Timothy Power follows a Unesco-listed trail in Bahrain that tells the history of the region’s pearling boom…

Source: Travelling back to a time when Manama’s population was twice that of Dubai: Bahrain’s pearling path in Muharraq

The launch of the restored archaeological house is part of a wider collaborative cultural agreement between the UAE and Bahrain…

Source: Nuzul Al Salam: Restored heritage house and hotel opens in Bahrain with homage to Sheikh Zayed

The Aga Khan Award for Architecture was bestowed on six buildings and landscapes across the world that show the power of design to revitalize cultural heritage and strengthen community identity but…

Source: Revitalizing Culture: The 2019 Aga Khan Architecture Awards

FROM free-falling in the world’s tallest wind tunnel to world-class seaside hotel resorts, there’s something for everyone on the island of Bahrain. Designer Elton Lam balances adrenaline rush…

Source: Balance adrenaline rushes with ultimate relaxation on a luxury break in the Persian Gulf

Valerio Olgiati designs monolithic entrance with forest of columns to Pearling Path in Bahrain…

Source: Valerio Olgiati designs monolithic entrance with forest of columns to Pearling Path in Bahrain

Explore the world’s last-remaining intact pearling site, and perhaps find a gem of your own.

Source: This Bahrain Dive Once Made People Rich

Read more from source

Bahrain – Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy

Walking the Pearling Trail in Muharraq

I’m sitting next to a wall covered in photos of Umm Kulthoum. From behind her omnipresent sunglasses, she looks down sternly on the crowded teashop, sharing wall space with dozens of other notable personalities from the Middle East. Along the ceiling hang WWI-era rifles, dusty phonographs, and lank flags discolored by years of cigarette smoke. My new friend Omar orders us another round of Karak Chai and resumes his animated explanation of why the pop star Shakira is such a great dancer — he insists it’s because she was born in Bahrain; I learn later she was born in Colombia. While Omar speaks, all sweeping gestures and croaking voice, I take a sip of scalding tea and compose my face, trying not to betray the fact that my heart is lurching wildly, like a drunk trying to skip rope. I take another sip and tell myself it’s just the highly-caffeinated, sugary tea, and not the heart attack my anxiety disorder insists is imminent.

Read more from source: Pearls of Wisdom & Fear

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Lavish experiences for Valentine’s Day include floating above elephants in a balloon, getting personalized classical music and diving for pearls.

(CNN) — For many of us, February 14 usually involves picking up some flowers on the way home from the office and hoping the best ones haven’t already gone (they usually have).

Or showing your special someone how much you care by attempting to bake for the first — and last — time.

Luckily, Valentine’s Day can be a whole lot more exciting and successful.

With a little preparation — and maybe a generous bank manager — you could travel and float above elephants in a balloon, get a classical piece of music composed just for you or even dive for pearls.

Here are 12 of the most remarkable ways around the world to spend February 14 with your special someone in 2018:

1. Composing music in Vienna

One of the Austrian capital’s most historic places to stay, The Hotel Imperial offers a unique way to show your love by working with a composer to create your own piece of music.

Following a specially developed music test and consultation, a piece of music is crafted based on individual desires and characteristics.

Source: 12 lavish Valentine’s Day experiences for 2018