Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Poor me! This past week my mystery illness has returned with a vengeance and after being nagged, (sorry) 'told repeatedly', to see a doctor, I finally bit the bullet and went. I was diagnosed with a nasty virus-type bug in my stomach and was immediately prescribed yet another course of antibiotics.
Life (and work) goes on however, and I had plenty of commitments over the Eid Holidays. Let me tell you all about them.
The first job I had was one that I had been looking forward to for ages (but now with this sickness I was just a little apprehensive). Why? I hear you ask. Well, because it was the launch of Krispy Kreme doughnuts in Bahrain!
Just imagine, being surrounded by the most amazing aroma of freshly-baked doughnuts and not being able to eat many, (strike that), ANY at all!
Krispy Kreme generously gave away prizes of free doughnuts every week for a year to the first 25 people in the queue and the next 25 got free doughnuts for six months. Luckily I didn't win or I'd probably resemble the Michelin man in a few short months.
When I arrived the place was already buzzing and a long queue of hopefuls stretched way outside the shop eagerly awaiting the opening and hoping to win the prizes.
I went outside to chat to the first 50 people and gave them their numbers. (I felt terribly sorry for the 51st in the queue) And, right at the front was a face I recognised; it was Stewart Hutchinson, the son of Hutch our dentist. Now I have got to tell you I laughed because a couple of months ago we took Hannah for her first visit to a dentist and Hutch told her to 'make sure you keep away from sugary, sticky things'. Yet lo and behold, there was his son first in line for the most sugary, sticky and delicious doughnuts in the world! Anyway, it's nice to know that I'm not the only dad whose kid doesn't listen.
Later on in the week, I was off to 'the Lagoon' on Amwaj Islands for a spot of DJ and M/C'ing. I met with Rob, George and Jacky from a company called The Bank, who had flown over from the UK to oversee the spectacular three-day event. They explained various things that were happening at the opening. It all sounded amazing and I turned up on the first day very excited. I began playing some music and was introduced to my co-compere; a lovely guy called Nidal who was to translate everything into Arabic. (Do you know, I have lived in Bahrain for nine years and my only regret is not learning to speak Arabic. My daughter Hannah can say more words than me, and she is only four-years-old!)
I looked at the events timetable and saw that there were circus performers giving demonstrations and workshops as well as face and henna painting, balloon twisters, arts and craft stations, a merry-go-round and, of course, a bouncy castle. And, on stage we had some wonderful acts to look forward to as well. I met Boogie Pete - from CBBC TV in the UK - who bounced onto the stage and got all the kids and some mums and dads up and dancing along with his friends, a kangaroo and a monkey called Bobo.
Then it was time for Perla, the contortionist. She executed her act while suspended from a big metal hoop high above the stage and some of the positions she twisted herself into made my eyes water!
We had a kid's disco on the stage. The first day we had a few too many on stage for comfort so for the next two days we limited the numbers coming up at the same time and gave out prizes to the best dancers.
Before I knew it, it was nearing 7pm and time for what I thought was the highlight of the show! As I introduced it I looked over and saw a huge helium balloon rise into the air; suspended underneath it was a lady on a bar performing the most elegant and graceful twist and turn. When she finished her act there was a bang and onto the stage raced five girls together with lead singer Tamara, who belted out some great songs. Next, was Cowgirl Clara who did the most amazing things with hula hoops I've ever seen. The excitement continued to build; a contortionist's act, then a fire act performed while jumping all over the stage. The grand finale was a pretty great fireworks display.
All too soon though, it was over. I want to congratulate all the personnel from The Bank, who ensured a truly grand spectacle and I really hope that all the performers will come back soon! We need more events like this in Bahrain.
The show at the Lagoon has certainly whetted my appetite for more performance arts and I can't wait for the Spring of Culture to begin again next year.
Keep happy and keep supporting the arts (and especially the artists),
All my love, Krazy Kevin
