General: Bahrain

As cabin crew i visit Bahrain on average once a month and I never fail to enjoy my trip. I can stay from anywhere between 12 hours and 10 days and love it everytime. Where do I start?

Well, we usually stay in the Diplomat Hotel in Manama which is sheer luxury and caters for all your needs. The rooms are beautifully decorated and the tv keeps you up to date with news from around the world. When you drive up to the hotel really takes your breath away. The lights are magical and the heat as you step out of the air conditioned bus just makes the whole experience out of this world.

So, what do we do? well, shopping usually features on the itinerary at least once a day and a good time to wander around the souk is after 5 when it is cool and the streets come alive. I can honestly say, hand on heart, i have never seen any women harassed and as cabin crew wandering around with other girls i have always felt perfectly safe. The gold souk is great and certainly cheaper and of a better quality than home. There are a few malls one just out of town (seefmall, i think) but to be honest it is very designer and very expensive. Nice to window shop though and rub shoulders with the millionaires of Bahrain!
Other daytime activities include visiting Sheiks beach which is beautiful and covered in beautiful people and the Yacht club which is also great if you get the chance to go out sailing. We have also been horse riding, the horses are treated beautifully and you feel priviledged to be riding them.
in the evening the entertainment on offer is superb. I have been out there all times, including ramadam on many occasion and it never stops the fun. The food is sensational and i would recommend The Hash House, really cheap but excellent. You can go and sit upstairs on the floor on lovely cushions arranged around the edge of the floor.
The best indian is the copper chimney where we have often had lager served to us out of teapots into our cups and saucers!!!!
Clubs, well there are loads to choose from, firm favourite with cabin crew is Warblers (bar) and BJ's (nightclub).
I would say there are a lot of US military out there and although i have never seen trouble, i have heard stories and allegedly there have been a fewdrunken fights but i guess that comes with the territory as they are resting or waiting to go into service. They have always acted like gentlemen around me anyhow!
So, would i recommend Bahrain??? NO! Stay away! hehehe , yes i really would, its beautiful and unspoiled, a real mixture of new and old and they combine perfectly