First trip to Bahrain was about 4 weeks ago, for a Isabel’s birthday (friend of Maggie). There were 10 of us all together and it was a really good weekend. I was a bit daunted at first because knew no-one else but they were all pretty friendly – all nurses, most of them really don’t like it here, or certainly the jobs (the nursing side is notorious for being not only difficult in job but difficult in the environment - a lot of crap goes on, suffice to say its pretty bad because none of them are ever briefed properly (or perhaps truthfully) on the set up here, so when they arrive it’s like being dropped from a great height and told to get up and run.
I prob shouldn’t say this because even the blogs are scanned apparently for any ‘out of turn’ comments). Anyway, had a really nice time, they were all very down to earth and ‘normal’ (camp can be a funny place).

Stayed in apartments, this was the only photo I took!

 Had meant to take more as they were so nice, unexpected, and not that expensive so it is a good find.

WE went out for an Italian meal in lovely restaurant with some pubs after (a lot are attached to the hotels). The pubs (or ones we were in) were just like home, I think all pubs round the world are based on UK or Irish, so in some ways it was weird to be in places that looked so familiar but with Arabs in full Arab regalia having a pint! Didn’t ask if I could take a photo….

Bahrain is lovely, much more modern and has pubs and none of the restrictions in Saudi, so obviously a big draw for all including Saudis. Its reached by a Causeway between the two places and takes about 40 minutes to get across on a good day, 2 hours on a bad one! There are 4 checkpoints to pass through, incl customs, and you need your passport with a multi exit visa (which you get once you’ve been here for a bit, this lets you in and out of Saudi otherwise you just can’t go anywhere).

It is not good to be caught with even a little booze on the way back to Saudi – this has happened and usually very inadvertently, someone has left a bottle of beer in the boot or something and didn't realise. but most cases that's it, deportation. It’s a bit daft as everyone knows anyone who is going over is probably going to be partaking of some, if not a lot, but as long as they don’t find it on you or you’re blitzed out your head, it’s ok. Oh well!

Anyway, long story – Bahrain is lovely, you can literally feel the protocol and custom ‘lift’ as you go over. I hadn’t expected to feel this but it was there!.

Some general shots from the top of the apartments where we were staying.