Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
The time has come for our son to return to university back home in the UK having spent the long winter break with us here in Bahrain.
Across the island parents will be waving goodbye to their college and uni-bound young adults. There will be many a tear shed at Bahrain International Airport; farewells are never easy.
But let’s be honest here, I am also sighing a sense of relief ... and I’m sure I’m not alone with that thought!
The reality of having our son visit for the holidays has been somewhat different to what I had imagined. Having spoken with fellow parents of uni-sprogs, I soon discovered how naïve I had been.
I have come to the conclusion that TCK’s (third culture kids) that venture on to university life elsewhere really do have the best of both worlds. Unlike my own student days in dreich Glasgow spent cramming and working the tills at the local supermarket.
How wonderful it must be to get free flights to warm and sunny Bahrain courtesy of el Banko de Mum & Dad with unlimited cash withdrawals available throughout the stay.
Accommodation can easily be found at Hotel de Mum & Dad and is worthy of a 5* review on Tripadvisor – spacious room with ensuite, daily maid service, unlimited supply of free food & drink and a courtesy car with driver!
It doesn’t matter if you don’t check in for days on end; the concierge will remind you where your room is!
Alas, the holiday season is over and the books and lectures require our son’s attention once more. “I’ll see you in the spring,” were our son’s departing words.
The husband and I looked at each other with a twinkle in our eyes: “Oh, no you won’t, we’re off to Thailand, see you in the summer!”
