The US Ambassador to Bahrain spoke about the evolution of Bahrain since his last stint 15 years ago and his love of art & culture
The relationship between the United States of America and Bahrain spans over a century when missionaries first came from the United States and established the American Mission Hospital, a school, and a church. The relationship was fortified with Bahrain’s independence in 1971 and has continued to grow stronger with economic, social, and cultural exchanges.
Life N Style magazine spoke to the United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, HE Steven C. Bondy, at his residence about the different initiatives that the American Embassy has in place to further strengthen the relationship between the two nations.
HE Steven C. Bondy: The US-Bahrain relationship is a very strong, very broad, and very deep relationship, and it keeps growing every day.
It’s a historic relationship that goes back to 1892 when American missionaries from my home state of New Jersey first came to Bahrain. Another important year was in 1932 when the Standard Oil Company of California found the first productive quantities of oil here in Bahrain. Then, in 1947, the United States Navy first established a presence here. Since then, it’s really taken off.
The basis of our relationship with Bahrain is people-to-people ties. So, we consider it incredibly important to do what we can from the embassy and from the United States government in Washington to bring citizens of our two countries together. The big programs that we have here are educational and cultural exchanges and technical assistance. Our biggest push has been in the English language arena, to ensure that Bahraini citizens are as well prepared as they can be to enter the job market.
Your Excellency, in your long and distinguished career, you’ve been in the Middle East a lot. You’ve worked in Afghanistan, and served in the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, and have now had two stints in Bahrain. What is it about the Middle East that fascinates you, especially Bahrain?
When I joined the Foreign Service 32 years ago, I never expected I would only be serving in the Arab world or in the Middle East, but that’s how it worked out. It’s been fascinating. The best thing about the Middle East, of course, are the people, who are endlessly interesting, and very engaged in world affairs. Bahrainis are the most welcoming people I’ve ever been around. They’re very open to outsiders and love to talk about their country, and love learning about you. It’s a fabulous place to be serving as an American diplomat.
Your spouse, Meghan, has had some great experiences here as well. Meghan, you were here 15 years ago with His Excellency. Tell us about some of your experiences from back then, and has Bahrain changed since that time?
Meghan Bondy, Spouse of the United States Ambassador to Bahrain: It has changed a lot. We were coming from Egypt, where we had spent four years with our young kids at that time, who were two and five years old. When we moved to Bahrain, they were sad to leave, but also excited for new adventures. It was really a great time and was a good change for them to be in a place where they could have new friends, ride their bikes, and not worry about traffic and things like that.
How has Bahrain changed in your estimation?
HE Steven C. Bondy: Bahrain has grown and developed tremendously. It is a much more modern and plugged-in economy now than it was 15 years ago. It’s a joy to be back. There are two places in Bahrain that I always love to visit. When we were here before, when our children were young, we would go to the Bahrain Fort and climb around and do lots of exciting things. So, that’s a great memory. Now, a new favourite place is the Pearling Path in Muharraq. We really enjoy going there. It’s probably a two-hour walk and you see all types of beautiful things, particularly renovated buildings that show Bahrain’s history.
Your Excellency, earlier this year, you had a concert at your residence, and we really saw you in your groove, dancing and having a lot of fun.
Yes, Sonorita, that was a wonderfully memorable experience when the US Embassy, in conjunction with the State Department in Washington, brought a jazz-funk/go-go band from New Orleans called the ‘Brass-A-holics’ to Bahrain. They played with such energy, so it was very exciting! We partnered with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), which invited the band to play at the Spring of Culture Festival. Everyone enjoyed it so much and I think it was the first time ever that people were standing up to dance in the aisles of the Cultural Hall.
(At this point the interview was interrupted by the Bondy family’s poodle Bailey in a rather cute Wonder Woman costume. Sadly, Bailey, after being with the Bondy family for 13 years, passed away shortly after this interview leaving behind many precious memories.)
The US Ambassador’s residence is adorned with art, much of which reflects his passion for music. He takes us on a tour of some of the pieces displayed throughout his home.
The US State Department usually organises an art exhibition for ambassadors to display in their residences. So, you’ll see the art all around. This room has pieces that have been loaned by the artists for the years that we are here in Bahrain.
The artwork that we have here is based on three themes: number one is abstract; number two is oriented towards water; and number three is jazz music. These are things that we think really do relate to Bahrain, in particular, the water.
Another part of the collection is photographs, rather than paintings, that are historical and very meaningful to me. The U.S. government, back in the fifties and sixties, would send some of the world’s greatest jazz musicians to travel the world. We have four photographs here of Louis Armstrong and two photographs of Dizzy Gillespie when they were on what’s called the Jazz Ambassadors Tour.
You are so well-travelled and have lived in many different countries. Have your food preferences changed? Is there a particular cuisine that you prefer? Are there any Bahraini dishes that you like?
I love the food wherever I go. My favourite thing here in Bahrain is hammour. I also love the fish safi, with beautiful, sweet rice called muhammar. It’s delicious. I also like to finish off a good meal with Umm Ali, which I think is my favourite sweet ever. Back home, I really love barbecues because I love to grill meats. I do a lot of that on my own. If I have the time, I will slow-cook a big piece of meat for four or five hours. I love it! And of course, my wife is a fabulous chef, so most of the time I’m enjoying her cooking.
Apart from your work at the Embassy, what do you like doing in your spare time?
I really love to be with my family and my friends. My children are now grown and they’re living in the United States, but my wife is here, and we like to explore new places. We love history, and culture, and love to see new things. But as for me, I also love to exercise. I’m a runner. I’ve done 10Ks. But my wife is a marathoner. She’s the real runner in the family.
HE the Ambassador also has a beautiful message for the people of Bahrain in Arabic which you can listen to in the video of the interview that is posted above.
