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Dear Stan,

I am a Bahraini and I want to say a big thanks to Betsy for her recent columns.

She really showed us her love and pride in Bahrain. This means a lot to us Bahrainis who don't always find expats so complimentary about our country.

Many of them like to complain and criticise, but she put everything into perspective and I hope all those who might think of causing mischief to our little paradise will think twice and realise how good they have it here, warts and all, as you British say.

Thank you for being a Bahraini at heart and thank you GulfWeekly for being a great community publication.

Hussein A Redha,

Bahrain.

Dear Stan,

What a heart-warming story it was to read on the front page of last week's GulfWeekly about the couple climbing up a mountain together as a way of celebrating their anniversary.

It's great to read that Mr and Mrs Damani can still find love and adventure after 30 years of marriage.

Climbing up Mount Kilimanjaro ... I have trouble getting my husband to take me to Up & Down (the restaurant) on a Thursday night!

Jan, Saar.

Dear Stan,

Bahrain International Circuit's CEO Martin Whitaker (last week's back page, GulfWeekly) was correct in his call for Formula One to concentrate on excitement and entertainment value. The sport has got to develop if it wants to continue attracting large crowds, especially as there will be two races in the Middle East next season.

What with the credit crunch, will fans be able to travel twice to the Gulf from the UK and Europe, for example?

Perhaps motorsport officials should take a leaf out of cricket's book - 20-20 cricket has revolutionised the game.

How about shorter F1 races - sometimes they appear to go on forever!

K., Manama

Editor's note: You must be a mind-reader! see Back Page.