Of Hitchhiking in Bahrain.

Bahrain cars

I stroll along the cobbled by-lanes of Adliya, observing in fascination, the cafe culture of Bahrain. The men are predominantly dressed in white thobes, and each time they flick the striped red and white gutras on their head, I am reminded of the omnipresent red and white Bahraini flag – painted on walls along walkways, displayed outside houses and cafes, and even adorning car windows. This sentiment of patriotism seems to flow throughout the country, not only in ostentatious displays, but in the pride and warmth with which the Bahraini people speak of their island nation.

While this patriotism surprises me, what is more surprising is watching women drive their SUVs to the doorfront of European-style cafes; unlike the portrayals in international media, while some of them choose to drape themselves in black abayas and hijabs, a majority only cover their hair, and a handful prefer to wear neither. The women share tables, conversations and laughter with the men, often talking in a crisp English accent interspersed with Arabic slang, feasting on fusion food from elsewhere in the Middle East, India and Europe. This is where the east really meets the west, I think to myself.

Adliya Bahrain, Bahrain cafes, Cafe Lilou Bahrain
Cafe Lilou, my favorite cafe in Adliya.

Sprinkled among the quirky cafes and bars of Adliya, Bahrain’s most hip neighborhood, lie artistic installations, colorful graffiti, and walls covered in Arabic inscriptions. I find myself admiring the quaint stone exterior of a chic lounge called Lanterns, when a lanky man invites me in for a sneak peek of the cafe, which is yet to open to the public. I follow him into an unexpectedly Indian decor; a tiny paan shop stands at the entrance, the bar is in the shape of an Indian truck, and the open kitchen is named Pappu da dhaba! Scheduled to fly out before the opening, I promise to stop by on my next trip, and he promises me the best shisha in Adliya.

Bahrain cafes, Bahrain Adliya, cafe in Bahrain
Admiring the chic exterior of Lanterns.
Lanterns Bahrain, Indian restaurants Bahrain
The truck-shaped bar, at Lanterns.

In the interim, my newfound friend recommends a stretch of shisha cafes a couple of traffic lights away on the main road. As I figure my way around the neighborhood, another act of kindness awaits me, this time from behind the wheel of an SUV. At first, I politely decline the offer for a ride, the reflex of my fierce India-groomed instinct. But the camaraderie in the ensuing conversation convinces me otherwise, and in I hop, dropping off at the suggested traffic light.

Adliya Bahrain, Bahrain photos
Strolling along the by-lanes of Adliya.

Glancing at my watch, I suddenly crave to watch the sun set over the coast of Bahrain, and wonder if I can make my way to the shore, with no access to a car and no public transport to speak of. I start walking north, and before I know it, a burly man with a kind face, stops his car and asks if he could drop me off somewhere. Who could have thought hitchhiking in the “conservative” Gulf region could be such a breeze, without even sticking out your thumb?

Mohammed, as he introduces himself, turns out to be a teacher of the Arabic language, and obliges when I ask him to teach me one of its many poetic phrases. He drives me to his favorite seaside walk at Muharraq, where we watch a crimson sky cast a magical reflection on the receding tide. In the fading daylight, we talk about his life on the island and how life has changed in his village, where minor protests still take place every few days. He admits that while some of his friends are still fighting for rights denied to them, he has crossed over to accept the pros of the regime and only wants peace. He takes me to Egypt and Iran in his stories, and I have no doubt when he confesses that there are no people like the Bahraini.

Bahrain coast, Bahrain sunset, Bahrain sea, Bahrain photos
A dramatic sunset in Muharraq.

Having lost track of time in Mohammed’s company, I realize I am terribly late for a dinner gathering, and shyly ask him if he could drop me to my hotel; he happily agrees without much thought. When we part ways, I thank him profusely for the ride and his company. Ila al-liqa’, he says. Till we meet again.

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Also read:

Life in Bahrain: A Photo Essay
Of Hitchhiking in India

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17 Comments

  1. Sanjay Tyagi says:

    after going through your article Behrin is in my wishlist now

  2. Jenny Shetty says:

    The pappu ka dhaba in the lanterns lounge is such an suprise! The world is really into Indian food 🙂 and yes seriously a lot of people, esp girls would give second thoughts when offered a ride, but Mohammed turned out to be a great company and so very helpful indeed. The sunset photo is indeed mersmerizing! Agree with Sanjay above, the post makes me reallyly want to go there!

    1. I’ve travelled (and hitchhiked or tried hitchhiking) in many countries before, but never have been offered rides without even asking! Plan a trip, I’m sure you’ll love the people as much 🙂

  3. What an eye opener this post is ! Who would have thought that Bahrain could be so open and women friendly ! Travels broadens yoru mind in so many ways doesn’t it !

    1. Sure does, Ruchira. I have to say I was surprised by everything – the warmth, the liberalism, the openness. Can’t stop dreaming about going back and exploring more of the region.

  4. Bahrain! And the streets of Adliya! I never thought it would be this green!

    1. It’s not that green to be honest. The island was once called the land of a million palm trees, but most of that greenery was lost to the arid climate and human destruction. There is an ongoing effort to replant date palms and conserve what’s left.

  5. I love your description of the cafe scene and the women’s role. Good to know you felt safe enough to hitch.

    1. Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed reading it 🙂 The last thing I would’ve expected to do in a Gulf country was to hitch rides, but then travelling is about changing all perceptions!

  6. I never thought Bahrain would be so welcoming… definitely the media paints a different picture.

  7. Very good read. Before I read your posts, get inspired and finalize a place, I get to read the next one :). I will share my next travel destination soon as one of your blog posts also made a contribution in identifying it 🙂

  8. Great write up from your visit to Bahrain. I’m an Indian living in Bahrain and I should bring to your notice that Bahrain has finally made improvements in public bus service. So that calls for another visit to this island. Been following your blog for quite a while now and I’m an ardent fan. Thanks for inspiring!

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