One thing that is hard for people who have never lived in the Middle East to understand is the acceptance and trust of the people. A friend of the Whisperer went for a sweaty stroll in the souq after dinner. She spotted a beautiful silk rug which the owner suggested she take home until the weekend to see if the family liked it in situ. No deposit, no ID … just the woman’s word that it will be returned. “Once again the Bahrainis have blown my mind!” she told friends.