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Post by loopy on Apr 11, 2023 17:09:22 GMT
Hey all, I’ve just been informed that I’ll be based in mango and now I’m really concerned after reading all the horror stories on here! Please can someone who lives there tell me if it’s that bad or nothing a bit of decor can’t fix?
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tamsin
Senior VIP Expat
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Post by tamsin on Apr 12, 2023 13:56:03 GMT
Hey all, I’ve just been informed that I’ll be based in mango and now I’m really concerned after reading all the horror stories on here! Please can someone who lives there tell me if it’s that bad or nothing a bit of decor can’t fix? From the outside, like 70% of the Hills, they are drab and samey. Inside they are the same square rooms and white walls as anywhere on camp and are a blank canvas, I’ve seen some gorgeous homes there. You will be able to create a home you want. Heads up that the provided furniture and curtains are not great, they will give a worse impression than the reality. Plus no rugs or art means it will echo. |
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Post by loopy on Apr 12, 2023 16:18:51 GMT
Hey all, I’ve just been informed that I’ll be based in mango and now I’m really concerned after reading all the horror stories on here! Please can someone who lives there tell me if it’s that bad or nothing a bit of decor can’t fix? From the outside, like 70% of the Hills, they are drab and samey. Inside they are the same square rooms and white walls as anywhere on camp and are a blank canvas, I’ve seen some gorgeous homes there. You will be able to create a home you want. Heads up that the provided furniture and curtains are not great, they will give a worse impression than the reality. Plus no rugs or art means it will echo. Thank you 😊 I definitely plan on a few trips to ikea but it was reading up on all the comments that worries me 😩 |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2023 19:52:12 GMT
They are grotty. Of course depends on your expectations and where you’re currently live.
From my perspective it was a huge step down and felt like moving to the 3rd world. Recruiters over sold and did not tell me I’d be moving into something akin to a council flat.
Yes you can spend your own cash on furniture and sprucing it up a bit, but it won’t change the fact that they should have been condemned years ago.
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tamsin
Senior VIP Expat
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Post by tamsin on Apr 26, 2023 5:10:36 GMT
How are you finding it, Loopy?
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Post by loopy on Apr 26, 2023 5:55:42 GMT
How are you finding it, Loopy? Hey Tamsin, House wise absolutely nothing to worry about 😌 have already started buying furniture and made a huge difference already! The only downside is I’ve not sussed the bus routes yet and it’s quite a distance from places. But came across 2 amazing ladies that have taken me around on and off camp for tours of the place which has definitely made a huge difference 😊 |
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tamsin
Senior VIP Expat
Posts: 655
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Post by tamsin on Apr 26, 2023 6:04:26 GMT
I am glad, I do think with your own stuff they scrub up quite well. And it’s great you’ve met some folk, most of us do remember the difficulty in the initial days.
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Post by natashaaa on Jun 9, 2023 19:39:23 GMT
How are you finding it, Loopy? Hey Tamsin, House wise absolutely nothing to worry about 😌 have already started buying furniture and made a huge difference already! The only downside is I’ve not sussed the bus routes yet and it’s quite a distance from places. But came across 2 amazing ladies that have taken me around on and off camp for tours of the place which has definitely made a huge difference 😊 |
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Post by natashaaa on Jun 9, 2023 19:48:45 GMT
Hey loopy and Tamsin - was doing a random google search and found your posts! I’m so glad!
I’m a former aramco brat returning to work there as a single gal.. the thing is - I realised I didn’t have a clue about bachelor housing. They tell me I’ll be in mint / mango / jebel heights ..
I was wondering if I could ask you loopy for a huge favour? Or anyone else there? I’m trying to decide what furniture to ship and what to leave behind in stoe but it’s really hard to figure out the size and space of the house. Some of it is just nice and homey and some has sentimental value, so I like to bring them along with me when I travel to settle in a ‘new’ place.
Is there any chance you could do like a video walkthrough or take photos of every room and stoe space.. and share rough measurements?!
It’s a lot to ask if a complete stranger I know! But I promise to take you out for a thank you coffee once I’m there!
If you can do that I would be ever so grateful. I don’t know how to share a WhatsApp phone number or email or even if that’s allowed here..
And I don’t know if anyone knows someone in mint (is it the same as mango?) and jebel heights (I feel really apprehensive about this option - I realise the apartments are new but I worry they are smaller, and I was counting on a garden for a cat).
That’s all from me. Nervous and excited. It’s been 30 years since I was there as a kid and coming in totally different circumstances . Just trying to prepare myself!
Thank y’all so much
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Post by natashaaa on Jun 9, 2023 19:52:43 GMT
Oh - another question, don’t know if anyone knows the answer..
Are we allowed to paint the walls / put up wallpaper / paint the kitchen cabinets ?
I do remember the kitchen cabinets needed a spruce and I think in a small space changing that dark wood colour would brighten the place up.. is that a thing ?
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jrs
Senior Member
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Post by jrs on Jun 10, 2023 6:57:58 GMT
Not sure you’d want to paint cabinets because you have to return everything back the way it was when u leave house. You for sure can paint walls and put up wall paper but u have to restore back to white walls when exit house for last time.
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alecamlot
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Post by alecamlot on Jun 10, 2023 8:39:29 GMT
Hi natasha, before spending the money in shipping, consider in using that cash and buying stuff locally. You might end up bringing stuff that don't fit plus the shipping costs are expensive these days (check on that).
You can find stores for everything and get stuff that fits right.
As others said, you can kaint stuff but everything needs to be returned the way it was given to you unless the house inspectors during tge exit tell you that is ok to leave x y thing the way you have it
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2023 5:51:17 GMT
Can only echo what others have said. Buy furniture etc here. There are lots of options, cheap and expensive. Many expats go for the safe IKEA option. Can pickup second hand stuff on the staff forum too. Shipping is expensive and your CIL payment probably wont cover all costs.
Some people have painted their kitchens, it does makes a huge difference. Unfortunately, as others have said, you will have to get it back to original before you leave (unless you can obtain an exception), you will be billed if you don't return it to its original condition - that would present an extra headache come leaving time.
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Post by natashaaa on Jun 11, 2023 21:46:42 GMT
Thanks for the replies!
On the subject of shipping vs buying - I was under the impression that I would invoice the company on arrival, as opposed to receiving the cash. If it’s cash then it definitely makes sense to buy local. Can I just ask for the cash amount allocated to shopping upfront?
Also, in terms of the house size. I’m coming single so I know I only get a one bed. I’m a bit concerned it’ll be a tight squeeze, esp when dad comes to visit!
I’ve seen the floorplan of the Mango places but can’t read the numbers very clearly to make out dimensions.. I don’t know if anyone has photos to get a feel for the units? Or if anyone is in jebel heights because I haven’t a clue what the one beds there are like..
I know I can choose to live out of camp in a larger place - but I can’t imagine being in dhahran and not living in camp.. plus traffic getting in would be a nightmare.. has anyone chosen not to live in camp?
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Post by natashaaa on Jun 11, 2023 21:47:07 GMT
Thank you so much btw, for taking the time to get back to me. It’s so kind!
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