JUST BACK FROM Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

by Diane Heinze
(Oakland)

I went because: To visit good friends from Egypt who are teaching at Bahrain University and the New York Institute of Technology.

Don't miss: The Bahrain National Museum. Experience the 7,000-year history of Bahrain (formerly Dilmun and Tylos) and pearl hunting from springs under the sea.

Don't bother: Bringing head coverings or trying to learn Arabic. All styles of dress are accepted, and everyone speaks English.

Coolest souvenir: T-shirts for my son and husband bought at Bab (gate) al-Bahrain. Bargaining is a sport in the Gulf for the buyer and the seller.

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