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Old Fools #3
Two Old Fools on a Camel: From Spain to Bahrain and Back Again
In this, the third of the Old Fools Trilogy, Vicky and Joe leave their Spanish mountain village to work for a year in the Middle East. How could they know that the Arab Spring was poised to erupt, throwing them into violent events that would make world headlines?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2012
462 people are currently reading
650 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Twead
39 books187 followersVictoria Twead is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Amazon bestselling author. Eleven years living in a tiny, remote, mountain village in Spain and owning probably the most dangerous cockerel in Europe, inspired Victoria to write “Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools”. Subsequent books in the Old Fools’ series continue to pop up.
So far, her husband has utterly failed to wrestle the laptop from Victoria’s vice-like grip and she continues to write and publish other authors' books in Australia. Another joyous life-chapter has begun for the pair.
So far, her husband has utterly failed to wrestle the laptop from Victoria’s vice-like grip and she continues to write and publish other authors' books in Australia. Another joyous life-chapter has begun for the pair.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
December 23, 2015
As a Bahraini, I bought this book out of nostalgia, and in many ways it truly entertained me to read a British teacher's experiences with Bahraini locals, culture, and education, as well as the Arab Spring.
However, reading it now, I can't help but notice the Orientalist undertones behind her perspective. The way women were described as exotic with their veils (or the italicized hijab which was referred to so frequently), or her surprise at the lack of camels roaming the streets (in the 21st century Gulf), or the rather annoyingly naive way in which she described the political tensions in the country, all of this was frankly patronizing and ignorant.
I understand that at the end of the day this is a quasi-memoir of a British couple's year teaching in the region, so it is bound to be loaded with their pre-eminent biases, but it felt quite Orientalist to read this as an Arab and not be somewhat frustrated. 2 stars for the trip down memory lane, but no more than that.
However, reading it now, I can't help but notice the Orientalist undertones behind her perspective. The way women were described as exotic with their veils (or the italicized hijab which was referred to so frequently), or her surprise at the lack of camels roaming the streets (in the 21st century Gulf), or the rather annoyingly naive way in which she described the political tensions in the country, all of this was frankly patronizing and ignorant.
I understand that at the end of the day this is a quasi-memoir of a British couple's year teaching in the region, so it is bound to be loaded with their pre-eminent biases, but it felt quite Orientalist to read this as an Arab and not be somewhat frustrated. 2 stars for the trip down memory lane, but no more than that.
February 8, 2015
I found the couple very naive; the points raised in their orientation about local culture was stuff that shouldn't have been as much of a surprise to them. The teaching jobs turned out quite badly with little to offset that downbeat atmosphere; the stories of their colleagues' experiences were largely of the "guess you had to be there" variety to me. The spillover of Arab uprisings to Bahrain was a unique feature, though contributed to the grim tone. As their next book covers life back in Spain afterwards, this one doesn't seem necessary for continuity. In spite of glowing reviews from fans, in all honesty I came away regretting I'd bought it. Really 2.5 stars, but rounding down to
two stars would be unfair. Your mileage may vary.
two stars would be unfair. Your mileage may vary.
January 30, 2021
I read Victoria Twead’s books about her life in a small Spanish village many moons ago but somehow missed this delight.
In Two old fools on a Camel, Victoria and Joe move from their small Spanish village to Bahrain to take up teaching posts on a year’s contract.
Anyone who has read Two Old Fools in Spain will appreciate the contrast in lifestyles this involves as they move from cicadas and chickens to helicopters and camels.
What follows is a well-narrated insight into a very different country with its spoilt rich kids and vastly different rules. But this is more than just a simple story. Victoria and Joe have to face complications they didn’t expect. They arrive in the month of Ramadan where they cannot eat or drink from dawn until dusk in the heat of an Arab summer. There are hateful teachers and the beginnings of the Arab spring to contend with. But they also make new and long lasting friendships which have this young at heart couple acting like teenagers themselves.
But will the friendships be enough for Victoria and Joe to stick out the sand and the bullets, or will they flee home to Spain at the first opportunity?
You will have to read on to find out, and to enjoy the fabulous Middle Eastern recipes which are dotted throughout the book.
In Two old fools on a Camel, Victoria and Joe move from their small Spanish village to Bahrain to take up teaching posts on a year’s contract.
Anyone who has read Two Old Fools in Spain will appreciate the contrast in lifestyles this involves as they move from cicadas and chickens to helicopters and camels.
What follows is a well-narrated insight into a very different country with its spoilt rich kids and vastly different rules. But this is more than just a simple story. Victoria and Joe have to face complications they didn’t expect. They arrive in the month of Ramadan where they cannot eat or drink from dawn until dusk in the heat of an Arab summer. There are hateful teachers and the beginnings of the Arab spring to contend with. But they also make new and long lasting friendships which have this young at heart couple acting like teenagers themselves.
But will the friendships be enough for Victoria and Joe to stick out the sand and the bullets, or will they flee home to Spain at the first opportunity?
You will have to read on to find out, and to enjoy the fabulous Middle Eastern recipes which are dotted throughout the book.
January 26, 2017
Won't make a camel laugh
As I always finish what I start I kept going through this turgid drivel.
What a piece of vanity writing! The author is irritating, ignorant and arrogant by turn.
Her constant references to the clothing worn by Muslim women gave me the impression she thought herself superior to them, as she undoubtedly did to her pupils. After all, it was their fault they didn't learn. Not her's for being a poor, unimaginative teacher.
The tale was sadly lacking in the 'hilarity' promised in the introduction.
The first and definitely the last in this sorry saga that I will ever read.
The one star is for inclusion of the recipes even though these are someone else's creation.
As I always finish what I start I kept going through this turgid drivel.
What a piece of vanity writing! The author is irritating, ignorant and arrogant by turn.
Her constant references to the clothing worn by Muslim women gave me the impression she thought herself superior to them, as she undoubtedly did to her pupils. After all, it was their fault they didn't learn. Not her's for being a poor, unimaginative teacher.
The tale was sadly lacking in the 'hilarity' promised in the introduction.
The first and definitely the last in this sorry saga that I will ever read.
The one star is for inclusion of the recipes even though these are someone else's creation.
December 17, 2022
After finishing and loving Victoria Twead’s second Two Old Fools book recently, I decided I wanted to read the sequel as I was intrigued about the year the couple spent in Bahrain. I am happy to say I thoroughly enjoyed it despite the unhappy circumstances Joe and Victoria found themselves in. For all the problems, they made some wonderful friends in Bahrain and as always, their lives were filled with some highly colourful characters, whom Victoria describes with great humour and perception. I loved reading about her cheeky students and the regular results from her spelling tests had me in stitches. The book also deals with the tragic events of the Arab Spring uprisings which occurred during their stay, so I learnt a lot from reading this memoir. For foodies too, there are great recipes included as chapter separators. My thanks to Victoria for a fascinating, informative and very enjoyable read.
August 17, 2014
I enjoyed some of the events, but I do not find much humor in making fun of other people, so I found that part distasteful. Very little was written about the actual political events in Bahrain, thus I found that disappointing. A great deal was written about socializing with other staff members and playing barroom type pranks on one another. I didn't find those events interesting. My favorite parts involved the stories about the students, the classroom activities, and the challenges that arose in trying to teach in a very different culture. I admire the author and her husband for their brave and adventuresome spirit, but I would not go out of my way to recommend this book to others.
December 16, 2012
Book 3 in the Two Old Fools series. There were some moments I was laughing so loud that people around me thought I was losing it (including the dog). I did really miss El Hoyo, but am so glad to have had another glimpse into life, this time taking the brave step to move to Bahrain to teach for a year.
Thanks for another brilliant read, Victoria. You are a great storyteller :) Can't wait to see what's next!
Thanks for another brilliant read, Victoria. You are a great storyteller :) Can't wait to see what's next!
May 5, 2016
A sort of silly book about two married teachers that need money so they go to the middle East as the Arab Spring errupts. It is part of a series which I find surprising because it is poorly written and not vry interesting and so I find it diffucult to understand how more books on the topic by this author could find a publisher.
Oh well, to each their own...
Oh well, to each their own...
August 18, 2018
I read this book because it revolved around my school during my time there. There are a lot of funny and nostalgic moments that made me smile. However, there were a lot of details that I personally found over exaggerating and (to-some-point) stereotypical.
January 11, 2020
Vicky and Joe have left their beloved Spanish home in El Hoyo, to spend a year teaching in Bahrain. Unfortunately, the children they are hoping to inspire are not too well behaved, and not too willing to learn. Thankfully, they form strong bonds with fellow teachers and lasting friendships are born.
Book 3 of their adventures is peppered with Vicky's witty anecdotes, and includes some very funny conversations. I particularly enjoyed reading about the children's spelling attempts, the challenges of learning their names and keeping discipline in the class.
The frightening events of The Arab Spring force Vicky and Joe to make a difficult decision- to remain in Bahrain for another year or return to Spain.
Book 3 of their adventures is peppered with Vicky's witty anecdotes, and includes some very funny conversations. I particularly enjoyed reading about the children's spelling attempts, the challenges of learning their names and keeping discipline in the class.
The frightening events of The Arab Spring force Vicky and Joe to make a difficult decision- to remain in Bahrain for another year or return to Spain.
August 8, 2021
A year in a foreign country with most expenses paid sounds appealing, unless one is retired and goes back to work at a MOST unusual school full of trials and tribulations. Throw in the harrowing dangers of Arab Spring, a few delightful new friends and many evenings with them at an Irish pub, a large cast of strange people and customs, and Victoria's delightful sense of humor for another wonderful read. I've already ordered the next Two Old Fools volume, as I just cannot get enough of Victoria and Joe. Their adventures are never boring!
September 13, 2014
I was really interested in this book as I wanted to learn about the country and customs and all the reviews said how funny it was. I was very disappointed.
It was about a couple who were British, but had lived in Spain. They went to earn money and teach in Bahrain for at least a year or maybe more. I was really horrified at the way the school was run. The students were also disgusting to my way of thinking. They were spoiled and undisciplined and used to their parents buying them anything.
Some of the things the author pointed out were things I had never thought of - the fact that there is really no countryside to enjoy. The students didn't have any pets. They thought people who were poor were of no value.
It did describe the "Arab Spring" uprisings and that was interesting, although I think I would have left the country before the authors did.
Unfortunately, I guess I have a different sense of humor. I didn't find the book funny and the practical jokes they played didn't really appeal to me.
All in all, I'm glad I read the book, but will not seek out any others by the author. I found it rather depressing.
It was about a couple who were British, but had lived in Spain. They went to earn money and teach in Bahrain for at least a year or maybe more. I was really horrified at the way the school was run. The students were also disgusting to my way of thinking. They were spoiled and undisciplined and used to their parents buying them anything.
Some of the things the author pointed out were things I had never thought of - the fact that there is really no countryside to enjoy. The students didn't have any pets. They thought people who were poor were of no value.
It did describe the "Arab Spring" uprisings and that was interesting, although I think I would have left the country before the authors did.
Unfortunately, I guess I have a different sense of humor. I didn't find the book funny and the practical jokes they played didn't really appeal to me.
All in all, I'm glad I read the book, but will not seek out any others by the author. I found it rather depressing.
January 4, 2015
3.5 stars, I liked it a little less than the other two books. At the end of the book Joe says they didn't like their year away, and that's quite obvious from the beginning. There's more complaining, and a bit more of a negative or pessimistic feel.
What I loved so much about the first two books were the funny situations Vicky and Joe got into in Spain, all because of cultural differences and language difficulties. In this third book, the other people they interact with are also Westerners, and though they did end up in situations that were (supposed to be) funny, it didn't come close to what I'm used to. Also, they met some Western people in Bahrain whom they didn't like and those people are often made fun of, which wasn't very nice.
Still, I enjoyed catching up with Vicky and Joe again, and it was interesting to read about the political issues going on in Bahrain and how they were experienced by people who were there. I can't wait to meet them again in Spain though!
What I loved so much about the first two books were the funny situations Vicky and Joe got into in Spain, all because of cultural differences and language difficulties. In this third book, the other people they interact with are also Westerners, and though they did end up in situations that were (supposed to be) funny, it didn't come close to what I'm used to. Also, they met some Western people in Bahrain whom they didn't like and those people are often made fun of, which wasn't very nice.
Still, I enjoyed catching up with Vicky and Joe again, and it was interesting to read about the political issues going on in Bahrain and how they were experienced by people who were there. I can't wait to meet them again in Spain though!
December 22, 2012
Another brilliant read from Victoria, I read this in a day and I am sure I will revisit it again as I have the previous 2 books.
I did wonder how different it would be moving from the El Hoyo I have come to know and love, but Victoria writes so well that you instantly feel like you are with her on the journey. I really did laugh out loud on many an occasion but it was also very eye opening regarding the troubles hat were encountered in Bahrain.
Thanks again for a brilliant read and I will be looking forward to reading more from Spain.
I did wonder how different it would be moving from the El Hoyo I have come to know and love, but Victoria writes so well that you instantly feel like you are with her on the journey. I really did laugh out loud on many an occasion but it was also very eye opening regarding the troubles hat were encountered in Bahrain.
Thanks again for a brilliant read and I will be looking forward to reading more from Spain.
May 23, 2014
Not content with retiring to a 'crazy mountain village' in Almeria; Victoria and Joe decide to brush off the Spanish cobwebs and move to even warmer climes to spend one last year teaching children in Bahrain. Swapping mules, chickens and kittens for camels, parrots and terrapins,
Live vicariously, plunge yourself into 'Two Old Fools on a Camel', meet her larger than life characters and eavesdrop in on her faultless dialogue.
Only Victoria Twead could pull something like this off - what's next? Koalas, Crocs and Kangaroos?
Live vicariously, plunge yourself into 'Two Old Fools on a Camel', meet her larger than life characters and eavesdrop in on her faultless dialogue.
Only Victoria Twead could pull something like this off - what's next? Koalas, Crocs and Kangaroos?
June 11, 2014
A fine theme. A yeAr teaching in Bahrain. And the parts about Bahrain, teaching in a private school for immensely wealthy students-- not always easy, and the Arab spring as it evolved in Bahrain were wonderful. The third or so of the book describing evenings spent in the local bar with a retelling of jokes and anecdotes -- not so much. "you had to be there" I expect. It all became quite boring read soberly. Too bad there wasn't more on the Bahrain experience. Rather disappointing in all.
May 28, 2015
I stumbled upon Victoria Twead's real life trilogy, and have loved all the adventure! Now I'm on the lookout for memoirs from ordinary people living extraordinary lives, and having a wonderful time in my travels with them! I love this genre so much more than fiction. This is a marvelous version of the non-fiction I almost always read! And it is all thanks to Two Old Fools, to whom I am very grateful!
December 26, 2012
As a fellow teacher, I loved this book. Victoria has captured the chaos of teaching and interacting with many different personalities in a very foreign land. It is the small details that capture the reader such as gathering at smokers corner and parent interviews of which Mahammed. Victoria includes you in her world as a friend observing with her.
April 2, 2015
A lot of this seemed to be more of the "I guess you had to be there" kind of story. Things tended to either ramble or digress quite a bit too. I was hoping for more on what was going on in Bahrain, but there wasn't much of that. There were also quite a few references to people in Spain that must have been referenced in earlier books, but were brought up out of the blue in this one.
May 31, 2016
Vicky and Joe Twead decide to take teaching positions in Bahrain for a year, and this book describes that experience. What makes this more unique than usual is that they are in Bahrain during Bahrain's Arab Spring in 2011.
This is the third book in a series of the Twead's life in retirement, and I enjoyed this book.
This is the third book in a series of the Twead's life in retirement, and I enjoyed this book.
August 29, 2021
Victoria Twead’s unique memoir takes place on the island of Bahrain, which becomes its own character in this yearlong teaching foray at an American school for well-to-do Bahraini students. In addition to this informative narration, the book is filled with yummy Arabic recipes courtesy of Nadia Sawalha.
March 25, 2015
I think this was one of the first books I bought for my kindle when I first got it and I have just finished it. I don't think of it so much as a book but as the author found someone who would pay them to publish their journal.
July 29, 2015
A great adventure of the British retirees, settled in Spain, in a Bahrain private school during the Arab Spring. Feels like following old friends!
February 11, 2016
My Mom ordered this one and while it was an interesting glimpse into the lives of teachers in the Arab world, it really was not worth more than the $1.99 paid for it.
May 3, 2016
I expected a travelogue, not a day to day journal of the problems of teaching in Bahrain.
June 11, 2025
3.5 stars
February 22, 2024
Saddle up your camel folks. Readers are in for the ride of their lives here. Let's set the scene. Victoria and her husband Joe have decided to accept contracts to teach at an American School in Bahrain for a year. Two English retirees leaving their bucolic hometown village in Spain for the unrelenting sun and the curious customs of the Middle East. Will it be an idyllic working vacation or foolishness run amok?
Well, you never know until you go.
Set up complete, now cue the absolute mayhem and disarray.
Bahrain is nothing like they expect.
Victoria and Joe’s lives are now filled with so much chaos that I was hanging on for the welcome interchapter recipes provided by the author, just to give myself some relief. But it is addictive reading. There is a wealth of characters for them to endure the multitude of problems with, all as richly developed as the oil underfoot in the sandy expanse of Bahrain. I found myself eagerly diving back into the next story, eager to find out if Jasim, the school bus driver, will one day kill everyone driving down a street the wrong way to take a shortcut. If the school schedule will ever be recovered from the former disgruntled teacher who infected the computer system with a mole. Which of the many diverse and interesting teachers at the school will be the first to crack under the strain of trying to teach rich Arab kids who have no desire to learn, or will violate the school rules of no drinking coffee in front of students or the proper manner in which to walk down the school corridors?
Victoria Tweed’s wonderful recollection of a year spent on a wishfully hoped relaxing working vacation could well be the funniest, most stressful afternoon reading of your life. And will we ever get to actually see a camel?
Make sure you have a stiff drink within arm's reach. You will need it.
Well, you never know until you go.
Set up complete, now cue the absolute mayhem and disarray.
Bahrain is nothing like they expect.
Victoria and Joe’s lives are now filled with so much chaos that I was hanging on for the welcome interchapter recipes provided by the author, just to give myself some relief. But it is addictive reading. There is a wealth of characters for them to endure the multitude of problems with, all as richly developed as the oil underfoot in the sandy expanse of Bahrain. I found myself eagerly diving back into the next story, eager to find out if Jasim, the school bus driver, will one day kill everyone driving down a street the wrong way to take a shortcut. If the school schedule will ever be recovered from the former disgruntled teacher who infected the computer system with a mole. Which of the many diverse and interesting teachers at the school will be the first to crack under the strain of trying to teach rich Arab kids who have no desire to learn, or will violate the school rules of no drinking coffee in front of students or the proper manner in which to walk down the school corridors?
Victoria Tweed’s wonderful recollection of a year spent on a wishfully hoped relaxing working vacation could well be the funniest, most stressful afternoon reading of your life. And will we ever get to actually see a camel?
Make sure you have a stiff drink within arm's reach. You will need it.
April 21, 2025
What another great memoir about Vicky and her family’s adventures! I feel like I have memories of everything I read, as if I were there.
Victoria writes her books in such a calm and pleasant manner. I truly wish she wrote more. I know she has a few more books, but I’m afraid they will end too soon.
In this book, I embarked on an adventure to Bahrain, learning about life and school there. The Middle East is so different from other Western countries. I couldn’t wait for her to return to Spain. I was so pleased with how the book ended—she went back, and all the people she knew were still there. I think reading about Spain through Vicky’s experiences has inspired me. Their culture is so rich. I hope to visit Spain one day, but if that doesn’t happen, I will simply re-read her books.
Vicky, if you’re reading this, please write more! Travel more! I’m sure everyone who reads your books eagerly awaits the next adventure.
Books like this make people fall in love with memoirs. It’s wonderful to experience someone else’s true life—a year condensed into a few pages! Books truly are magical.
And your funny too by the way!!
Loads of love <3
Rating: 4.5
Victoria writes her books in such a calm and pleasant manner. I truly wish she wrote more. I know she has a few more books, but I’m afraid they will end too soon.
In this book, I embarked on an adventure to Bahrain, learning about life and school there. The Middle East is so different from other Western countries. I couldn’t wait for her to return to Spain. I was so pleased with how the book ended—she went back, and all the people she knew were still there. I think reading about Spain through Vicky’s experiences has inspired me. Their culture is so rich. I hope to visit Spain one day, but if that doesn’t happen, I will simply re-read her books.
Vicky, if you’re reading this, please write more! Travel more! I’m sure everyone who reads your books eagerly awaits the next adventure.
Books like this make people fall in love with memoirs. It’s wonderful to experience someone else’s true life—a year condensed into a few pages! Books truly are magical.
And your funny too by the way!!
Loads of love <3
Rating: 4.5
January 2, 2019
This new adventure for Joe and Vicky is very challenging. They have decided they need to build up their retirement nest egg and accept very well paying teaching assignments in the Kingdom of Bahrain at a private school catering to wealthy families. Lots of cultural differences to get used to, day to day living challenges, major teaching challenge because the children of wealthy Bahrainis are very spoiled and have no interest in working to learn.
All that is similar to the prior books. Interesting characters, and that is putting it mildly. But this is the cusp of the Arab Spring uprisings all,over the Middle East. And the rest of the book includes so many first hand observations and experiences during that terrible time of protests, violence, military response, and destruction.
Most of the other teachers recruited from the US, Britain, Ghana, Lebanon, etc., have gone home on the strong advice of their Embassys.. But the Tweads feel obligated to stay out their year-long contract because there are so few teachers left and they are probably the most capable and well-liked.
This book lead me to do some reading about those events, the history and current results, which are not at all good. It broadened my knowledge and perspective about what is happening in the Middle East
A strong book.but very well recommended.
All that is similar to the prior books. Interesting characters, and that is putting it mildly. But this is the cusp of the Arab Spring uprisings all,over the Middle East. And the rest of the book includes so many first hand observations and experiences during that terrible time of protests, violence, military response, and destruction.
Most of the other teachers recruited from the US, Britain, Ghana, Lebanon, etc., have gone home on the strong advice of their Embassys.. But the Tweads feel obligated to stay out their year-long contract because there are so few teachers left and they are probably the most capable and well-liked.
This book lead me to do some reading about those events, the history and current results, which are not at all good. It broadened my knowledge and perspective about what is happening in the Middle East
A strong book.but very well recommended.
December 13, 2020
This is the second book I have read by this author, the first being ‘Chicken, Mules and Two Old Fools. One thing I like about Victoria Twead is her ability to portray the characters she meets in a very clear visual way with plenty of humour. Seeing the photos of the characters after reading the book, they were exactly how I perceived them to be. I really enjoyed learning about Bahrain through the author’s eyes and trust her and Joe to be there during the Bahraini upraising of 2011. It was interesting and alarming getting the author’s version of events, thankfully from a safe distance. Even the challenge of trying to teach reluctant wealthy Arab students doesn’t seem to effect the author’s upbeat spirit too much. Including some of their attempts at writing in English, complete with all their spelling mistakes, I found quite endearing. I have never really been interested in visiting Bahrain and after reading about this adventurous couple’s year expating in this desert city with hardly a camel in sight, I don’t blame Joe wanting to return to their beloved Spanish village of El Hoya at the earliest opportunity. Even the loss of all but one chicken and being surrounded by dead plants is not enough to dampen their joy of being back home again. I look forward to reading more of Victoria’s books about their fun filled life and the people they meet along the way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews