The Tree of Life

On Saturday we piled into the car and headed to the Tree of Life. It was on Mom's list of things she wanted to see and we didn't make it the last time they visited, so we wanted to be sure to see it this time. 

The tree of life is a 400 year old tree that's located in the middle of the desert. Its a bit of a wonder because its the only tree of its kind (or any really) thats growing in the area and there are no bodies of water nearby to feed its roots. And, as everyone knows, there's nowhere near enough rainfall in Bahrain to keep this thing lush and thriving, and yet, it is. 

There are lots of different beliefs surrounding the Tree of Life and its sustainability in the harsh desert. Some people believe that the tree has figured out how to extract water from grains of sand, or that its roots, which reach about fifty feet down, are low enough to reach water. Some believe that the tree is protected by old Sumerian gods or that it's sitting on and is part of what was once known as the Garden of Eden. 

It is literally in the middle of nowhere. There are no roads leading to it- you drive on the sand. 

We got there early enough that it wasn't terribly hot yet and there were only two other people so Stella had run of the giant tree to climb to hearts content!

There's a local "legend", if you will, that if you don't pour water on the Tree of Life then you are destined to return to Bahrain until you do... we took bottles and definitely doused the tree. Bahrain has been an interesting experience and I don't regret coming here, but we are all ready for the next adventure and are good with not returning. 

I think all the tourists (approximately 65,000 people per year) are watering this thing just enough to keep it going...haha!

Next to the tree is a sun dial calendar. There were directions on how to stand and which arm to hold up and it was accurate! 

After the Tree we headed home and downed some water- all agreeing that the heat (which isn't even that bad yet) is insane and we didn't know how on earth the Muslims who were fasting for Ramadan could do it this time of year! Mom and I ran to the grocery store close to sun down and when we got to the mall there were people handing out juice after the call to prayer for people to break their fast! Its things like that that you don't realize happen unless you're here and in the thick of it- and I love little things like that!