Au revoir, Bahrain

Tomorrow we start on our trip back to Riyadh. After living here for over 3 weeks we head back.

In Bahrain, we've seen the more open, liberated face of the Middle East. Sure, there are women in abayas. But there are equal number of women without them. They drive cars, move about on their own, work and do just as they please.

Although Bahrain, is a small country, its trying its level best to keep up with it's more advanced neighbours. Shopping malls housing international brands, the F1 track, are proud possessions of the Bahraini people. At the same time they are equally at ease with their rich past.

My friend L from Dubai, praises Bahrain's gastronomic delights. And she's right. Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Mid-eastern, Far -Eastern...you name... you got it.

And so with a heavy heart we head back. Back to a place, where I dont feel like eating out. Where the abaya holds strong. And yet this time, I am filled with anticipation for Riyadh. You see, having packed our household belongings we were basically behaving like Bedouins for over 16 months now. Finally, we shipped our stuff to Riyadh and are expecting it to be delivered anytime next week.

And so if you dont hear from me - in the next few days, you know where I will be. Shedding tears, oohing and aahing with and over long lost belongings :)