Youth Talk

Introductions to new people often include the exchanging of personal information, experiences and backgrounds; and mine have more often than not begun with surprise and intrigue at the mention of my home country. Usually I begin with ‘Hello, my name is Anna. I am from Poland and I live in Bahrain’.

Having lived in Bahrain for a total of 15 years, I find it difficult to associate any other place as my home – although I am originally from Poland, the two could never be easily compared, mainly for the reason that they are both so different.

Due to the combined influence of western and Arabic culture, being a teenager in Bahrain comes with a lot of opportunity for cultural awareness and individual growth, and I can safely say that I have taken every chance to immerse myself in the local customs, festivities and traditions.

I will never forget the first time I visited the Tree of Life, or drove through the desert in search of the so-called ‘nodding donkeys’; the first time I observed the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations throughout the entire country, or the almost hypnotising atmosphere within the Manama Souq.

However, in the midst of it all, I have still found this to be a place where a 17-year-old girl can grow up and not miss out on the important things in life. Which is why I am thrilled to be given the chance to share my experiences and thoughts on a teenager’s life in Bahrain.

More next week …