It's Not Culture Shock It's Just Different - the island of Bahrain - Brief Article

All Hands, Feb, 2001 by Preston Keres, Jim Watson

HOME TO 5TH FLEET SAILORS

As for the Sailors and family members who do know where Bahrain is located -- between the Saudi Arabian mainland and the island of Qatar if that helps -- few actually know what the island has to offer, or what kind of life is led in this oil-bearing land.

Arabic is the official language of the country, English is widely spoken and understood, and there are many customs and traditions unfamiliar to the westerner. Islam is the country's official religion, and is practiced by 95 percent of the population according to official estimates.

After Iraq invaded Kuwait Aug. 2, 1990, U.S. and British troops were allowed to deploy in and out of this strategic island. Today, it is the headquarters to Commander, Naval Forces Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet.

Take a walk with All Hands as we stroll the streets and surrounding area of the capital city of Manama, where you will get a taste and feel of the local culture and people.

On our journey through the city, you'll see shops and small restaurants pepper the narrow streets that line the inner workings of the capital.

Don't be alarmedthat you won't be able to find typical Americian food. You'll find hometown restaurants like Ponderosa, Pizza Hut, McDonald's and even Hard Rock Cafe Bahrain close by.

Bahrain also offers a multitude of shopping options -- just expect to haggle with the vendor. Many vendors expect nothing less and it can be fun as well as possible. You may want to take a friend who has lived in country a while along with you on your first expedition into town.

Whether you're looking for top-of-the-line gold jewelry or that special handcrafted "magic carpet" for your living room, you'll find just about everything you need as well as a warm welcome from the people of Bahrain.

Keres and Watson are photojournalists assigned to All Hands.