Meera Ravi

1. What are the things you like most about Bahrain?

The weather is always sunny (sometimes too much so!), the people always friendly, everybody loves a great meal and the restaurants reflect this, there is so much cultural cross-currents and events!

2. What are on your must see and Do list in Bahrain?

- Do visit Poetry House, the restored residence of the late Ibrahim Al

Arrayedh in Gudaibiya – it’s a serene gem of a place. (Parking can be tricky, though)

- The Pearl Trail is beautifully restored and gives us a glimpse of Bahrain’s ancient pearling history in the time just before it faded.

- Check out the historic buildings like the old royal residences in Muharraq and Janabiyah. They are lovingly restored and encapsulate the old life in Bahrain beautifully.

- Of course, try to time your visit to catch the fever of the Formula One! Its really the best race both on the track and off-track.

3. What are your suggestions for restarants and must eat dishes?

a. Breakfast at Haji’s Café is a must – a tourist experience that is authentic Bahraini.

b. Monsoon in Block 338 is beautiful, stylish and served great SE Asian food.

c. Try Kailash Parbat, an Indian franchise in Dana Mall – their Multani Paneer and Stuffed Mushroom is awesome as is their Cheese and Garlic Naan.

4. What are the items to buy in Bahrain and where?

· Lovely jalabiyas in Muharraq and Manama textile markets – they are lightweight, exotic and beautifully embroidered.

· Perfume – traditional Arabic attar is intense and without alcohol. You can buy plain small bottles or lovely designed containers at Asghar Ali, Junaid, Rasasi, Ajmal’s or other specialty Arabic perfumiers

· Artistic souvenirs at Capital Mall in Seef district where you can often meet the artists too!

· Bahraini halwa in the traditional aluminium container.

· Arabic coffee – you can get it at any supermarket roastery but make sure you also pick up the long-handled coffee saucepan and small gahwa cups for the whole experience.

5. Please mention a not to be missed experience/sight in Bahrain?

My top spot is reserved for the amazing Bahrain National Museum where the pre-Islamic history section unfolds like a Harry Potter book! If you go in the afternoon, wind down at the museum’s Darseel Café watching the sun go down, turning Manama all shades of gold.

Also, a visit to the camel farm in Janabiya is fun – with the friendly and inquisitive camels nudging you.

6. What do you say about Bahrain people’s hospitality?

There is a saying that “If one drinks the water of Bahrain with love, the Kingdom will call you back.” Bahraini people have a timeless sense of generous welcome – I guess it comes from their heritage as a port city since ancient times.

My name is Meera Ravi. I have been a resident of Bahrain for 40 years now although I also used to visit as a school girl in the 70s, when my parents were here briefly. I have been a journalist for over four decades and run my own magazine “Salaam Bahrain” (Editor). I am also a current affairs columnist for the local newspaper, Gulf Daily News.