Teaching in Bahrain is in every way astonishing and not ever do Emily and I feel as though we have made a wrong decision for our lives. As well as we have been treated and as amazing as the students are we often feel as though it was the perfect decision! This, however, doesn’t excuse the fact that down deep in our hearts Emily and I are both “home-birds” as Mrs. Meyer will confirm. We sat for MONTHS and worked at many attempts to decide where we both would spend the holidays. We looked at tropical vacations, staying in England, coming home, Indonesia, Africa, Germany, Italy…anywhere you could imagine was just waiting for us to visit; however, we finally (after many sessions of mind changing and strong worded discussions) decided we would surprise our families for the Christmas season.
The last day of classes before the break Emily was given multiple gifts from her students and many cards. Me, being the well-liked strict high school teacher that I am received only two cards from two very sweet students. I wasn’t jealous…maybe a little, but needless to say we were greeted with many happy wishes to enjoy our Christmas and New Year’s. When we left, Bahrain was decorated for Christmas and just begging for a few inches of snow to set the mood – odd in a Muslim country, but welcoming to us to say the least. Christmas trees decorated with Santa Clause ornaments and colorful lights covered the lobby to our apartment. Every store we entered had either a Christmas tree or some variety of Christmas decorations. Even the Grand Mosque had a Christmas tree…kidding of course, but we were very much at home with the country putting up decorations just for us. The apartment was decorated nicely (by Emily of course) with a nice fireplace, stockings hung with care, and a nice tiny tree with ornaments and lights. We were prepared to go home and enjoy the happiest time of the year with our amazing families.
Our flight was at four in the morning…not the best time of the morning for but we managed. Our first stop on the journey home was England to see Emily’s family. We arrived at the airport and were greeted with smiles and hugs from Emily’s nanny and granddad. On the way to their house in the small village of Wokingham I gazed upon the beautiful, gray, English countryside fixed with rolling hills of green and sheep! I loved it!
Emily knew her way around of course which provided for a nice, easy to get along with tour guide for the one day we spent in London. Before London, Em’s grandparents showed up around Wokingham and the first stop was the church where Emily’s parents were married, and where her sister Georgina was christened. It was a beautiful church, which seemed as though it should be a national landmark, and probably would be in the states, but today it is still used a church. Very appropriately across the street was an upscale pub where wedding receptions and christening parties are often thrown.
That evening Em’s nanny and granddad took us to a pub at my request. Being that it was my first time in England I wanted very much to have my first English bitter in an English pub. Em’s granddad obliged and bought my first pint in a pub, to which I quickly returned the favor. The pub we shared a few drinks in was the hangout that Em’s grandparents frequented when they were young whippersnappers. It was fascinating listening to the history that two of them had in this pub, which has changed quite a bit over the years, but they attested to the fact that it still had the same welcoming feeling. We forgot to take a picture, but in the summer when we stop through England again Em’s granddad promised another bitter and a picture.
Dating Emily for some time now has left me being accustomed to drinking at least four cups of tea a day. This helped me greatly as I visited with Emily’s family. We stayed with her granddad and nanny, but we also stayed with Emily’s grandmother for a few days. Teatime was a necessity and I am quite proud to say that I made the tea one day to thunderous applause from her grandma for being a “good” American.
For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to travel to England. It was worth the wait. We only spent one day in London, but it was packed with us trying to see all that we could. We got off the train and it was great to be with Emily in her country and to be in a place I’ve wanted to be for so long. The train station was immaculate and as soon as we stepped out Emily shielded my eyes from seeing Big Ben and Parliament as we walked down the Thames River towards Tower Bridge. The entire walk is filled with clouds and a grey hue, but as soon as we arrive at Tower Bridge to have lunch the clouds parted and allowed the sun to shine directly on the bridge to provide the perfect opportunity for a picture.
We walk across and then head back down to parliament on the other side of the river. I’m in paradise as we set eyes on Big Ben. The architecture is awe inspiring as we walk around the massive structure covered with details that you can’t imagine. Along our walk we spot several of the traditional English phone booths that seem to always be empty.
We take the train to Buckingham Palace. The flag was flying so the Queen was in – Emily would swear that Queen waved to her. We have to agree to disagree with that one. As the sun goes down Emily and I decide we want to see a show and buy tickets. Before the show Emily must, MUST, MUUSSTTT, make a shopping stop to Primark. In America, there is no equivalent in Emily’s eyes. Its three stories of clothing, shoes, jewelry…all cheap. Emily was in paradise, as I felt as though I was on the threshold of hell. Ok, it wasn’t that bad, but I was excited to get out of there. I gave Emily a 45 minute time limit to which left her drenched in sweat because she was so flustered. She left with a smile on her face and two bags full of cheap, but well made clothes.
We arrive to the theater and it was beautiful. “Her Majesty’s Theater” was where we thoroughly enjoyed seeing The Phantom of the Opera. After the show we took the train back to Waterloo Station and walked passed Parliament again. Perfect ending to a perfect day spent with Emily in London. We took the train back to her grandma’s, ate a very late dinner that her grandma made for us, and slept like logs. Emily’s family took care of us to no end and it was two of the most comfortable homes to which I’ve had the privilege of staying.
A day or so later we boarded the plane to come home and surprise our families. It was an amazing holiday with our families who we had missed dearly. Tomorrow we board the plane back to Bahrain and begin teaching again on January third where more stories will likely occur in the coming six months left in Bahrain.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year’s!
Jake
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