DOME

The other day we went to Dome in Juffair, one of our fav cafes. As it was most likely to be the last time we went there before leaving for Dubai, I thought we should take some photos. Lilli offered to do the job, and between her and the staff, she created this little expose. The black and white newspaper format has 'helped' a few of the photos :-)

The staff at Dome are wonderful and were perfectly patient and encouraging with Lilli. Apart from the fantastic staff and spacious environment Dome is the only place in Bahrain that I have been to where you can ask for a flat white and they know what you are talking about. It is also very kid friendly.

The food is good too. We particularly like the antipasto.

QAL'AT AL-BAHRAIN

We recently visited the fairly newly opened Qal'at al Bahrain. Qal'at Al Bahrain is quite a small museum built on an archeological site. The museum showcases the anciet harbour and capital of the Dilmun Empire from 2,500BC until about 16thC. It has only been opened a few months and is located quite near the old fort in Seef.

The architecture and decor of the museum is very modern, airy and open. It is not yet fully opened - the cafe is not functioning. The entry was free and it was small enough to feel like you had seen everything without skipping anything. The view from the outdoor patio is one of the nicest natural views we have seen here in Bahrain.

LAST DAY AT NADEEN SCHOOL

Lilli is officially on holiday and had her last day at Nadeen School. I think I felt a bit more sad about it than she did.
Not quite sure what we are going to do here for two months - especially in this heat. Most of her little friends are going away, many expats here leave over the summer school holidays.

Mr. TIM'S 42nd BIRTHDAY

Tim celebrated his 42nd birthday last month. The birthday celebrations started the night before his birthday at La Fontaine restaurant with the Xynia's and the Mason's. We ate outside near the fountain with oversized lanterns and candles being the only source of light. It was lovely. The fabulous venue and atmosphere were not let down by the food. Tim and I both felt that it was the best meal we had had recently. The children had a lovely time running around and making cubby houses out of the empty tables - fortunately we had arrived early which meant that the diners coming for a romantic evening did not have to tolerate us all evening.

Tim was shouted breakfast and lunch by Dimitri & Moose, with cake in the office in the afternoon, and the evening was spent outside at the Gulf Hotel at a conveniently arranged staff function. The 3 Amigo's (Tim, Moose & Dimitri) arrived in matching shirts and were quite successful in the prize winning stakes (promotional material from BCC clients) Alex (Dimitri's son) won a trip to anywhere in the world with Gulf Air. Unfortunately the fine print conditions make using it quite difficult.

HORSERIDING

Lilli started horseriding in February. She goes for 1/2 an hour every Wednesday after school and loves it. The little poppets are not yet using reins, and are lead by grooms. They are learning to be confident in the saddle as well as some horsey terminology. Lilli's pony is called 'Munch'.

LA FONTAINE - CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART

http://www.lafontaineartcentre.com/html/art_gallery.htm

An amazing space, over 150 years old, blending European and Arabic architecture. It is located in a hectic part of the old city but once inside it's gates the world becomes calm and tranquil - even Lilli was subdued. It has been beautifully restored, and has now become a private art gallery, restaurant and spa. We just loved it!

BAHRAIN GARDEN SHOW

The Bahrain Garden Show was a little bit like a rural A&P but without the animals, rides and food. It didn't really blow us away, but there were enough interesting things to look at to warrant having paid the 1 dinar ($AUD3) family entry fee. Lilli had fun - there was a colouring stand, lots of flowers, and she had a butterfly henna'd onto her hand.

SCHOOL PHOTOS

JANUARY SLIDESHOW