|
|
Post by Monty on Mar 4, 2012 22:28:53 GMT
Is living in Dhahran, for example, what it was when ARAMCO was an American company with mainly North American employees in the communities?
I understand that percentage wise Americans are now low on the scale, how does it feel now as a community versus the 70's and 80's? Is it any different in Abqaiq?
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Post by vpainter on Mar 6, 2012 11:26:21 GMT
Feels perfectly normal for those of us who have come since the compound also has locals. Is it different, yes. But it is still a good place for raising a family, socializing with friends and traveling and working.
ABQ has been increasing in population with expat new hires being assigned there to live.
Whichever compound you live on, it'll be enjoyable, if you enjoy new experiences and new people.
|
|
|
|
Post by Monty on Mar 6, 2012 19:08:09 GMT
I have a couple of older relatives that worked there from the late 60's to the late 80's. I imagine their experience would have been a good deal different back then; then again, the 70's WERE a different experience altogether with employment and lifestyles!
One of my uncles was going to teach there in the early 70's, I don't think he had any experience yet but I guess back then they had different hiring standards versus now where they can pick and choose to their heart's content.
I'm not sure how those that stayed there 20 years did it; not the staying there, the LEAVING part.
|
|
|
|
Post by vpainter on Mar 6, 2012 19:25:12 GMT
Yes, it is very different present day. Those who have been here 20 and 30 years know that for sure, they've seen all the changes - some good, some not so good. But it has created present day and when you come having never experienced what it was like previously - now is normal. Friends who leave after 20+ years do find it hard to leave. This is home. The good thing that occurs now for all those people and others no longer with the company are the Aramco Reunions that allow those retired, kids who grew up here (called Aramco Brats), anyone who has lived here return for a visit. The next reunion is in 2015. Your friends/relatives who can go to: www.aramcoexpats.com/events.aspxif they are interested in returning for a visit. See the 2015 KSA Reunion. |
|
|
|
Post by Monty on Mar 7, 2012 5:50:14 GMT
Right in what you are saying; now is normal. After all, for those that were there 30 years ago it would have been just like it is for someone now, a uva experience, once in a lifetime.
But somehow, looking at og photos from the 1970's, it sure seems that life was somehow less complicated, not just at ARAMCO but look at Disneyland or any other place. Maybe it's the film and prints... and pants and shirts! I'm digressing here but I don't like digital photography!
|
|
|
|
Post by David_and_Nita on Mar 8, 2012 2:23:08 GMT
I know a lot of peeps who went through there over the years. Based on our experience - not even close to the stories we were told.
|
|
