Who are you?
Hi, my name is Madhu Sarda.I am 39 years of age and a Nepalese citizen.
Where, when and why did you move abroad?
Me and my husband Sandip Sarda moved to UAE after our marriage in 2001 when he landed in a job there in Abu Dhabi. I worked there for 3 years and gave birth to my first daughter there and after living there for 5 years we moved to Dubai when my husband changed job.
In Dubai I was a housewife and gave birth to my second daughter and we lived there for 10 years.That’s when my husband got a promotion and moved for work and we landed in Bahrain.
What challenges did you face during the move?
Because we were already in Middle East for more than 15 years, shifting was quite swift. We met friends of friends very easily and they welcomed us with open arms in their social circles.
Are there many other expats in your area?
In Bahrain a large part of the population is expats from all over the world, so no one feels odd I guess. In fact, creating lifetime friendships and bonds is easier. Even local people are very warm and welcoming.
To experience this, a walk down the alleys of Souq in the heart of Manama near Bab Al Bahrain is one awesome place. Also the forts here are amazing and the pearl path and Bahrain Museum are a must visit. As this is an small island kingdom, beaches are abundant and sprawling with many world class hotels and resorts to enjoy. It’s a nice tourist place where charms of both historic and modern world can be enjoyed. Bahrain Fort is my most favorite place of all.
What do you like about life where you are?
There are many things to love and for a foodie like me, the food variety available here is to die for, both local and international.
What do you dislike about your expat life?
One thing I find a little inconvenient here is the connectivity to the rest of the world. After staying so long in UAE, the air connections there were very convenient, either to my home country or for many tourist destinations.
What advice would you give to anyone following in your footsteps?
For any family moving to Bahrain, I would definitely advise them to go for it and enjoy all the sun, sand, and adventures this country has to offer. Schools and accommodations here are also very good and in all price ranges in different localities.
What are your plans for the future?
We plan to stay and enjoy here for a few more years before moving back.
You can keep up to date with Madhu's adventures on Facebook and Instagram.
Would you like to share your experience of life abroad with other readers? Answer the questions here to be featured in an interview!