some local flavor

Our new neighbors, Dan and Kendra, fellow teachers at Al Raja, are very keen to see the sights of Bahrain. Wisely, they have been pacing themselves as they could have easily finished everything off in about 3 days. :) One of our recent sightseeing trips was to the Grand Mosque. I hadn't been there since 2009, when my family came to visit. It's always an interesting place to go. This time we had some connections--Dan and Kendra's Arabic teacher offered to give us a tour. It was quite long but very interesting. And of course, dressing up in the thobes and abayas is always fun too.

chandelier over the main prayer room

I love the star patterns they use in decorating. I'm going to figure out how to use this somewhere...

outside view

passage to the outdoor courtyard

local style

ninja (as Rey likes to call them!)

prayer time

probably the most awkward looking animal ever

After 4 years, I finally made it to the camel farm. I had heard rumors of such a place, but had never made it out there. The closest I got was driving by, which allowed me to see the giant sign saying, "Private Property! No entry." After a few inquiries, I discovered that is indeed the place; you simply drive past the sign and go right in! There's Bahrain for you :) We partnered up with our friends Dan, Kendra, and Kristine and took a little field trip there one afternoon. There are about 450 camels out there, all of which belong to the private collection of one of the sheikhs. Upon arriving, we quickly met one of the workers there who eagerly showed us the newborn camels--only a week old they still reached nearly to my shoulder! But the best part by far, was when Rey discovered the food pile, which quickly transformed him into the camel whisperer. Soon all the camels were straining against their ropes trying to get a little closer to the greens. We all took turns feeding them. What a riot.

Rey working his magic

Hello, Mr. Camel

everyone wants some food!

Who's hungry???

close up

feeding frenzy (it looks like there in one eating my hair!)

Here, camel, camel...

awkward nap time

oh, ya know, just hanging out