Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Bahrain’s Winning Formula
You can dive for riches or dive into a Grand Prix in this pearl of an Arabian state
With just a snorkel and a few kicks, I swam down 6ft, gathering oysters on each dive
Perhaps I should have held a knife between my teeth to complete the action man look. Diving for pearls in the Persian Gulf? It wasn’t the kind of opportunity you come across every day.
The warm waters were welcoming, and the only thing I was armed with was a net bag to hopefully gather the extremely valuable loot.
So with just a snorkel and a few sharp kicks I swam the six feet or so down to the sea bed, gathering a few oysters on each dive.
Half an hour later I was back on the guide’s boat getting a quick lesson on how to shuck the oysters with a knife (warning: can be dangerous!). And then I could simply gather the riches, some of the best quality pearls in the world.
Or not, on this occasion. The experienced leader obviously had an eye for the right type of oyster, and was soon showing us his booty. I left empty handed, but richer for having tried.
CULTURE
Pearl diving is one of many experiences to be enjoyed on Bahrain, a small Arab state located off the southwestern coast of the Persian Gulf.
Indeed, pearls were originally the mainstay of the economy before oil was found in the 1930s.
The difference between Bahrain and some of the other Middle East destinations is the culture.
Yes, there are new builds aplenty, but there is also a rich heritage.
So you can stay in four and five-star opulence overnight, but then wander, safely and largely unbothered, around the ancient souks.
You can fine dine, but then explore the dramatic Qal’at al-Bahrain – an ancient fort – with 4,500 years of history.
A number of excavations reveal different layers of human occupation, the last a masterpiece of 16th century Portuguese construction.
An unmissable highlight here was walking around 15 minutes after sunset and hearing the mesmerising Islamic call to prayer from the mosques in the distance.
We were fortunate enough to visit the only just opened Jumeirah Royal Saray hotel which stands in a stunning beachfront location.
Its neighbour the Ritz-Carlton is almost in the same league.
But after all that luxury, there’s no better place to breakfast than Haji’s Cafe in the capital Manama for a breakfast feast of fresh dips, served on breads made on site (it’s definitely worth a kitchen visit).
Our trip coincided with the Bahrain Grand Prix, a stunning F1 event which seems to bring the whole island together – as well as many visitors from Saudi Arabia and other surrounding states. The Bahrainis are extremely proud of their
Formula One weekend, and quite rightly so – it’s one long party.
The race matters, but so does the atmosphere and sense of fun.
Bahrainis like to enjoy themselves (there are plenty of places serving alcohol) and they are incredibly welcoming. According to our tour guide it may be an Islamic country, but they are glad of any excuse to celebrate, regardless of religion or culture.
“We just love to party” he told us. “Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving – it doesn’t matter. We will always join in if it means a day off !”
Wonder if they know when my birthday is?