Arriving in Bahrain for the first time in 2006, I was a bit nervous as I did not know how geared-up the airport would be for someone in a wheelchair. I was pleasantly surprised, and for the dozen or so times since that I have traveled from or back to Bahrain, every time it was excellent; the airport is properly organized, the wheelchair assistance works perfectly well, and the people are polite. And those first impression have been consistent throughout the country for someone in a wheelchair.

You will find that the people - both Bahrainis and expats living here - are amiable. From the taxi driver who took us from the airport to our hotel, to every person I have met over the decade I was in Bahrain, it has always been the same. Maybe because Bahrain is a such small island and people tend know each other - Bahrainis practically treat you as family. And maybe because on this small island, every person you meet you will probably meet again sooner or later! But people are rarely rude, and Bahrainis are known to be very hospitable - it's part of their culture. And it kind of rubs off on you if you stay there long enough. Most hotels in Bahrain are properly equipped with ramps, wide doors, and other facilities for wheelchair users.

I have always used regular taxis for traveling around the country - taxis not specifically equipped for wheelchairs - and the drivers have always been very kind and sympathetic, and always looked to find a solution to accommodate my wheelchair, as well as any bags or luggage I may have, in a very casual and almost brotherly way.

Most shopping malls are now fully wheelchair accessible; you will find wheelchair parking, wide access points, lifts, and wheelchair bathrooms. However a gentle note: most of the time wheelchair bathrooms are used by people who are not physically disabled! Again, if that is the case, don't let this ruin your day; just brush it off and wait until they are free.

There are also a number of designated disabled parking bays in most public spaces but, like wheelchair bathrooms, they are often taken by people not disabled! In Bahrain people tend to double park, or park on the road, or park where ever they want, so again don't let this get to you, even if you have to park a little further away from the entrance because other non-disabled people are using disabled parking spaces! And if your car does get blocked by someone who has double-parked behind you (it happens, often), honk and wait patiently until the person comes back - don't get angry, just take time out to observe the diversity of cultures, people and languages that are around you!

A lot of public buildings do have wheelchair access too, but many do not, and many buildings' doors are not automatic and can be quite heavy to open, especially while sitting in a wheelchair. If you find yourself in this situation, don't fight the door, instead just ask someone for help - most people will gladly open the door for you, However, don't expect someone to open the door without you asking because most people are either shy, or they are too busy in their minds to notice you struggling. So don't be afraid to ask! And if someone does not seem to hear you, or refuses to open the door, it's okay. don't worry ... remain calm and ask again! Also, almost all of Bahrain's parks, pedestrian walkways, and coastal corniches are easy to access by wheelchair too.

And a final note: remember, Bahrain's summer temperature is often in the 40 degrees, so getting around in a wheelchair can be extremely challenging, so if you are coming during summer, avoid staying outside. Winter however is delightful and accommodating. If you are planning a trip, plan it during winter!