Youth Talk

Amongst my most vivid memories from my 2010 New York trip is a question posed by a friend of my cousin’s.

After questioning where Bahrain was on the world map he proceeded to ask: “So, is Bahrain a rainy country? Like, does the name mean ‘lots of rain?’ We all proceeded to laugh for a good five minutes or so.

How wrong we were, given the last week or so. I think I speak for the majority of people living in Bahrain when I say usually the rainy season is the best time of the year on the island. Having been tormented by the oppressive sun for the majority of the year, the rain provides a refreshing interval in Bahrain’s weather cycle.

That being said, I’m not a fan of rain when it’s the reason why I show up for a dinner in Adliya two hours later than expected. For those of you living under a rock, Bahrain flooded. Forgive the dramatic expression but it really was quite a surprise to see large cars nearly submerged in rainwater while driving along various roads and highways.

Indeed the recent rains have prompted a lot of tongue-in-cheek jokes with many of my friends sending pictures of the ‘Great Lakes’ that have ‘suddenly’ emerged outside their homes, and in some cases, backyards.

Even more startling were the numerous videos emerging on social media of cars floating along alleyways in the likes of Zinj and Manama. Surely its time the government invests in
a decent public drainage system?

I understand rain rarely occurs but the chaos it unleashes within the few weeks it arrives is massive. Not only are we compromising with the safety of thousands of drivers but also the damage to infrastructure is relatively extensive.

Now, on that note, is it too late to sign up for kayaking lessons for next year?