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).
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A dromedary camel sculpture in front of the terminal at the Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
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Crowne Plaza Manama (Bahrain)
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| Crowne Plaza hotel lobby |
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| Crowne Plaza hotel lobby on Christmas Eve |
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| Hotel buffet |
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| Ansu in the Dining room for breakfast buffet |
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| Ansu relaxing in our hotel room - Crowne Plaza hotel |
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| Gym Crowne Plaza hotel |
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| Crowne Plaza Hotel |
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| Crowne Plaza swimming pool from our bedroom window |
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| Entrance to the Gym - Crowne Plaza hotel |
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| Confectionaries - Crowne Plaza hotel on Christmas day 2014 |
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| Confectionaries - Crowne Plaza hotel on Christmas day 2014 |
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| Confectionaries - Crowne Plaza hotel on Christmas day 2014 |
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| Ansu on Christmas day - Crowne Plaza hotel |
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| Manama, Bahrain architecture |
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| Manama, Bahrain architecture |
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| Manama, Bahrain architecture |
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| Late afternoon Bahrain |
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| Late afternoon Bahrain |
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| Late afternoon Bahrain |
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| Late afternoon Bahrain |
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| 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).
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| Bahrain souq |
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| Bahrain souq |
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| Bahrain souq |
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| With my wife, Ansu, At the Bahrain souq |
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| Souq in Bahrain |
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| Ansu at the Bahrain souq |
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| Bahrain souq entrance |
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| Bahrain souq scenery |
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| Bahrain souq |
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| Bahrain souq |
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| Bahrain souq |
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| Bahrain souq entrance ceiling |
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| Bahrain souq street scenes |
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| Bahrain souq entrance |
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| Bahrain souq shop |
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| Bahrain souq |
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| Bahrain souq |
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| Bahrain souq |
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| Bahrain souq |
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| Bahrain architecture |
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| Bahrain architecture |
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| Bahrain architecture |
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| Bahrain architecture |
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| Bahrain souq night scenery |
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| Bahrain souq night scenery |
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| Bahrain souq night scenery |
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| Bahrain restaurants |
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| Bahrain night scenery |
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| World Trade Centre, Bahrain |
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| World Trade Centre, Bahrain |
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| Bahrain architecture |
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| Bahrain architecture |
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| Bahrain architecture |
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| Taxi - Manama, Bahrain |
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| Coffee shop - Manama, Bahrain |
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| Manama, Bahrain |
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| Manama, Bahrain |
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| Manama, Bahrain |
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| Manama, Bahrain |
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| Manama, Bahrain |
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| Bahrain Daily News |
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| Bahrain Daily News |
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| Bahrain Daily News |
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| Bahrain Daily News |
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| Bahrain |
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| World Trade Center, Bahrain |
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| 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...
