Stage 8 - 16th & 20th February 2014

Bahrain is one of the few Middle East countries we have not been to so we were looking forward to adding a different stamp to our passports! We arrived in the afternoon of the 16th February and checked in to the rather grand Intercontinental Regency Hotel in Manama - probably one of the best hotels I've stayed in - and managed to upgrade so we had access to the Club Lounge - I'm a platinum member of this group of hotels so the upgrade was free! 

We didn't do much on the day of arrival except a quick trip to look at the Souk, which we heard was a bit special, and it was. In fact, Bahrain is a bit special: very real, very liberal, it felt, well, normal. I'd go there again.

The Souk in Manama, Bahrain.

On the 17th February we had a free day so did some site seeing - the Fort, the National Museum and the Bahrain Fort Archaeological excavations carried out since 1954 have unearthed antiquities from an artificial mound of 12 m (39 ft) height containing seven stratified layers, created by various occupants from 2300 BC up to the 18th century, including Kassites, Portuguese and Persians. It was once the capital of the Dilmun civilization and awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. It was a good place for photographs though when we were there it was a little hazy so the results were not too good.

On the 18th February I started a 3-day operations management programme for a Bahrain Credit; my course was one of several delivered to a group known as 'future leaders'.  Nice group, enjoyed their company and feedback was good.

Dianne outside the National Museum

At the entrance to the Fort, which is seen in the background

Overlooking the Fort excavations towards Manama

Dianne at the highest point

Another view of the city from the Fort

More of the excavations

Time for home....