Well it has been an eventful week in our household! As I previously mentioned we spent last weekend in Bahrain. During our time there our daughter fell and fractured her arm. 

We took her to a hospital in Saudi and although it's an experience we wouldn't want to have again, if it did, it wouldn't bother us if it happened in Saudi. The health care was first class although we did go to one of the best hospitals here. 

We were in and out in under 3 hours. Upon entering the emergency ward we sat down and registered. There were a dozen or so people waiting in 3 or 4 family groups. We were taken into a triage room and then admitted to the pediatric emergency ward. There are separate wards for men, women, old people etc. Then we were taken to x-ray and the plaster room. All done in three hours. Not bad at all! 

We ventured to Bahrain on Wednesday afternoon. We left around 2.30pm and arrived an hour later. A fellow Aussie spending time in Bahrain that weekend left around 3.45pm and didn't arrive until 7pm. Apparently the checkpoints had technical difficulties and stopped processing passports. We made an effort to avoid the causeway during the evening as that's when everyone travels.

 Saudi's travel to Bahrain as some 'things' are accessible. Women don't have to wear abayas and hijabs.  Although most still do, except the expats! Women can drive and work in shops. In Saudi at present women are starting to work in lingerie shops but other than that, all stores are staffed by men. Bahraini's travel to Saudi as the shopping is cheaper!
 
When we moved to Saudi we registered with the Australian Embassy in Riyadh. Upon arriving in Bahrain we received our first DFAT warning. It's been nearly a year since there was unrest in Bahrain. As it was nearing the anniversary there was concern that it could happen again. Suffice it to say, I wasn't rapt with the timing of the email!

While we were in Bahrain we did notice there was a police and military presence. There were also a few fires throughout the city. Although I was nervous being in another foreign country, we stayed in the shopping district and only visited two of the malls. We stayed near the Seef Mall and took a taxi to the City Centre Mall. I really enjoyed being able to shop all day and  try on clothes. The malls are opened from 10am until late. They don't close for prayer and are open all day. In Saudi shops close after the 'middayish' prayer. 

In the evenings we relaxed with a glass of wine and a beer. We're only social drinkers and commented on the fact that we haven't really missed not being able to buy alcohol. In fact, the few nights we've been out in the evening I have enjoyed the feeling of safety knowing that there are no drunks around.

So that's our week in short, well shortish. There's been a lot of 'ish' in this post. Again, don't judge the spelling and grammar errors. Be assured I'm not teaching at the moment!