Bahrain

Drive at your own risk

Driving in Bahrain is not for the weak or timid. You have drivers from all over the world with different rules all merging into one. Below are some general rules that have been posted on TripAdvisor for Bahrain. They are pretty dead on as to how things are here, except perhaps they should include a few truths, like stop signs. They are basically yield signs. You roll right up, look around, if no one is coming then you keep going. The turn lights here turn Red, then yellow then green. You need to be moving when it turns yellow or you will get honked at for being too slow. All in all, you really have to be an aggressive driver and watch everything around you at all times.

Here are some quick points:

  1. All cars must be legally registered and insured.

  2. All drivers must carry a driver's license (International driving license required for visitors).

  3. Wear your seat belts.

  4. Respect the speed limit.

  5. Do not cross any red lights.

  6. No drinking and driving. (The slightest smell of alcohol on your breath is enough to get you arrested)

  7. - So please assign a designated driver or call a cab. Don't ruin your vacation!

Thinking the above should say 'Obey the speed limit' not respect....because most do not adhere to the speed limit, and very few actually get a ticket for speeding.

Warnings

  1. Always use your signals to indicate where you are going to turn.

  2. Use "Danger" (a.k.a. Double Signal) to indicate immediate stopping or hazard ahead (such as an accident, or obstacle in the middle of the street.)

  3. Be cautious on weekends (Thursday night, Friday, and Saturday) as there are lots of crazy drivers (from neighboring countries) who are not familiar with the traffic laws, or worse - people who try to apply their own country's rules abroad!

  4. Keep a safe distance between yourself and the car in front of you.

  5. Don't force your way through or endanger others. If you've missed a turn or exit, just continue straight and ask for directions on how to get back (at a traffic light)

  6. Without being too racist/discriminant - watch out for Saudi drivers, taxis, 18-wheelers and the like. (These are renowned for being the worst drivers in Bahrain)

Headlights / Signal lights / Horns (Other uses)

You might be thinking, "other uses?" - yes. Driving is sometimes a social game. Full of requests, taunts, warnings, and thank yous.

 Aside from their main purpose, headlights have the following use:

  1. When signalling for a turn, if you see somebody flash you with the headlights (as in turning on the full beams real quick) - this is usually an indication that the other driver is allowing you to pass.

  2. If encountered with the same situation when you are driving on the left lane of a highway and the flash comes from the car that is behind you. This is usually a request to make way. The left lane is considered the "fast lane", with slower vehicles relegated to the middle and right lanes (the slower you are, the more to the right lane you should be). Expect to see a lot of heavy vehicles and old/slow cars on the right lane. You should give way, since relatively speaking you are slower than the incoming car that's behind you. However, do this in a careful manner by checking your mirrors and signalling to the right.

 Signal lights have the following use (other than signalling):

  1. If you are requesting that a person make way and he signals to the left (even though there is no turn in sight), understand that the other driver is telling you that he is holding this lane despite his relatively slow speed in order to make an eventual turn.

  2. After giving way or making room for somebody to change lanes, especially when the other driver wants to enter your lane - you may be briefly shown a "Danger"/Double signal. This is a sign of gratitude, a quick "thanks" if you will. Pay attention to the situation and whether it warranted such a gesture. If there was no courteous act committed, then there's probably a good reason to slam on the brakes!

 Horns have the following uses:

  1. Long horns are usually full warnings - so listen carefully and use them to warn other drivers.

  2. Short horn sounds can be considered as minor warnings (You are about to cross a perpendicular 2-way street and turn left into the second street, a driver may see the front of your car and give a slight warning to indicate that he is close.)

  3. If someone from oncoming traffic is given permission to turn (via headlights), you may be thanked using a short horn (and a wave of the hand).

  4. Taxis are known to honk at "potential" customers (then again, potential customer is anyone without a car/bike), so don't be alarmed if a short horn sounds when your driving or walking by.

  5. Repeated horn sounds - whether double (beep-beep), triple (beep-beep-beeeeeeeeep), or constant (no need to explain this one) can be associated with impatience. Sound is made to urge the people in front to move on. Double/Triple beeps are usually used at roundabouts and traffic lights if someone is taking too long to move. Constant repeated beeps are indicative of a traffic jam.

Roundabouts

Bahrain is starting to phase out most of the problematic roundabouts, as they have been a source of major accidents and traffic jams. Some of these are being replaced by 2/3/4-way intersections. However, there is no guarantee that all roundabouts will be eliminated.

 How to drive in roundabouts:

  1. Some countries give right of way to traffic entering the roundabout (like Beirut). Bahrain however, gives right of way to people INSIDE the roundabout. You will notice the "Give Way" traffic signs at all roundabouts.

  2. Certain roundabouts will have traffic lights placed at them. So even if there are no cars inside the roundabout, you cannot enter if the traffic light is red. Same goes for traffic lights INSIDE the roundabout.

  3. Pay attention to the ground arrows as most roundabouts connect 4 to 6 routes (in a 4-way roundabout, one is your route and the rest are considered exits)

  4. As a general guideline, if you want to turn right or head straight (12-6 o'clock / directional) hold the right lane.

  5. If you want to turn left or go back the way you came (6-12 o'clock / directional) hold the left lane.

  6. Middle lane is usually reserved for straight and left exits. (Applicable to 3-lane roads, 2-lanes only have left/right)

  7. If for some reason you miss your exit, DON'T PANIC. Make another round on the roundabout and attempt it the second time.

  8. WATCH OUT, for people on the right lane attempting to make a left when you're in the middle lane and trying to go straight. (refer to #7)

Looks can be deceiving...

When we first arrived in Bahrain, we spent our first week in a hotel which I was determined to get out of quickly. Two reasons, the first being we pay out of pocket and then get reimbursed and second, I wanted a place that was ours and to give the shipping company a final address. So while Stephen was off to work making the money, I set out in our rental car to find a place to live. Thankfully, I had a friend to tag along with me. I drove around calling all the numbers posted for rent to see what was available. I have since learned that if the sign is up permanently you might want to rethink signing a lease there. Just food for thought. We thought we wanted to stay in Juffair, the city in which the base is located, as it makes it easier to walk to base and you are close to American Alley (restaurants). So when Yvonne and I found this one flat, we thought it was perfect - remember the title of this blog? Looks can be deceiving well they are! It was on the 1st floor (which means 2nd in the US) as ground floor is the true 1st floor here. BUT there is an elevator so on those days you have too many groceries or you worked out and your legs ache too much - take the elevator built for one (at least it isn't the box of death - a story for later). I took Stephen back to the flat to see if he liked it or not. And again, it seemed absolutely perfect. Three bedrooms all en-suite, living room and dining room combined with a table to seat 10! The downside in the spacious kitchen was the European style electric stove - that alone should have told me NO! And I have since learned I will not settle for a small stove when I know there are much bigger and better out there. It was nice and quiet and close to base - a 20 minute walk, and the landlord agreed to leave or take out any furniture that we did not need or want once ours arrived.

The first night we were there I woke up to a strange sound. At first I thought a baby was crying, then after completely waking up I then realized what that all too familiar noise was - a ROOSTER CROWING! Did I mention it was 4 am??? Apparently, one thing they failed to mention was they had a rooster downstairs. You get used to it eventually, or at least you tell yourself you do, not sure I ever did. Then came the noises. Apparently when they built this flat they failed to properly insulate. You could hear everything from a pin drop to a chair being moved across the entire room (they did this several times a day).... it was unnerving! After having quite enough, I got our lease and looked it over AHA! There was a 30 day termination clause by either the landlord or us. All we had to do was give a 30 day notice and we were out of the contract. Hallelujah, we are out of here! Stephen told me to find a place and then we could give our notice, which I then expressed NO, give our notice and rest assured I WILL find us a place! We had time before our household goods were to arrive.

So I contacted two realtors because they only show you the ones they have agreements with and got to work. We realized that staying in Juffair was going to difficult if we wanted a villa. My want list was simple - a big oven, American washer and dryer, two master bedrooms, and a little garden. You see, we decided to go in with another family here and share a villa, getting more for our money. So I got busy and set up appointments. We looked at villas - all over the island and could not find one that suited everything on our list. One day I just so happened to be poking around on Facebook and found a post by a military family on base about a villa that was available. We made arrangements to drive out to see it that evening and fell in love! All bedrooms are en-suites (bathroom in the bedroom), two kitchens, big and spacious, a nice size pool and a garden area with a two car garage! Did I mention two kitchens?? If you know me or Celeste, we love to cook and bake - this house was perfect!

We have been living here now for two months and love it! It has two living areas and enough room for their furniture and ours. The laundry room is on the third floor but it isn't too bad. And everyone delivers to us, even our favorite little Turkish restaurant in A'ali at Ramli Mall. Even the drive to work is not terrible and we are only about 20 minutes away!

You know you've been in the Middle East too long when...

• You're not surprised to see a goat in the passenger seat or tied up to a post outside your flat building

• You think the uncut version of "Little House on the Prairie" is provocative 

• You need a sweater when it's 80 degrees Fahrenheit 

• Your idea of housework is leaving a list for the houseboy 

• You believe that speed limits are only advisory 

• You believe that the definition of a nanosecond is the time interval between the time the light turns green and the time that the guy behind you begins to blow his horn 

• You can't buy anything without asking for a discount 

• You expect all stores to stay open till midnight 

• You understand that 'wadi bashing' isn't a criminal act 

• You make left turns from the far right lane 

• You send friends a map instead of your address 

• You understand why huge 4x4’s must slow down to a snail's pace whilst crossing a speed bump yet hurtle through a wadi at 100 kph 

• You think that "Howareyou" is one word. So is "Mamsir" 

• You think it perfectly normal to have a picnic in the middle of a roundabout at 11 p.m. 

• You know exactly how much alcohol allowance you have left for the month 

• You have a moon phase predictor on your computer 

• You never say Saturday instead of Friday or Sunday instead of Saturday anymore 

• You accept that there is no point in asking why you are not allowed to do something 

• You expect queues to be 1 person deep and 40 people wide 

• You realize that the black and white stripes in the road are not a zebra crossing, just bait to get tourists into the firing line 

• You carry 12 passport size photos around with you just in case 

• You can tell the time by listening to the local mosque 

• You think its a good night if there are fewer than 10 men for every woman in a bar

• Phrases like 'potato peeler', 'dish washer', 'coffee maker' and 'fly swatter' are no longer household items but are actually job titles 

• You overtake a police car at 130KM/HRA 

• Problem with your car AC or horn is more serious to you than a problem with the brakes

 and yes they do this all the time!

Bahraini Farmers Market

When I told the guys that they needed to be up and ready to go by 8 AM on their day off, they looked a little puzzled, well Stephen actually scowled at me. I know what he was thinking, this is my one true day that I am able to sleep late and you are going to make me get up early! You see every Saturday from 8-noon there is a Farmers Market at the Gardens here in Bahrain where you can buy local fruits and vegetables. And if there is one thing that I love it is a Farmers Market, because you never know exactly what you will find! Living on an island, we rely heavily on imports and local produce is very limited unless you know where to look, and this is our chance to support the local farmers!

We were out of the house by 8:15 and on our way. We met our friends, Helen, Lance, Mollie, and her friend Mercia at the market and off we went for our early morning adventure. On one side of the venue there are food vendors - omelets, hash browns, samosas, and other yummy foods all made while you wait! Oh and did I mention? They also had my favorite tea! All of this for a mere 2 BD, which converted is $5.30 - breakfast for two! It was delicious!

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Seating was a little tricky, as we had one table with five chairs, so we took turns eating. Other families who were there had obviously done this before and brought blankets to sit on - must make note and do that next time!

Next, we were off to buy our veggies. Luckily I had brought my list, otherwise, I would have been so distracted by the abundance of items that I would have forgotten what I went there to buy.

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While most of the stands sold vegetables, fruits and herbs, some stands only sold fresh herbs. A few had actual potted herbs to buy. I bought basil, parsley, cilantro and mint plants. So far as of this writing, they are still alive, tho it may have to do with my gardener transferring them into a bigger pot for me and I quote, "little pot no good!"

Nothing beats the fresh smell of herbs!

The cauliflower shown here in this picture is 400 fils which is equivalent to $1.06 in the states. However, as always just because it has a price on it does not mean that is what you pay, you bargain for everything here!

They also sell fresh eggs - chicken, duck and quail eggs. We did not buy any eggs this trip. 

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There was a section of the market dedicated to local artists. Young and old were there painting and even had some of their paintings for sale. We did not have enough BD with us or we would have come home with one of the beautiful paintings. 

I cannot wait to go back this upcoming weekend for some fresh vegetables and perhaps this time we will take home a local painting!

Back in the Land of Sand

First I would like to apologize for the lack of updates. Last year I was working a lot at the video store and did not have a lot of down time to sit and write. I have posted our pictures from our vacation to Thailand last April. I have to say it is one of my favorite places! One of the most relaxing times I have had in a long while. The water was such a vibrant color of blue and just beautiful! One of my most favorite meals while we were there was Thai Basil Chicken made right on the beach! 

In June of last year, Stephen took a job with a different company and we left Bahrain. I went home to set up house in Texas and Stephen went to Afghanistan. His job there was for a year tour with an expected vacation around Christmas. However, the company he was working for lost the contract bid and we decided he would not stay, which meant instead of a vacation in December he would be transitioning to a new job. A long story short, he went back to work for his previous company in Bahrain. Stephen came home to Texas the weekend after Thanksgiving and right before the big ice storm that shut the state down for over a week. Craziness! We were able to spend time with family, although less than desired. Tuesday, before our departure, we had dinner with friends and family to celebrate Stephen's safe arrival home and our departure for Bahrain that upcoming Saturday. It was truly wonderful getting to spend that time together. We braved the cold and snow/ice on the roads and had dinner with Stephen's brother and 3 out of the 5 of our children in Benbrook. 

Getting out of Texas, however, almost did not happen. Ice and snow. For most places in America this would not be a problem, however, the Dallas/Fort Worth area is not equipped to handle this type of weather and basically shut the airport down. Although our flight had been canceled, we were able to switch airlines and get out of Texas. Because it took so long to de-ice the plane in Texas we were over two hours late and missed our connection in London.  Two security checks and three different counters, two buses and the train - we were ready for bed! Thankfully we made it safely as did our luggage, which surprised the heck out of me!

We have been settling in nicely in Bahrain, almost as if we never left. Stephen of course is busy with work and I have joined the FRG on base which I am enjoying thus far. We also get together with friends once a week for game night - where we all bring a dish and then play games together. It is quite nice! Our household goods have arrived and we have moved in to a fabulous villa which I will write about later this week.

Blessings,

The Goudy's

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