macteepee

Not sure about the passport deal - I think the admin dude that deals with it all at the company is apparently a bit of a lazy hardly-gets-anything-done sorta person.

Not sure about the not mixing with Bahrainis on a social level. I'd love to socialise with them, but haven't made any real friends yet Bahraini or otherwise. Hubby had a social work soccer game last week and one of the Bahraini's @ his work played in that - he was probably the best player. Since that night he's had a couple of nice chats with this guy, although there are small language barriers (although most people have good english). I'm sure when I finally start working my social situation will change - i've heard so much about weddings and different things that are celebrated here, so i'd love to have some local friends. Also it's good to chat with them so you know the real prices in the souks and don't get ripped off too much

camel jockey

Things tend to take a while here to get done but if you explain to your employer why you need the passport shouldn't be a problem. Also it actually only takes one day to stamp the actual passport so they should be able to do with copies until that day.

Good luck finding flats with carpets, 99.99% of flats here are tiled but they do put massive carpets (rugs to the rest of the world) down which pretty much take up a whole room anyway. Tiles are best for here especially in the summer.

I married a Bahraini so I would have to disagree!! Depending on where you work and the social background of your colleagues. I have friends from everywhere around the world. I have found that most of my Bahraini friends have either been educated, lived or work/ed in a mostly expat environment.

t19hlr

Thanks for the advise, will keep it in mind and let you know how I get on.

Gday

G'day everyone. I'm new here, an ex pat Brit living in Oz for 32 years. Married to an Ozzie. I have spent quite a bit of time in Bahrain over the last 18 months. Hubby stays home so far, but has expressed a desire for getting a job in Bahrain and us moving - he knows I love it there.

I have found this thread really interesting to read and am anxious to pick up evenmore information.

There has been an explosion of house & land prices/rents in just the time I have been visiting. I am given to believe it is because of an enormous number of businesses transferring from Dubai where everything is just far too expensive for them to continue. Unfortunately this impacts on the costs of housing allowances in salary packages offered.

I dont have children to worry about, but I do own the regional Icon hunting hounds - Salukis !! Needless to say I have oriented toward other like minded people in my visits.

I have made friends with quite a few people of British, European and Bahraini families. If you are open to being friendly, it is not so hard to make friends, in my experience. The Dilmun Club is an excellent ex-pat meeting place for everyone - they do great meals!

Driving around in Bahrain is easy. Just be prepared for some rather creative interpretations of the road rules You can pick a Saudi driver a mile off - they are usually driving at break neck speed weaving in and out of the traffic. Despite the 'hoons' there are relatively few fatal accidents in Bahrain.

Mr Plastic

Hi all

I'm hoping to move to Bahrain to study. There's a lot to do before then but I'd like to know what the student experience is like and what I can expect from it!

Could someone sum it up in list form - basically saying what it's all like?

All the best

Ali

Gday

Hello Ali
As a student you may need to contact whichever uni or college you are hoping to attend. They will probably be happy to give you an introduction to people within your intended peer group.

debbiemcf

Hi, I am new to the site so forgive me if I am doing it all wrong.....

I would really appreciate some advice on bringing my whole family to Bahrain. Are there any clubs i.e. football, tennis etc for them to join?? What is available for 3 year olds???

Any help would be greatly received.

heartofdarkness

best you get your advice from this site..they're a very helpful group..good luck.. http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topics.aspx?ForumID=25

eylesda

Bahrain is great for kids. rent in the Saar district and you have the rugby club and the Dilmun club. The latter has a great mother and toddler group and is very inexpensive.

They also have stables and a tennis coach.

Rugby club in the cooler months have touch rugby, rugby, netball for the girls and soccer, plus swimming pool and cheap booze and food.

Loads of playgroups for toddlers and you'll be near St. Christophers school which you should apply for as soon as you get here as there are usually waiting lists.

http://www.bahrainrfc.com/

http://www.dilmun-club.com/contactus.htm

debbiemcf

Thank you both. The link is very useful and full of likeminded concerned mums.

Debbie