School at Home on the Island

Monday, December 22, 2008

Bahrain National Museum

Our tour of the National Museum was very informative. The entire museum is devoted to the history of Bahrain dating back thousands of years. There were scenes depicting life set up for everything from birth and marriage to pastimes and trades. There was a whole section showing all the different burial rituals over the years, this was the boys favorite part. These burial practices included jars that held bodies and the more typical burial mounds that are seen all over the island.

Samples of buildings in Bahrain

At the National Museum they have old style architecture set up outside that can be explored. There are still many of these types of structures being used in Bahrain, but much of this island has become quite modern too. Some of the more modern structures are seen behind the photo of Dylan at the palm tree. The fenced in area made of palm branches is a very common site around the island. Palm branches are used for walls and also used as brooms to sweep the sidewalks and driveways.

Christmas Carols in a Muslim country

Yes, we had Christmas carols in a public place in a Muslim country. To say that Islam is misunderstood by Americans is a huge understatement. There are signs posted here that read "Islam congratulates Christians on the birth of Christ. Merry Christmas". It was a special occassion and a wonderful time.