Ansu at the Bahrain souq

Bahrain souq entrance

Bahrain souq scenery

Bahrain souq

Bahrain souq

Bahrain souq

Bahrain souq entrance ceiling

Bahrain souq street scenes

Bahrain souq entrance

Bahrain souq shop

Bahrain souq

Bahrain souq

Bahrain souq

Bahrain souq

Bahrain architecture

Bahrain architecture

Bahrain architecture

Bahrain architecture

Bahrain souq night scenery

Bahrain souq night scenery

Bahrain souq night scenery

Bahrain restaurants

Bahrain night scenery

World Trade Centre, Bahrain

World Trade Centre, Bahrain

Bahrain architecture

Bahrain architecture

Bahrain architecture

Taxi - Manama, Bahrain

Coffee shop - Manama, Bahrain

Manama, Bahrain

Manama, Bahrain

Manama, Bahrain

Manama, Bahrain

Manama, Bahrain

Bahrain Daily News

Bahrain Daily News

Bahrain Daily News

Bahrain Daily News

Bahrain

World Trade Center, Bahrain

Bahrain

After 5 days in Bahrain, we flew to Riyadh. We were picked up at the airport and taken to Al Quwayiyah, a town about 2 hours drive from Riyadh. Even though we only arrived after midnight, we had to be ready for our first day of work at 7 am later that morning...