Thanks for all your kind comments. I have done what I can to personalise the house, but there is always an awareness that you are not really "home", as expats can't buy property here, so you never REALLY settle down. I am continually homesick for South Africa, and I'd go back in a flash, if my hubby and I could find decent jobs there! Having said that, Bahrain, and the Bahraini people have been extremely good to us. I have been to Saudi, Dubai, Oman and Qatar and I can honestly say that Bahrain is the place I prefer to live!!
Now to answer some of your questions:
T & P's Mum: I dont have to wear an Abaya (picture here) in Bahrain, but I do try at all times to be respectful of the culture and religion here. When shopping or going outsise the compound, I won't wear sleeveless tops or shorts etc - NOT because I CAN'T (Bahrain is one of the most liberal Gulf countries), but because I don't feel it is appropriate.
When I travel into Saudi (only a few times a year), I do wear an Abaya over my "street clothes". In Saudi it is also advisable to have a head scarf with you, in case you are singled out by the Mottauw (sp?) or "Religious Police". Although in four years of trips to Saudi I have never been picked on - a friend of mine who is blonde has a lot of hassles when shopping etc in Saudi, and so prefers to wear a head scarf. That is THE MOST that we, as westerners, are ever required to cover up - we do not have to wear full "Hijab" - ie a veil etc. (Sorry to be a blabbermouth on this issue, but I love to share my perspective on the Mid East with people who may never have an opportunity to experience it first-hand. If any of you ever have any questions I am only a PM away).
POPS - you are correct that the style and design of my house is representative of the "typical" Mid East house, although it is probably larger than most residential houses. The area is around 7500 square feet! This IS larger than the average. (There is actually a waiting list for this compound - you need to pay rent ANUALLY in ADVANCE!!) To benchmark consider the following: The top 5% of residents in Bahrain are extremely rich royals and businessmen, who live in houses that you or I can barely imagine! This house is probably in the top 20% of äverage "residential" houses. My hubby is mid-to-senior Management level, so his housing allowance reflects that. We also do A LOT of corporate entertaining at home, so I like to think that my home reflects this also - it is not just a family home, but is also a "business resource".
Meg - you are wecome ANY TIME. Warren will pick you up at the airport on the Harley, and I will follow in my car to carry your luggage!
Catsnclay - my Hubby has ALWAYS ridden Motorbikes. Last year he bought a 100th Anniversary Harley Davidson V-Rod, and point-blank refused to park it oustide in the heat, dust and humidity!! I like to think of it as a "Modern Art Sculpture". (Someone commented to me that you know you have a BIG house when you have a Motorbike parked in the entrance hall, and you barely notice it!!!!). Lucky for hubby I LOVE bikes as well, so I really don't mind - in fact I barely notice it!
Thelmalu99 - you are welcome ANY TIME!!!
QS - the "white room" is totally empty whilst we debate what to do with it! It is tiled, and had a huge skylight - Ally is so cute - she is a real "sun-bug" and moves around the room so she is always lying in the sun!! (See the attached photo).
Sorry for rambling - I am such a blabbermouth
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