Post by Twofeets on Sept 4, 2011 9:25:45 GMT
o Invilink and welcome!
Only have a few minutes (on my lunch break) but will give you a newbies perspective....
My wife, myself, and my son arrived here on July 29th. It's the middle of summer, was the start of Ramadan, we had no money, no transportation, very little of anything.... And even so we have really enjoyed it!
I wont lie to you, starting out can be tough, especially if you're waiting on shipments (if I could do it all over again Id take the cash. One of our computers and a crockpot were destroyed in the air shipment and will not be replaced and our sea shipment left about a month late). When you first arrive its easy to get intimidated. You're in a strange land, a new culture, the language, dress, everything is new and it does take its toll on people!
That being said... Luckily for us there is a counterweight!
The people here have been Phenominal! I had been in touch with Caroline for months before coming. In addition I took some time to get to know a few other people and do some research about the place. It really has helped ease the transition.
At first you feel stranded, especially coming from the US where you dont just ask your neighbors for a ride or have random strangers offer to help you, but here its 100% normal, even outside of camp! We've have people lend us a TV (Thanks Caroline!), help set us up with satellite (again, thanks!), lend us a golf cart and a scooter to get around, take us shopping, etc. Its a very communal atmosphere, sometimes I feel like we're living in an episode of Leave it to Beaver'.
Ras Tanura is a very nice camp. The beach is gorgeous, there are coral reefs 20 yards off shore, the water is clear, and there are lifeguards all day. The gym is nice, as are both pools. There are playgrounds and parks scattered throughout the camp, equestrian stables, a bowling alley, game rooms, all kinds of family oriented activities.
If you will be working in DH (Dhahran) you will be in for some long days. The bus's are free, comfortable, and reliable, but its a bit over an hour each way. If you're doing a admin schedule (5 days a week) it could be tough on you, but your family will have plenty to do. The good news is that when you're home you should be able to relax, and Aramco offers a lot of vacation time (which they force you to use!).
Good luck!
James
Only have a few minutes (on my lunch break) but will give you a newbies perspective....
My wife, myself, and my son arrived here on July 29th. It's the middle of summer, was the start of Ramadan, we had no money, no transportation, very little of anything.... And even so we have really enjoyed it!
I wont lie to you, starting out can be tough, especially if you're waiting on shipments (if I could do it all over again Id take the cash. One of our computers and a crockpot were destroyed in the air shipment and will not be replaced and our sea shipment left about a month late). When you first arrive its easy to get intimidated. You're in a strange land, a new culture, the language, dress, everything is new and it does take its toll on people!
That being said... Luckily for us there is a counterweight!
The people here have been Phenominal! I had been in touch with Caroline for months before coming. In addition I took some time to get to know a few other people and do some research about the place. It really has helped ease the transition.
At first you feel stranded, especially coming from the US where you dont just ask your neighbors for a ride or have random strangers offer to help you, but here its 100% normal, even outside of camp! We've have people lend us a TV (Thanks Caroline!), help set us up with satellite (again, thanks!), lend us a golf cart and a scooter to get around, take us shopping, etc. Its a very communal atmosphere, sometimes I feel like we're living in an episode of Leave it to Beaver'.
Ras Tanura is a very nice camp. The beach is gorgeous, there are coral reefs 20 yards off shore, the water is clear, and there are lifeguards all day. The gym is nice, as are both pools. There are playgrounds and parks scattered throughout the camp, equestrian stables, a bowling alley, game rooms, all kinds of family oriented activities.
If you will be working in DH (Dhahran) you will be in for some long days. The bus's are free, comfortable, and reliable, but its a bit over an hour each way. If you're doing a admin schedule (5 days a week) it could be tough on you, but your family will have plenty to do. The good news is that when you're home you should be able to relax, and Aramco offers a lot of vacation time (which they force you to use!).
Good luck!
James
