TSF's Tour of Bahrain 2008

We started the day early, meeting up at the Um Al Hassam Prayer House. First stop, we headed off to Amwaj Island, an exclusive sub-urban floating city of residential complex built on a reclaimed island. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed inside the compound by the security officers. Hence, we proceed to the Bahrain National Museum.

1. BAHRAIN NATIONAL MUSEUM

The museum is part of a proposed civic complex, which will include the national library, exhibition halls and an aquarium. At present only the museum and the arcade, which will form the center of the complex, have been built. In the museum itself, a central spine turned at a 45 degree angle gives access to four cubic gallery blocks. These massive, square, stone boxes formed the exhibition spaces.

After everyone has toured the entirety of the museum and have some pictures taken around the museum compound, we proceeded to the Bahrain Fort and while on our way we wonder with much anticipation if what awaits us behind those massive walls.

2. THE BAHRAIN FORT

Once the capital of the Dilmun civilization, and served more recently as a Portugese Fort. For these reasons, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. It is Bahrain's equivalent to the Philippine's Walled City of Intramuros, though to a lesser extent in terms of land area.

Photo: With the Bahrain skyline in the background, TSF family enters the fort's main gate.

About 25% of the site has been excavated revealing structures of different types: residential, public, commercial, religious and military. They testify to the importance of the site as a trading port over the centuries. On the top of the 12 meter high mound, there is the impressive Qal`at al-Burtughal (Portuguese fort), which gave the whole site its name, qal`a, meaning fort.

3. THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX SAKHIR RACE TRACK

This was built for the Bahrain International Circuit which has its debut on 4 April 2004. The completion of this world class race track outshadowed the Kuwait Circuit and became the center of motor sport in the Gulf Region.

It made history when it hosted the 1st Formula One Grand Prix in the entire Middle Eastern Region, with German driver Michael Schumacher winning the historic first race of 2004.

Photo: Getting ready for the big race, Schumacher watch out and eat my dust!

On the lighter side, did you know that the winning drivers do not spray the traditional champagne on the podium, although alcoholic beverages are legal in Bahrain, in contrast to neighbouring Qatar and Saudi Arabia?. Instead, they spray a non-alcoholic rosewater drink known as Waard.(wikipedia)

4. THE TREE OF LIFE

It is indeed Bahrain's nature wonder and one of it's famous tourist destination among expat. It is a 400 year-old mesquite tree that has grown marvelously big with several low branches extending out in every directions, just crying out to be climbed upon.

This unique tree stands alone in the middle of the dessert about 2 kilometers from Jebel Dukhan, the highest point in Bahrain. The source of water for this tree remains a mystery because it stands in a place completely free of water though I would like to assume that it gets its water nourishment from the humidity in the air at night time.

Photo: TSF family at the Tree of Life in the middle of the dessert.

The tree itself is located at the southern part of the island, far away from the main city. Making it a good excuse to travel far in the middle of the dessert. This was the last place we visited and we had a blast. Everyone had a wonderful time that day. It was a great time for all of us to enjoy what Bahrain has to offer to all of us working here. It was also a great oppurtunity to build-up camaraderie among brethrens at the TSF family.

The island of Bahrain is about the size of Negros Island. It may be small but this is home for most us. We came here to seek peace and prosperity. And by the grace of God may it be so all through the year.