Today marks my 1 year anniversary of moving to Bahrain. ONE YEAR! I’m going to use that scientifically inaccurate phrase – time has flown by.
To use another terribly over-used phrase, you could say it’s been an adventure. Moving so far from the UK, the country that’s been my home FOREVER. The real adventure’s been being able to have a life, together, with Anish. We were long distance for a couple of weeks shy of a year, before I moved to Bahrain. So it felt good to finally be able to start our lives together. That’s been the real adventure of moving here. For me.
That’s a bit schmaltzy, isn’t it? Apologies.
Bahrain’s Manama Souq
While a lot of people move to other countries to have the adventurous expat life, it’s been the opposite for us. Sure, it’s been great exploring another country. But Bahrain is really, really small. And, this may sound boring, but it’s been nice to just settle in and get on with life.
This may be a strange thing to say, but I didn’t think I was capable of living in a foreign country. Hell, I wasn’t even sure I could move to a different city and be happy, back in the UK. Moving away from the UK, far from my comfort zone has taught me that I’m a lot more adaptable than I ever thought I would be.
How’s it been living in Bahrain for the past year?
One of my favourite places on this little island – Bahrain Fort
Feel like there’s not much more to add than when I posted about my first four months in Bahrain. Though with a few more explorations. Like going to Budaiya Farmers Market, having a wander in Manama souq, getting to see the Redbull X-Fighters, going to me first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix and not forgetting the amazing Chakazoolu. That’s not a bad list.
I miss beer. I miss London’s theatre land. I miss the cinema. (But that’s my own personal choice to save myself from seeing anything that might be edited.) I miss my people! But I’m also very happy here.
It’s not clear how long I’m going to be out here, or even what the next step will be after Bahrain. The not knowing how long doesn’t feel like a terrifying prospect either. I do feel settled here. It feels like home. Even though it’s only been a year here.
It sounds like a difficult transition, in many ways. But I am glad your relationship is blossoming.
Truthfully, I was expecting it to be more difficult. Surprised how easy things slipped into a routine.
Wow, it’s been a year? Well the photos are wonderful and glad to hear your love life is going well. I suppose that makes it worthwhile right? 😉
Exactly – hugely worthwhile.
I can’t imagine moving so far away from home and to a country that is so different that what I’m used to! I’m glad you’ve found yourself so at home there!
I never thought I’d do anything like this either. Though it’s funny, some things aren’t that different from home. Some things are better – we get a bunch of American stuff in the grocery stores I would never get back in England! 😉
It really went quick, but having read all your experiences though it’s been very interesting.
A whole year – crazy!
Congrats on a whole year in Bahrain! It feels like just yesterday you were here, and now it’s been a whole year!
First of all Jaina, you are a very couragous gal to move abroad like that. I think it takes real guts for anyone to become an expat regardless of the country they relocate to. Secondly, these photos are stunning. I feel like I’m right there in the dry heat. :o)
Love your blog. So glad you stopped by mine.
V
A lot of people tell me I’m brave for making the move. But it felt so easy. It felt right. I did think I should have been more concerned about the move a few times!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, V!
I think it’s great to feel like that’s home for you, for now :).
Wow, one year already? I’ve always wondered what life in Bahrain or Qatar is like and thanks to you I get to experience it through your blog. Looking forward to more posts and lovely photos from YOU! 🙂
Time definitely flies. Will try to make good on the more photos – but it’s getting hot outside, I barely want to leave the sanctuary of AC!
That’s really cool, Jaina. I’m glad you’ve had an interesting time.
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Im sure if you’re still on here, this is an old post, but If you have time I would really like to talk to you on the process of moving to Bahrain!
Hi Sidney, I’m still here–just being a bad blogger. Feel free to reach out to me, I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have. Contact me here – http://time-wellspent.com/contact and I’ll email you back 🙂