Arabeyes: Saudis in Bahrain and Kuwaits and their Cars  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

Today's translation of Arabic blogs takes us to Saudi Arabia, where a blogger takes refuge in nearby Bahrain to clear his head over the weekend; Kuwait, where Frankom  discusses the state of affairs in Arab countries and again to Kuwait, where Krakatoa ‘s car problems open our eyes to the unscrupulous practises of car agents.
Fresh Air in Bahrain
Faisal is a Saudi blogger who travels to nearby Bahrain whenever he needs fresh air.
Made in the Arab World
From Kuwait Frankom shares his ideas with us on the latest developments in the Arab world under the title: Made in the Arab World.
Car Trouble in Kuwait
Still in Kuwait, blogger Krakatoa narrates his experience when he took his car to the garage after he encountered problems with it.
انا هني سكتت وقلت خير ماشي توكل على الله ( بس قلب ناغزني) المهم دقيت على واحد من الربع..من اهل الوكالة وقتله السالفة..اهو طق على راسه..قال ليش هالمبلغ قتله وكالتكم وانتو اخبر..قالي عطني وقت واشوفلك الموضوع..قتله خير..بعد يوم دق علي..قالي ترى السالفة كلها خرطي..ومالك الا طيبة الخاطر والمبلغ يكلف 200 بس..بيني وبينكم ميتين اهون من 500 قتله زين ليش ضربني بالعالي..الشاب اللطيف..قالي اثول ومايعرف..قتله انزين جم مواطن مايعرف احد بالوكالة واضطر انه يدفع مبالغ التصليح وهو يضحك..هني سكت..قتله يابن الحلال الفلس الحرام مافيه بركة وهالفاحصين هاللي تيبونهم غيروهم ولا حطو عليهم ناس تراقبه ترى قاعدون يوكلونكم فلوس حرام
Here, I said it was OK and asked him to go ahead with the job but my heart wasn't happy with the decision. I called one of my friends, who owns the agency, and told him what had happened. He was surprised with the high quotation and asked me why the price was so steep. I responded that it was his agency and he should know better. A day later he called me back and said that it wasn't a big deal and that he will only charge me KD 200 (US $694). Between me and you, paying 200 is better than 500 but I still asked him why they asked for a high price. He said that the mechanic was stupid and didn't know what he was doing. I asked him how many people out there, who don't know anyone at the agency, would be paying out of their teeth while smiling. Here, he went silent. I told him to change those mechanics and bring more able ones because they were tricking people and charging them more. The money they make isn't blessed and they are making you eat from money gained out of sinful activities.