womanthismonth.com | JULY 2025 OPINION 72 Finding Home in the Heart of the Gulf When I first landed in Bahrain eight years ago, I never imagined how deeply this island would capture my heart. What began as a teaching opportunity turned into a life filled with meaningful friendships, countless memories and an overwhelming sense of belonging. As I prepare to leave for a new adventure in Vietnam, I find myself filled with gratitude (and more than a little sadness) at the thought of saying goodbye to the place I call home. Warmth That Goes Beyond the Weather Yes, Bahrain is warm. But it’s not just the climate, it’s the people. From the very beginning, I was struck by the genuine hospitality and kindness of the Bahraini community. Whether it was the cheerful smile from the man in the cold store, the spontaneous conversations with strangers or the genuine support of my colleagues, the human warmth here is something truly special. It’s hard to articulate, but there’s a sense of welcome and respect that permeates daily life here. I never felt like an outsider; rather, I was invited into homes, included in family gatherings and celebrated for my differences as much as my similarities. It’s this spirit of inclusivity that makes Bahrain so unique in the region, and so hard to leave. A Safe Space to Grow As a woman living abroad, safety is always a priority. Bahrain gave me peace of mind from the start. Whether walking alone at night, commuting to work or exploring the island on weekends, I always felt secure. That sense of safety allowed me to flourish, both personally and professionally. This secure environment empowered me to embrace new experiences, try new things and become part of a broader community. I joined clubs, took yoga classes, attended weekend brunches and volunteered with charity organisations. Bahrain gave me the confidence to say “yes” to life. A Melting Pot of Culture and Connection Living in Bahrain means living at a crossroads where East meets West, tradition meets modernity and where people from every corner of the globe come together. The diversity here is more than surface-deep; it’s the vibrant, beating heart of society. Some of my closest friends are from countries I had never even visited before coming here. Our shared experiences; celebrating Eid, Diwali, Thanksgiving, Christmas and everything in between, brought us together in a way that felt like family. A Bittersweet Goodbye REFLECTING ON EIGHT WONDERFUL YEARS IN BAHRAIN Rachel Radford is an expat teacher in Bahrain. Her column in Woman This Month dives into pivotal issues impacting women, reflecting her unique perspective and experiences.
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