"The City of Angels" `Awali by captain_majid

An old oil town, Awali is a haunt for the children of expats, who tend to be at their most prolific during school/university holidays. I begin with this description chiefly because it is the aspect of life in Awali that I most identify with.

It is a place where old friends reunite, catch up, and occasionally play football:). Outsiders will, on most occasions, be made to feel welcome (unless those outsiders happen to be from other towns in Bahrain. I have never really understood why, but there is a fierce sense of patriotism and pride in Awali).

Awali Crew

Awali really is a residential backwater. Like most expat towns - it is designed to be segregated. It is a somewhat backwards concept, but I suppose it is one of the most historical oil towns in the Middle East.

For those who grew up there, Awali is a strange place. It is home, yet we feel no real sense of belonging (bureaucratically mostly). Our passports say Britain, but our hearts say Bahrain;) Indeed, this may sound tongue in cheek, but there is much truth in it. Most of us who grew up there seem to be afflicted by a perpetual sense of diffidence and uncertainty about our future. This is certainly true for the most recent generation - who grew up in a much less propserous Awali.

Regardless of this - the beer at the Bapco club is excellent. Dont miss happy hour either (It's wonderful).