Tourism

The world is a big place.  It's full of exciting things to see and experience.  When we travel places, there is a subconscious urge that pushes us to learn about the place we are visiting, the people that live there, and their stories (also known as "history").  So as I say, "Why not have some fun while you are learning?"

The Kingdom of Bahrain is touted as the best place to visit in the Arab world.  The Lonely Planet Guide describes is as "an excellent introduction to the Gulf" not only because it's rich in heritage and history, but also because it's a safe place to visit.  So let's explore a little of the island country.

Being an island nation, obviously there are several beaches to visit, most of which are private.  There is a large variety of things to do at the beach.  Even more for the water lover, there is the largest water park in the Middle East, the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark.

To learn about history, there is no better place to go than to a museum.  Bahrain has two that stand out above all others, the Bahrain National Museum and the Beit Al Qur'an.  The national museum boasts not just years and centuries of artifacts, but millenia of artifacts.  Some of their exhibits can date back to the first human inhabitants, over 9000 years ago!  The Beit Al Qur'an, itself a piece of architectural history, is home to a rare collection of manuscripts and books.  

One of the most lucrative attractions in Bahrain is the Formula 1 Car Race held at the Bahrain International Circuit.  People from all over the world flock to Manama to watch the race each year!

The United States is no different in their tourist attractions.

  Touring the United States from coast to coast, one may start in the "city that never sleeps" in New York to shop and watch a Yankee game or Broadway show; travel down the coast and stop in Disney World in Florida; make your way to California, the land of stars.  

And the attractions in between New York and California are just as amazing.

So why is tourism so important to both countries.  There are few reasons.  One, revenue.  Two, understanding.  Three, friendship.

With Americans traveling to Bahrain to "see the sights," Bahrain is impacted by the money spent and the services that they will be able to provide.  They are creating revenue for their citizens, that in turn, will get circulated into their economy, strengthening it as it gets used.  In turn, Bahraini people will have enough money to travel to the United States and vacation with their families.  All of the sudden, their money is being circulated into the US economy, helping and strengthening it.  It all comes round in full circle.

Two is understanding.  Ignorance is a destructive tool.  Many fights could be avoided by simple understanding.  That is a principle that works not only on the school yard playground, but also in the global community.  If people can begin to understand the lifestyle of someone else, learn why they are the way they are, a tolerance can be developed.  

Reason number two segways into reason three, and that is friendship.  When understanding reaches a certain point, tolerance becomes appreciation, and even admiration.  A friendship can be formed as people visit each other's countries.  It's a kind stranger who helps a foreigner with directions.  It's a friendly conversation that turns into an invitation to dinner.

As the United States and the Kingdom of Bahrain continue to visit eachother, the economy is strengthened, an understanding is reached, and a friendship is forged.  Once again, we see the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America intertwined for not only their own good, but for their common good.