Margarita’s husband is being transferred to Bahrain. Just the word Bahrain conjures up an ombudsman I met whose husband was stationed in Bahrain. She had a pool, a BBQ pit and a maid who came standard with the apartment.
I got stuck on the idea of having a maid, so I forgot to listen to what the weather was like and what cultural events or travel were available. That’s why Margarita is asking those who have actually been stationed in Bahrain to give her the scoop. Margarita writes:
If you have been stationed in Bahrain, can you tell me how you liked it? What about jobs? Are Space Available flights easy to take back to the States? What other near by tourist place can one go to? Is it true when they say it’s only two years they end up keeping you there longer? Any advice is helpful. Thank you!
If you have been stationed in Bahrain or you are stationed there now, can you help Margarita? In addition to the official website, what else does she need to know? And if you have a Top Ten list of things you have to know about Bahrain, we want to see it!
About Jacey Eckhart
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There's an AF wife blogger stationed there now! Mrs. Sergeant, I believe she calls herself! Her blog title escapes me though, but I think it may be AF Wife Life. Worth a Google!
Thanks Erin! You were right on about the title. ;-)
Happy to help with Bahrain info; we were there Nov 09-Nov 11 and I was the NAVCENT Ombudsman and FFSC Relocation Specialist.
Jobs are tough but their are a number of volunteer opportunities. We were there 2 years and one week. Some choose to extend but most are in and out as scheduled.
Space A is doable, just not easy during peak summer travel times. You can go to points in Europe or back to Norfolk. Service members can go to Dubai with command approval and African safaris, trips to the Seychelles and Thailand are popular. The ITT office on base can help and offers packages.
Please search Facebook for NSA Bahrain Family Readiness Group, MWR Bahrain and NSA Bahrain.
Hot, check; humid, double check; an adventure unlike any other with a close network of spouses – check, check and check. Pack your sense of humor and go for it!
I was there in 1949, even before they had a pier, we tied up to a buoy to take on oil on the USS Canisteo at $2.50 per barrel, I visited there many times and they finally got a pier that we could tie up to and we got some Liberty in Manama. Ikt is now tha home of the Fifth Fleet some change in 63 years.
Correction – the FB page for the family group is Bahrain Family Readiness Group
There's hardly any information on there Polly. PS. It's L. Our time is winding down and I'm stoked. I miss you here.
It must be a world of difference to be stationed there instead of doing a 12 month tour. My husband was there from 2010-2011 and his living conditions were terrible. Half the time they didn't have running water to shower or brush their teeth because of water main breaks. He also said it was very hot, humid, sand storms all the time, and Internet is sketchy.
I was in & out of Dubai many times 1997-1998.
1st must: The Gold Souk (souk is mall). Fabolous selections. Very regulated. If a shop is caught selling inferior gold the government closes it for good. U can bring a picture, idea or just buy something they have. Outstanding craftsmanship. Special orders or designed jewelry I seem to remember was 50% up front. Very trustworthy merchants.
I stayed in hotels & most were very nice w 5 star staff.
Listen carefully to in briefs regarding dangerous areas. There r I’m sure still a lot of bad guys especially in remote country areas.
I’m an optimist. I believe u will have a great tour!
-Dan (retired USN E-8/Senior Chief)
My husband got PCSd there about 4 months ago. This is his second time there. He seems to love it. The kids & I are here, in the States.
I am going to visit him in a little over a week; super excited about that!
As far as the going over the two year thing… I certainly hope not!!!
Shannon-
My husband recently received orders unaccompanied. Could you give me a little info about the living conditions, money and us being able to visit???
Thanks so much!
Dorothy
Thank you all for your input and comments. All of them are super helpful!
What kind of housing would an O5 get for his family?