Valentine’s Day Bahrainthismonth.com February 2024 35 Happy Valentine’s Day to all our readers! Abdulla Alaradi & Sarah Alsammak The cyclist, the restaurateur, and love that blossomed over eggs and tomatoes. Sara and Abdulla met in 2012 when Sara, a keen cyclist, regularly visited Abdulla’s restaurant Emmawash for breakfast after gruelling morning rides. The couple were married in 2014 and now have a daughter. “After my rides, I needed protein but I didn’t like eggs at all,” Sara reminisces. “One day at the restaurant, Abdullah and I were just talking as friends and he convinced me to try its famous eggs and tomatoes, and it completely changed my mind. I would then have it every week and after falling in love with the food, I fell in love with the man!” “Food is the way to a woman’s heart!” Abdulla adds. To the Bahraini couple, the island to them means home, family and comfort. Both actually believed they would marry non-Bahrainis, but love never takes a pre-destined course. Both are now part of two families and as public figures, whether through Sara’s large following on Instagram and her cycling passion or Abdulla’s restaurants, they get recognition wherever they go. When asked what advice they would give to young couples, they are both in agreement. “Be yourself,” they say in unison. “From day one, just be yourself and don’t portray yourself as someone you’re not and then give your partner nasty surprises years later. Have one face, be true to each other, and never stop being friends who do things together.” As for Valentine’s Day this year, Abdulla is still keeping the exact plan under wraps, but rumour has it they may be making an appearance at their favourite outlet in the Kingdom, Cantina Kahlo at the RitzCarlton, Bahrain. Tom Bourgoin and Yasmeen Zainal A multi-cultural couple brought together by the ultimate wingman – a dog named Luna! Despite attending St Christopher’s School together but not really knowing each other, a chance encounter at their local F45 gym kickstarted Yasmeen and Tom’s fairytale romance. The two started partnering up for workouts and then going for a juice or smoothie afterwards. The deal was sealed when Tom brought his beautiful dog Luna with him one day and the rest is history! After four years together, the two tied the knot in December. “We are from completely different backgrounds,” Yasmeen says, with her being Palestinian-Bahraini and Tom a FrenchDutch hybrid. “Although there are cultural differences, we embrace them and our values are in line, so we really meet each other halfway. It also helps that Tom was born here and understands Arab and Muslim culture. But that is what is so amazing about Bahrain, the people that live here are so diverse, but are so integrated as a community. We still need to work on getting fluent in each other’s languages though; French and Arabic! “Above all though, Bahrain is our home. We were both born here, and our families live here. It is where we grew up and where we also met. Bahrain is special.” Their advice for lovebirds out there? Love each other every single day and show it in small and simple ways. At the end of the day, it is the little things that really count. Be patient with one another and never go to bed upset or angry! After all, you are on the same team. As Valentine’s Day approaches, Tom and Yasmeen are still undecided. Will it be a cooking class or putting on a Bob Ross video and painting together or a spontaneous adventure under the desert stars? “We love going on spontaneous dates no matter what time of year,” the couple say. “Outdoor activities like wake surfing or paddle boarding or taking the dogs to the beach for a walk are popular choices, but we also LOVE food. That can be going out somewhere or cooking together, since nothing beats a delicious home-cooked meal made with love.” Scan to watch the series
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