Any one been there? Pubs to watch soccer at? Stadiums to watch matches? Safety for Americans (non-military)? Whatever else ya may think of.
My friend is a diplomat over there, and he says it ain't too bad. He says its the Saudi's Vegas. The only thing is that Wednesday & Thursday are their weekends I believe.
Actually, on the Arabian Peninsula, depending on the country, the work week is either Sunday-Thursday or Saturday-Wednesday. Friday is always part of the weekend.
yeah our office's weekend is friday-saturday... I haven't been in almost a year, but it was very very safe at the time and it's a very wealthy city, so it's not really like what you might be expecting. Still, if there's tanks at the airport here, it's worth keeping eyes wide open over there for sure...
Read this, print it out and take it with you. http://travel.state.gov/bahrain.html Americans in Bahrain should maintain a high level of security awareness. Since the September 11, 2001, attack against the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the initiation of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan, and the onset of the current cycle of violence in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, the security situation in Bahrain has changed significantly. Numerous anti-American demonstrations occurred in the first half of 2002, one of which resulted in the U.S. Embassy being attacked with firebombs
Bahrain Travel Warning United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Washington, DC 20520 February 12, 2003 This Travel Warning is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to increased security concerns in Bahrain. In addition, this Travel Warning alerts U.S. citizens that the Department of State has authorized the departure of family members and non-emergency personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain on a voluntary basis. Private U.S. citizens in Bahrain should evaluate rigorously their own security situation and should consider departing. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to consider carefully the increased risks of travel to Bahrain. As stated in the current Middle East and North Africa Update Public Announcement, Americans are reminded of the potential for further terrorist actions against U.S. citizens abroad, specifically in the Middle East. On February 12, 2003, the Department of State authorized the departure of family members and non-emergency personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain on a voluntary basis. U.S. consular personnel remain available to provide emergency information and services to U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens who remain in or travel to Bahrain despite this warning are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Manama and enroll in the warden system (emergency alert network) to obtain updated information on travel and security in Bahrain. Americans in Bahrain should exercise caution and take prudent measures to maintain their security. These measures include being vigilantly aware of surroundings, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low profile, varying times and routes for all travel, and ensuring travel documents are current. The U.S. Embassy is located at Bldg. 979, Road no. 3119, Zinj District (next to Al Ahli Sports Club). (The mailing address is P.O. Box 26431, Manama, Bahrain.) The telephone number is 973-273-300. The Consular Section fax number is 973-256-242. The Embassy maintains an English language hotline providing information on current travel conditions in Bahrain at 973-255-048. The Embassy's website, which includes consular information, is http://www.usembassy.gov.bh. The workweek in Bahrain is Saturday through Wednesday. U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Bahrain, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, and the Middle East and North Africa Update Public Announcement, which are located on the Department's internet website at http://travel.state.gov.
I'll be in that neighborhood in the next week or so, unfortunately there will be no pubs where I am going. nothing but tents and sand for me for possibly the next year,,,OH Joy!! Maybe the best season of soccer in new england ever and I blame saddam for me missing it!!!