February 2011

1. Happnings Column
e to our verY
Your monthlY guid
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… with omer ran
own island’s secrets
Hidden Gems
M
y Secret Bahrain – there I have said not for the right reasons): Remember
it – the secret is out! the pottery scene in Ghost? Take a trip
What’s the secret about Bahrain to A’ali Pottery Makers, sit with the
do I hear you ask? Well we are all pottery guy, and make your every own
about to receive via the interweb pot as a gift for your partner.
a monthly dose of a never seen And, for the Bah Humbug
before guide to the hidden gems of Bahrain. Every aficionados; romance is a no and
month we will share our tips (and GPS coordinates) for anything fluffy should be put in
the path less trodden and the fascinating secrets of this the blender. Get a group of like-
Kingdom. minded souls and record an I hate
My good friends here at Ohlala! have offered this Valentine’s record. Call in with my friends
podium of podiums for my offline soapbox. This being at Room to Rock and book the studio room. It
February, I thought I would discuss with you all something comes complete with instruments
of the romantic nature in tips, to help guide the hand of and the buttons they push, to
cupid, or perhaps distract him, depending on your view! make people like me, sound less
I feel like there are two versions of the text here: The like cats and more like humans.
one I want to write (but will be suitably beaten by my wife P.S. they also offer music lessons
for not buying into the whole Valentine’s thing) and then in case you want to practice before
the version that we men are all supposed to follow… the big event.
Guess which version I am going with?
1. Budaiya Botanical Gardens
Without a gun to my head, I must say Valentine’s is
300 fils per person
awesome! But, how can you perfectly celebrate this
Call: 1750 1565
event in a way that can truly express your sentiments?
GPS: N 26 12 50 E 50 27 8
Oh, such labour. Well not to fear – My Secret Bahrain is
here! 2. Princess Sabeeka Park, Awali
The weather is just too good these days to miss the Call: 1775 3666
joy of the outdoors. We say, spend the afternoon walking GPS: N 26 5 23 E 50 32 45
in the hidden Botanical Gardens in Budaiya and watch
3. Narriman
the sun set in beautifully green surroundings. In fact, for Call: 3622 0514
those who want to combine the botanical experience www.wix.com/narrib/narrib
with a gift, get a membership at the exclusive Princess
Sabeeka Park. For a small fee, you get access to a 4. Hakim (Tent Rental)
stunning botanical garden, complete with a library, cafe Call: 3969 9559
and lake. 5. Camping Area:
Alternatively, go camping! Rent a comfortable, fully- GPS: N 26 4 21 E 50 33 7
fitted out tent in the desert and have dinner brought to you
in ambiance of the stars – fine foods, fine company and a 6. Ramla Tikka, Muharraq
roaring fire – what else is cupid supposed to do for you? Call: 1734 0748
P.S. I would suggest going to Ramla and getting some GPS: N 26 14 59 E 50 36 59
uncooked Tikka for the desert BBQ. And, for dessert, 7. Nadia Zucchelli
have Chef Nadia prepare something truly bespoke. Call: 3919 2890
However, if you want something a little more tangible,
find out what your lady’s favourite stone is, and call 8. Room 2 Rock, Hamala
Narriman for unique jewellery pieces (and you won’t Call: 1761 1785
have to sell a kidney to pay for it!) GPS: N 26 10 7 E 50 27 59
There’s another little tip, that I want to share, that 9. A’ali Pottery Makers
makes me think of a romantic scene from a movie (but GPS: N 26 9 33 E 50 31 2
Omer Rana is the Editor and Co-founder of www.mysecretbahrain.com, For any question e-mail: omer.rana@mysecretbahrain.com
86 Ohlala! I February 2011 I www.ohlala-magazine.com