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.

BABY BEAUTY

One of my treats since being in Bahrain has been to have regular trips to the "beauty saloon" (no, not a spelling mistake). I can get my eyebrows plucked for $3, a leg wax for $9 and a pedicure for $12. The pedicures are a bit more because they spend ages exfoliating all the dry hard skin on your feet.

Since the school holidays I haven't been able to get to the saloon, so in hairy desperation, took Lilli with me last time. She had a manicure and pedicure and got herself some tinsel hair extensions - tres sophisticated!

She had a lovely time and obbiously picked up some tricks - I have had quite a few reasonable foot massages since then YEEEE HAAAWWW!

HAWAR ISLAND

Knowing that we may be leaving Bahrain soon,we are trying to fit in as much Bahraini travel and culture as we can.

Last weekend we took an overnight trip to Hawar Island accompanied by the Mason's; Xynia's; Ziad, Narthum & 8 month old Marcel; Marwan, Vera & 4 year old Alex.

The trip was booked and paid for in advance, and judging by the flyer, the Hawar Island Resort looked amazing!

After a one hour boat trip on a modern passenger boat (with Mr Bean dvd for entertainment) we arrived on the island. From a distance the resort looks fab, but up close - very tired and drab. Shabby would probably be the best description of the resort, the food far from great and I think the travel agent in Bahrain did a bit of a number on us - however, we had great company and for that reason had a fun time. The children were particularly well catered for as they weren't as concerned about aesthetics. They swam in the pool, had rides with their dads on jet skis and quad bikes, played for hours on the waterslide, kayaked and generally enjoyed the experience.

View from the bedroom window (left)

View from the bedroom window (right)

Riding the quad bikes (Lilli did have a helmet on during the ride)

Waterslide fun.

MID TERM BREAK

Twins Lilli and Georgia at BuzziBees during mid term break.

DIVER DEAN

Tim is currently working towards his PADI certificate along with the Xynias'. He is almost up to his first sea water dive. In the meantime the classes are being conducted in our [apartment] pool.




Lilli get's in on the act with her ''dive''.

YACHT CLUB

Lilli's class took a trip to the beach today. Not nearly as nice as most Australian beaches AND you have to pay to use it - but the children had a great time.
Lilli, Rania and Leen.
Getting ready for lunch.
The obligatory class photo. Lilli second from left in the front row.

BIZZIBEEZ

A work colleague of Tim's introduced us to a great play venue for Lilli. It is only 1 month old and is just fabulous. The centre features multiple play areas including:

• art & craft - fab materials including collage and all sorts of paints all great quality
• books and puzzles - excellent choice of educational books and puzzles
• a pretend play supermarket - someone has go0ne to a lot of trouble collecting empty boxes and containers to stock the shelves *see above*
• soft area for babies
• pool
• sandpits with blue or pink sand
• outdoor play area with cubby houses and trampoline etc
• lego station
• cafe area for parents
• outdoor ''grand prix'' circuit

I am really impressed with the quality of the equipment and how safe and well supervised the areas are. I wish I had found out about this place before the holidays started rather than at the end. I took Lilli yesterday for the morning and worked on my menu plans and shopping list with a nice cup of coffee while Lilli 'created'. It would be amazing to have something like this in Australia.

ICE SKATING

As ,many of you will know, Lilli has been ''iceskating'' on any shiny surface since she could walk (without the brace). Tim decided to take her for her first real experience a few weeks ago. Lilli loved it, but Tim was left batttered and bruised by Lilliu's blades after many attempts to ''do it herself'''. We thought that maybe lessons might be the way to go. Lilli had her first lesson last Saturday. She was lucky enough to have a one-on-one lesson as the other students were unwell. Her teacher, Karen, is just lovely - and posesses extraordinary patience. Karen seems to think that Lilli is well on her way to skating already, and sees her over-confidence as a helping rather than hindering her (not sure that Tim would agree). It will be great when she and Tim can skate together (without pain).

EASTER HACK

The pony club organised an Easter fancy dress hack for the children. participants were encouraged to come in fancy dress and to dress up their ponies too. Unfortunately we didn't get the information re dressing the ponies, but with a bit of borrowed ribbon 'Polo' didn't look too underdressed.

Lilli was awarded third prize for the Polo/Lilli team.

After a ride around the block they all went off on an Easter egg hunt. Just what Lilli needed - more chocolate!

Quality of photos a bit poor as I took these with my phone camera - sorry.

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.

THE TREE OF LIFE

Despite sign posting most of the way, we nearly missed the 'Tree of Life'. We had expected a bit more pomp and ceromony surrounding it - but no, there it was, a tree in the desert.

There is nothing particularly special looking abouty the tree itself, it's a nice big mesquite tree with big sweeping branches. The amazing thing about it though, as I found out later (no information centre or plaque at the site) is that it is hundreds of years old - nobody knows how old exactly, and nobody knows how it managed to get establish and survive - there is no water for miles and miles. Some say it is magical - in a youth fountain kinda way! it didn't work on me, perhaps because I found the camel poo more interesting.

It was a freezing cold day and we were not dressed for the cold wind, so did not stay long, but apparently it is a nice place to go camping. Come and stay and we will take you there!