Hump Day

The past 48 hours have been very exciting for the Genest family. Yesterday we went to a new Bahraini breakfast place, and it is my new favorite breakfast joint. The name if the place was Emmawash, and it had the best ambiance. First, the second floor (where we ate) didn’t have chairs nor tables. Everyone sat on floor cushions, all of which were laid over Persian rugs. We went during the week, and late enough that the room we were in was practically empty (meaning my wonderful, energetic children got to run around). Second, they gave us markers to write on the walls. I was surprised to see the lack of the artistic interpretation of penes (I thought the plural form was peni, but google told me I was wrong. Thanks Google). I was also surprised to see the Star of David proudly drawn on the wall. Whoever drew that was one ballsy Jew! The food at Emmawash was better than Saffron (I didn’t know that was possible), and the kids loved the freedom to run around.

After the restaurant, we went to the Autumn Festival. Merchants from the Middle East came together and sold handmade goods. Some of the things they were selling were stunning. It was held at a Convention Center about 15 minutes away from our house. There were people selling things ranging from jewelry, to rugs, to pottery, to perfumes (frankincense). Pretty much whatever you could think of was sold there. When we first walked in we were greeted by a lingerie shop… yeah, we thought that was a little strange too (hence my look of confusion).

If you look over my shoulder you will notice a woman in full garb buying (or negotiating over) a very revealing set of “pajamas”. I guess feeling sexy is a universal thing.

Bookie bought me a beautiful set of earrings from these fine gentlemen. The earrings were gorgeous. We actually grabbed their business card just in case we end up in Turkey one day. They asked us where we were from, and when we said California the man responded, “the struggle is real. West coast is the best coast”. Yes, while speaking arabic, Bookie was able to find someone he could talk Hip Hop with. Definitely unexpected.

Now, when I said, “whatever you could think of”, I meant that, and so so so much more. For example, is your hair falling out? Do you feel embarrassed by bald spots? Are you tired of using products that don’t deliver on their promises? Search no more! Camel Urine Oil is here. It smooths, it elongates, it thickens, and it prevents hair loss. Sold by Yemenis merchant booths everywhere! Just in case you don’t believe me, here is the picture.

Now, I don’t know how to take the next thing I saw. I couldn’t tell if it was a cruel WWII joke, or a spice. Either way, after I photographed it, I quickly walked away from the booth.

Hey Diem! Your peeps were represented too! If I remember correctly, they were selling food.

Bookie and I had a great time shopping, and bartering. Bookie got to use his Arabic, and I think he is starting to get used to the “holy shit, you speak Arabic” looks. The boys, on the other hand, had a slightly different opinion:

I’m joking, they enjoyed it too, these picture are just too funny to ignore!

After spending more money than everyone else (because we were white), we headed to the car. I think I briefly talked about how crazy the Bahrainis drive, but I don’t think I mentioned parking. There is only one rule in regards to parking… don’t block traffic. Other than that, everything is fair game. Even these guys:

Look at the third car back!! Crazy!!

No, that car is not entering a driveway. He is parked.

There were cars parked in positions that I don’t understand the physics behind. It was a fun day!

Today, I look the boys to the Prince’s Camel Farm. It is really close to our house (no really, it is so close we can smell that shit). In all honesty, the farm isn’t close to impressive, but it was a nice way to get out of the house, and do something new. We started by walking around just looking at the camels. Then, one of the workers asked the boys if they wanted to feed the animals. That is when the fun started. All three boys, (including Austin) fed and touched the camels.

Hunter loved feeding them. Mason on the other hand was very timid. One of the camels got his hand with its lips, and Mason freaked out. It was hilarious!

This is where they got his hand… These three pics are the progression of events:

Please note where Mason is!

Yep, we went to a Camel Farm on Hump Day!!

At least this guy thinks I am funny!