Nice place, nice people. Review on Bahrain, General

Bahrain is a small country. In fact, so small that you will find difficulty in locating it. Tucked between Saudi Arabia and Quatar this group of islands is a nice place to stay. In fact, if one has a choice it is the best place to stay with family, in Middle East.

Climate

The climate is nothing write much about. Most of the year it is hot and humid, July-September period being the worst. During the winter chilly winds in the early mornings and evenings can be bothersome.

Social Atmosphere

This is the real strength of Bahrain. There are no social restrictions, no dress codes. Just to give an idea, Maharshtra Mandal in Bahrain celebrates Ganeshotsav with fancy, Bengali people celebrate Durga Puja without any problems and tensions.

While onroad you will not feel any tension, pressure of being in an alien country.

English is widely understood and used. Not only this, majority of the people understand Hindi. Don't be surprised if you here Hindi announcements onBahrain airport. (Pakistanis will call these Urdu announcements!)

Signboards on Signals use 3 languages...Arabic, English and MALYALAM!

Most of the persons on shop counters are Indians and hence Hinglish is most commonly used language.

Visiting Places

Actually, in spite of the lists I saw on MS, I feel there are not many historical places worth visiting.

Someone who has seen Red Fort or Raigad, Bahrain or Rifa forts are mere clay models.

But you can still visit a few places like Museum (to understand Bahrain History), Potters' Village (to see heritage arts and crafts), Saudi causeway(to see Saudi Arabia from distance and experience a modern arcitectural marvel), Large malls (to shop and see the beautiful architecture), Tree of Life (the only tree in a vast desert... a nature's wonder), Al Areen Zoo (animals we do not see often in India)....

In fact, if you happen to be in Bahrain during winters, whole of Bahrain wears a festive looks. Beautiful and colourful flowers adorn the road sides and the deviders, fountains and artificial waterfalls dot the roads...

All people in Bahrain are, in general, very cooperative and friendly. They have had long relationship with India (British ruled this state) and still use Rupaiya in transactions (just calling..... In fact if some one asks for a rupaiya, you have to pay 100 fils). Many Bahrainis trust Indian educational system (Bahrainis studying in Indian Schools in Bahrain is common) and Indian medical system (they often visit Mumbai for medical treatment). They have lot of respect and curiosity about India, Indian customs, Hindu religion and its history and respect Indian people a lot.