Souks
No Visit to Bahrain would be completed without a trip to the soukh , with its profusion of colors, sounds, and aromas. All wares are sold, from cloth of colors and textures to gold and jewelry as well as the traditional array of spices and local produce. Bartering is expected, and indeed turns the whole experience of shopping into a challenge to see who can obtain the best price. The central market, completed in 1978, provides modern facilities for trades, which were unavailable, when the market took place in the soukh. It is well worth a visit, if only to enjoy the brightly colored display of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as the scents of the herbs, nuts and spices.
Dress
Male traditional dress consists of a or full length coat, made of dark wool in the winter and white cotton during the summer. Beneath this is worn the serwaal, which are rather like pair of cotton pyjama trousers . A light woolen cloak, or bisht, of beige or black and usually edged with gold embroidery, is worn on more formal occasions. The headdress comprises a crocheted cap, or ghafeyah, on top of which is worn a ghutrah , or scarf, held in place with an agaal, a black wool headband.
King Fahad Causeway
Opened in 1986, this remarkable 15.5 miles (25km) feat of engineering links Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. It is one of the most expensive bridges in the world. The causeway traverses Umm Nasan Island, which is a sanctuary for wildlife, and at halfway point there is a facility area, including a restaurant, which you can visit even if you don't travel the whole distance to Saudi Arabia.
Diving
History and ancient history would suggest that diving itself was probably born in and around the warm shallow waters of Bahrain. Recorded as far back as 5000 years ago, Pearl Diving has been Bahrain's heritage for millennia and ,today, these same productive oyster beds (the largest of their kind in the world) continue to flourish, offering some very unique, rewarding and exciting recreational diving opportunities all year round. With water temperatures ranging from 34C in summer to 20C in winter, providing comfortable diving conditions year round, up to 30 species of coral and in excess of 200 species of fish can be found, in particular, on the northern offshore reefs of Bahrain. Here, divers, underwater photographers and snorkellers can discover a myriad of Indo Pacific species including clown fish, trigger fish, surgeon fish,turtles, rays, lion fish,grouper, snapper, crayfish and even whalesharks; while tuna, mackerel, trevally and barracuda cruise above. In addition to reef diving there are a number of wrecks around the island, including ships, planes, tugs and barges that have something special to offer the inveterate diver. Dugongs (sea cows) can also be seen feeding on the sea grass in the southern waters of Bahrain during the cooler winter months. Scuba and snorkelling education, equipment, experiences and excursions are available to an international standard through a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre located in Manama".
Golf
Construction work has started on the first 18-hole green course in Bahrain. US-based Karl Litton, one of the leading golf course designers, has designed the BD 7 million ($18.6m) Riffa Golf Course. The Riffa Golf Club is being constructed to professional Golf Association standards with the first seven holes on a dramatic Wadi terrain and remaining 11 holes lay out around and over four lakes. The nearly 63 hectares (155 acre) site for the new golf course on undeveloped land has been carefully chosen for both access and terrain. The course is par 72 and is 6.286m (6.875 yards) in length with some 24 hectares (60 acres) of grass and will landscaped with palms and shrubbery to give a tropical feeling in the desert terrain. Environment will be cheered to know that the green terrain will be watered and irrigated by using recycled wastewater brought in from the sea, factories and various plants, and not precious water destined for public consumption. Doing what is ecological correct has been as important to the committee as creating a course of International caliber. visit RIFA GOLF
Arabic Coffee & Hospitality
The drinking of coffee is a traditional part of Bahrain welcome, and begins with the preparation of the coffee itself. Three cupfuls of vaster and a rounded teaspoon of coffee (gahwa) are poured into a saucepan and then boiled for about two minutes. Next comes the "relaxation" process, which is very important, as it allows time for the traditional exchange of greetings and welcome. After adding cardamom and saffron in rosewater, the liquid is poured gently from the saucepan into the coffeepot, or dalla, taking care that the sediment remains in the pan. The coffee is then left to brew for five or ten minutes before being served in a small cup, or finjan. It is polite to accept a second cup if offered, but for third and subsequent helpings, the shaking of the cup from side to side indicates refusal. Coffeepots can be found in many shops on the island, as well as in the soukhs. They make an ideal reminder for the hospitality and welcome extended to visitors by the people of Bahrain.
