The Pearl

Living through history – an opportunity not offered very often. A once in a lifetime opportunity. Emily and I witnessed history tonight when we traveled to the Pearl Roundabout in Manama, Bahrain. Don’t cringe, moan, or worry, we were completely safe and am currently sitting safe and sound in my flat.

We watched all day as tanks and police moved out of the roundabout, and then watched as protesters moved back in and retake the area they felt best fits their protesting thirst. It was amazing to witness and it was completely peaceful.

I stood next to a man who was nice enough to translate all of the shouting/chanting/response chants/singing. Parts of the speeches and chants included a thank you to American, UK, and Arab reporters (outside of Bahrain) for broadcasting and writing about the truth and not the “lies that have overrun Bahrain’s news.” We were smiled at, told thank you, and given bottles of water as we stood on the overpass and took pictures of the amazing scene unfolding below us. One chant being shouted over and over and touched our hearts deeply - “We are here Bahrain and we open our chests to the fire, for we shall keep Bahrain safe.”

Some chants included the English translation of, “Death to Khalifa!” – the Kahlifa family is the royal family. There is something lost in the translation because in Arabic they are simply asking for the end of the Khalifa rule. Khalifa is also the first name of the Bahrain Prime Minister, for whom most of the anger is directed.
We have had the luxury of meeting people from both sides. Both are passionate and determined groups of people which strongly believe they are fighting for a better Bahrain. Any of the arguments put forth by other side shows the end result not being anything except a stalemate. At each protest we have experienced smiles, pats on the back, generosity, and peace. Both encounters have left us talking and thinking for hours and hours. Its difficult for me to even write about what we witnessed, but listening to tens of thousands of people say they are here to keep their country safe is simply…moving.

Coming soon are pictures and videos from the Pearl Roundabout this evening. These are all anti-monarchy protesters, while the last video is from the pro-government yesterday. Purely amazing. Enjoy seeing a sample of what we have seen the past two days.












(VIDEOS TO COME LATER)