Streetsmart Bahrain
[...] This guidebook is like no other in the kingdom. Every page is filled with extraordinary detail, each section featuring a unique, illustrated map, as well as personal profiles of people such as shop owners, architects and entrepreneurs. With sections covering nightlife to malls, tailors to restaurants and beaches, this little wonder has it all. The best thing is that it's not just for tourists; every resident on the island would discover something new with their own copy. Melissa has created an innovative gem of a paperback that will truly open your eyes to what there is to discover on the island. [...] Buy it and keep it on you at all times. Trust us - it's worth it. --Fact Bahrain magazine, April 2012;[...] The best thing about the guide is that, beside Bahrain's key tourist sites, it includes some real hidden gems. So next week when my family visits, I am going to travel off road and follow it deep into the souq to visit Azzam Ayurvedic, 'which would not be out of place in Harry Potter's wizard's market, Diagon Alley', and through Muharraq's alleys to the first coffee shop founded by an out-of-work pearl diver. My brother-in-law who keeps a photo album of his favorite dishes will love going deep into the heart of Gudaibiya to sample the best tikka in Bahrain. I may or may not tell you about our adventures. Unlike Melissa, I like to keep secrets. [...] If you want to tour the real Bahrain or need a detailed guide for a day trip, pick up a copy of Streetsmart Bahrain. --Tales of Dragons, Rabbits and Roosters blog, March 2012A new comprehensive guidebook bursting with suggestions of things to do in Bahrain and where to go has been launched. Handily sized, its author says it's [been designed to] easily snuggle into a ladies' handbag despite its 216 pages being packed with listings and images. [...] An admirer of the local culture, who loves to meet people and eat at street cafes, Melissa, 44, said that the book was the result of her passion for the country and her desire to tell the world about all its exciting and wonderful facets. Sipping her favourite chai haleeb on the benches of Al Maseela Cafe in Manama, she said that [these include] tourist attractions, eating-out-venues, resorts, beach clubs, spas and salons. [...] If walking appeals a section entitled 'Walk this Way' chalks the Muharraq walking tour, a route that takes people on a trek around traditional houses, as well as museums and coffee shops in the area. You could also hire a boat and go to Jarada Island, described in the guide as 'a spit of sand reminiscent of the Maldives, where the water is a crystal clear turquoise blue'. [...] A major section of the book has been dedicated to the various cuisines in the Kingdom, something Melissa confessed to being her favourite part of putting the guide together. Although it's not a comprehensive list, she has highlighted a number of outlets offering what she says is Bahrain's favourite [street food], tikka, alongside restaurants serving up rice dishes and grills from Persia, mezze from Lebanon, stews from Iraq, and Jordanian and Palestinian sweets. [...] Other highlights include information on hidden delights such as an elderly carpenter who sells antiques, the oldest sword-maker in the region and tips on getting local dresses and suits tailored. --Gulf Weekly newspaper, April 4-10 2012A pocketful of pleasures - Melissa van Maasdyk's just-released Streetsmart Bahrain guidebook (Streetsmart Publications) is invaluable, offering a mix of must-sees, hidden gems and insider tips. It includes souk guides, walking tours and interviews with Bahraini artists and architects, writers and archaeologists, perfume makers and fashion designers, carpet sellers and filmmakers about what to see, where to eat, shop and chill. Streetsmart Bahrain also provides an excellent map to the main sights of Old Muharraq and a walking tour. --The Australian newspaper, June 30 2012