Brief Glimpse

On 5th January, Lianne and I left Egypt to travel with like-minded friends in order to experience another part of the Arab world. Our journey begins:



3 hour flight, 1 hour drive through, 1 windy road through backroads, we arrive at our orientation destination. Still recovering from a week sick in bed, the last thing on my mind was making friends. Boy, was I in for a surprise...a few surprises!



Orientation included information about the countries we were going to visit (our group of 15 split into 3 groups), places to visit, culture-appropriate behavior, and other travelling need-to-knows. I and three others comprised "Team Bahrain:" a fun-loving couple from Southern California, a Swiss-German-Jordanian, and myself the Half-Japanese from Hawaii.



The four of us became a little family and really enjoyed our time together. The following is the first entry into our team journal, which I wrote each day. To read the others, please visit http://thepowellpeople.blogspot.com/
11 January 2008Home: Hospital mazes and hyper-markets - Welcome to Bahrain!

And so, Team Bahrain begins: Aaron, Allison, Sarah, and Janean. Here we are, sitting at Gate 6 amused by our honorary 5th member, 20 Questions entertaining us with random questions such as, “Is it bigger than a pound of butter?” or “Does it bring joy to people?” Minding our own business, ignoring the awkward stares of others, our team bonding continues interrupted by a giggly toddler who decides to attack innocent Allison. It was more of a hit-and-run, minus the run. A waddle is more like it, and accompanied with a child’s rendition of the evil laugh, this little tyke succeeded in his endeavors, and his memory will forever be recorded in the happenings of Team Bahrain.

20 Questions in pocket, luggage in tow, we finally land in Bahrain. Minus passport control’s suspicion of Janean’s identity, everyone made it through just fine. Hungry, tired, and full of eager anticipation, we load our cart –

Seven pieces of luggage, check
Five team members, checkPassports, check
Hungry stomachs, double check

Stepping out of the airport, we are quickly greeted as the “three Americans and one Swiss-German-Jordanian.” I suppose no one had difficulties identifying us, obviously. Loading our luggage into two vehicles, we begin our journey through the extensive city of Bahrain toward the American Mission Hospital, which will be home for the next two weeks.

Parking across the street, we strap on our backpacks, roll our suitcases, and trek our way across the street, open the door to the hospital, and breath in the warm air in relief – we’re finally home! Elhamdulallah, right?

Or not. Little did we know what lay ahead: too many corners, a few elevator rides, one bridge, various doors until, at last, room 505 – Home sweet home! Following sighs of relief as we sink into the living room couches, quick introductions, we make our way to Bahrain Mall – food our goal. Nothing will stop us now.

One hour later, here we sit, Allison and Aaron, the Cali couple, enjoy Japanese grill; Janean, the half-Jap from Hawaii and Sarah, the Swiss-German-Jordanian indulge in tasty Persian Grill. Diversity is an understatement. Finally fed, we begin our journey through the hyper-market.

Yes, hyper-market, not to be confused with supermarket. Just imagine the excitement, or lack thereof, as four of us tired and fed, stroll, or lag rather, through too many aisles, filled with too many options, thinking of one thing: bed! With a common goal in mind, we persevere, pay, load up, and head home -- not so hyper. Day one, done.