Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Standing in the centre of the Old Town in Gdansk, I realise just how different this place is from the one I’ve left behind.
Although some obvious contrasts could be pointed out between a typical European city and an Arabian setting, there are very subtle differences to the way of life here in Poland.
Of course, the two main differences are the people and buildings; however, other infinitesimal details such as the advertising that covers every building, or the recently renovated armoury in the centre of Gdansk’s most cultural district bring to light the variety of history that can be learned from living on the other side of the world. Granted, many things are significantly easier in Poland; the ability to travel freely by walking or public transport, the diverse range of activities to pursue during the day and night, or the greenery that surrounds you wherever you go.
However, it must be said that life in Bahrain is more comfortable and, perhaps, a little bit safer.
You’re not likely to have to guard your handbags or purses when walking through a shopping mall in Bahrain, compared to navigating a trajectory through a crowded street in Gdansk.
Crime rates in Poland have been fluctuating from average to high for the past several years, and the first thing my mother reminds me of whenever we fly out is to ‘never keep your phone in your back pocket’. With slight irony, I can safely say this logic need not be applied in Bahrain.
