#3: Rest Easy

'Muharraq Nights' was a cultural event held at the Pearling Path, a second World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO. It took place earlier this winter, which I visited on December 26, 2024, with a couple of high school friends. This event is similar to Manama Retro in the vein that it is inspired by past aesthetics. However, the distinct difference lies in that the ambience of the Pearling Path reflects a preserved historical landmark from the era of “old Bahrain” when pearling was the primary trade, rather than an urban retro feel of the 1990s.

I originally planned this gathering not only to reconnect with friends I had not seen in over a year but also to fulfil the final project for an Arts course I completed last semester. Being unfamiliar with the city of Muharraq, I saw this as an opportunity to take a substantial amount of photographs. One of my friends also brought a camera, albeit a much more professional model, and we frequently took turns capturing moments of the night and comparing photos.

“Our Old House Restaurant&Cafe” was situated smack-dab at the beginning of the Pearling Path. The cosy establishment is owned by the elderly man featured in the photograph. The interior is surprisingly spacious, divided into two sections, with an open-air restaurant located on the second floor. The café area, decked out in vintage decor as Arabic music plays on vinyl records, is shown in the background of the photograph and is intimate enough to accommodate a small group of people. 

I chose this photo because of the framing (at least I assume that’s what it is). Despite capturing the outdoor area of the establishment, the photograph clearly showcases both sections: the staircase leading up to the restaurant and the glass window through which one can peer into the café, all while the owner prepares to take his seat and invite people in. The green-yellowish tint, a feature commonly seen in photographs taken on my Camp Snap digital camera, is contrasted with a pop of red and blue of the bench.