Bahrain’s pearls are internationally famous for their brilliance, clearness and beauty. It is also a very true statement that the country of Bahrain is bit like an oyster. To find the precious pearls you must be prepared to search. In case of Bahrain the country you are not looking across an ocean floor but finding your way around a country that isn’t sometimes isn’t quite ready to embrace the tourist with open arms. 

Clearness may be a quality  in the pearls of Bahrain but many of the cab drivers in this country are a little rougher, like the outside of an oyster.  Like a persistant pearl hunter you need a map and a clear idea where you are going before getting into a cab in Bahrain. One cab driver in Bahrain flat out refused to take us to the BMMI, the Bahrain liquor store. Taking tourists to get alcohol was against his religious beliefs. So when you find a gem like cab driver in Bahrain hang onto him and his business card!

In addition finding a good hotel in Bahrain requires that you book in advance and do you research. Like many cities there are a fair number of hotels that are only a step above an empty oyster shell. However always in search of pearls we stopped by the Ritz Carleton, Bahrain. The Trader Vic’s Bahrain, is a delightful restaurant to enjoy some wonderful fish, fine wine, fruity drinks and watch the giant goldfish and flamingo’s walk by. After a lunch we creatively enjoyed the breathtaking man made beach.

The brilliance of Bahrain can be seen in the breathtaking clear blue water that surrounds this island. The city of Manama is under construction but as each new building is completed the skyline becomes more beautiful. All the buildings have started to look like the sails of ships. At night time the buildings become a wonderful light show. The Pearl monument is a brilliant landmark and reminder of the nations history. 

From the National Museum, to the Arad Fort, to the Qal`at al-Bahrain Fort to the Riffa Fort there is a lot of history to be uncovered in Bahrain. As well lots of increadable doors and door ways to make you think about what is around the next corner. 

For me one of the Bahrain travel pearls that I was looking forward to finding was the Tree of Life. A complicated cab ride took us there. From a distance it was beautiful but up close it was sad to see the tree was covered in graffiti. A damaged pearl, although still beautiful from a distance and still amazing that it continues to grow without a noticeable water source. Perhaps another natural wonder in a country that gave me plenty to wonder about!