bagpus

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 July 2011 - 19:21

I know it's difficult not to but I wouldn't worry too much. Kids in expat schools tend to be very accepting of new children, in my experience and I'm sure they'll have friends in no time. My three children all attended DESS and I'd say your paying a term without attendance is a wise idea to secure places. I can't comment on after school activities now but there was always plenty to keep them busy. From memory my three did girl scouts, football, horse riding, ballet, rugby and tennis at one time or another, but most of these weren't arranged by DESS. Good luck!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 27 June 2011 - 13:29

Hi Picklz, Erica and Nelson Park don't charge the tenant, their fee's come from the landlord....that was my understanding. After a bit of investigation, I found it's a bit of a mixed bag with regards to who charges and who doesn't and I have to say paying the agent does not sit well with me! Good Luck!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 12:00

Re Riviera and gardens, I meant they have no grassy backyards like many compound houses in Bahrain have, where Picklz (and I) currently live. I lived on Riviera a few years ago (was there four years) and we had a tiled area at the back, an outside terrace thing in the middle of the house and a grassed area at the front with a palm tree smack, bang in the middle. Yes, Riviera was/is one of the greenest compounds I agree, but I was attempting to compare to Bahrain. Maybe gardens are grassed here more often because its humid or the water bill is cheaper or maybe I'm just too blonde....who knows! With regards to prices, we started off paying 11k and when we left in 2007, the rent had risen to 22k but then I think the whole of Qatar went a bit mad in the build up to the Asian Games.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 22:55

@ Picklz...most of the villas I viewed were more traditional arabic style homes; downstairs lounge and diner, large kitchen (space enough for a table but not open plan) and a downstairs en-suite guest room. And bedrooms/bathrroms only upstairs. The only villa I saw more western style was one of the 'Les Roses' compounds which may have had a small amount of grass in the 'back garden' and a more open plan style home downstairs. I think it was a four bed for 16,000? (Al Waab area) Ask Erica, she'll give you great advice. I was surprised the newer compounds are still building 'older' style homes. Most houses don't seem to have a grassed garden, just a tiled area. You might want to look at Al Jazi in West Bay, there's also a large compound behind the Ramada hotel that have gardens, the name escapes me, and Al Mesilah have large grassed gardens. (can't remember the area, not far from DESS but ask around) All three of these compounds are older compounds with good reputations. Riviera Gardens is very green, but no gardens. It's a difficult one, until you have schools sorted choosing a villa is mad but it has to be done. When we lived there before, traffic was horrendous and as I currently have anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes from school here in Bahrain I'm anxious to reclaim a couple of hours of my day! Really, give Erica a call before you visit again. She's a wealth of information, doesn't charge and has knowledge of the landlords and compounds with regards to negotiations on offer, maintenance, etc. Good Luck!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 11:12

@Picklz, I looked mainly in Al Waab area near DC and ASD schools, working on the premise that my kids will get places in DC.....fingers crossed! I used to live in Qatar a few years ago and was surprised at the change in the place (traffic is still horrendous) and it's almost like Doha is a city of compounds! There are so many to choose from but it just depends on your priorities and budget. Previously I lived on Riviera compound and my kids were younger, so they attended DESS. I wouldn't choose to live there now (different priorities) I looked at a mix of compounds and stand alone villas, I can give you more detail if you want? I can't speak highly enough of Erica but if you have any questions before then let me know and I'll try to help :)

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 14:22

Thanks for all your input. I just got back from my 'look-see' and can recommend Erika from Nelson Park, should anyone be interested. She asked a few questions about our family situation and then took me to properties suitable, and I mean, really suitable! She can be contacted on +974 6657 7151 or [email protected]

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 16:08

My hubby holds both but our family holds only Bahraini residency. Hope this helps.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 22:54

Thanks, Emmjay. Found them in 'homestores' and on sale, too!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 22:53

My children attend the BSB and are relatively new to Bahrain. I can say we didn't have a problem finding places, especially for our older boy (yr9) once the testing was out of the way. My daughter attended Doha College a few years ago and I would say, whilst the BSB isn't perfect, I do get a better 'vibe' from it than DC. Just my opinion. With regards to my dealing with the administration prior to moving to Bahrain, I found the BSB very helpful via email and phone; their admin staff are just lovely. With regards to the school website, I've heard it will be up and running as of next week. I hope this helps.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 21:05

Other than 'the one' any ideas where to buy? I'd prefer without 'the one' price tags if possible! Thanks.

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