There’s no doubt about it, we’re in troubled times! Bahrain’s government has received international praise for its handling of the Covid 19 virus, which has kept our numbers low and recovery rate high.
But, like the rest of the world, that means we’re facing restrictions on a scale never seen before. With schools, shops, restaurants, malls and more closed, we’re being asked to stay home for our own safety and that of the more vulnerable members of society.
We’ve all seen the memes – from lockdown weight gain to dogs refusing to go for, yet another, walk in the UK. And, of course, the amazing example of whole countries coming together, such as the Italians making music from their balconies and the Brits clapping for the health workers, a tribute which is to be repeated here in Bahrain in a few days (More info here: https://web.facebook.com/events/229667734895506/ )
Just as fabulous is the incredible amount of free entertainment, educational and home fitness material that’s being made available online worldwide to help us all stay sane in these troubled times.
We’ve put together some of our favourites. Trust us, we’re checking as many as we can and we’ll be releasing new ones a couple of times a week as long as the restrictions last. Check out the links below for some great resources to help you #StayHome#StaySafe#StaySane from Bahrain This Month, still your guide to a great way of life!
Virus or no, who wouldn’t want to see Il Divo performing live? Just make sure you check daylight saving time on Tuesday to ensure you don’t miss it.
https://web.facebook.com/ildivo/photos/a.10150246555088179/10158316422128179/?type=3&theater
We do love it when a local business takes a great initiative, so we’re proud to share this link for Life Fit, where you can find online fitness classes available to all. We love you guys!
https://web.facebook.com/lifefitfitness/
Since you all know our furry friends are very close to our hearts, this is another local initiative that we love, love, love. With fundraising currently at a minimum (hint, hint – most of our animal rescue organisations would welcome an online donation in their time of greatest need), the BSPCA is running an online silent auction for some gorgeous pieces by Bahrain-based photographic artist, Gaye Bentham. Log on, get bidding and know you’re helping during isolation. https://web.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10158342063896177&set=oa.2747657318602934&type=3&theater
Get access to some of those brilliant Broadway stage shows you’ve always wanted to see. Why not make it an occasion – dress up, break out the tipple of your choice and enjoy. The list is updating daily, so check it out to find out what’s coming and when.
https://web.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10158342063896177&set=oa.2747657318602934&type=3&theater
London’s National Theatre is also getting in on the act with lots of great productions being shown free weekly.
Do you play air guitar to your favourite songs? (Let’s face it, who doesn’t?) Well now, in the chance of a lifetime, legendary guitar maker, Fender, is offering free classes to the first 100,000 people to sign up. Hurry!
US company Scholastic is offering three hours of age-appropriate lessons per day for the duration of the virus restrictions. No sign up required, just lots of good content and ideas to help keep learning fun. https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
Online audiobook platform, Audible, has made a vast selection of titles available for free, for as long as schools are closed. This means books read by Westworld’s Thandie Newton and Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens. No login, credit card or password required.
https://stories.audible.com/start-listen
While some of us are loving staying at home, others may be hungry for enriching activities they can do while also practising safe social distancing. Art and museum enthusiasts can now travel the globe and view world-famous collections from their own living rooms, thanks to Google Arts & Culture.
https://artsandculture.google.com/story/igKSKBBnEBSGKg?hl=en
And here’s the last educational one, from us to you. A really important message, now more than ever. Wash Your Hands!