parkclark | ExpatWoman.com
 

parkclark

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Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 18:22
Hi there you may want to go onto www.agoda.com to find a hotel. They have great prices on lots of hotels, serviced apartments. You can pick an area of KL that has the things you want to do but the train systems there are pretty good so you can get around easily. I would think the city center area may be best. You could go up the twin towers there, you can buy tickets in advance online I think as the lines are usually long. Check what tours your hotel has. If there is one to the elephant santuary that would be good and so would a trour to the lighthouse, feed the monkies and see the fireflies at the mangroves. I am not sure what things you and your son would be interested in but chinatown is also interesting. Have fun
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Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 19:55
Hi Ladies, I went to Tribe bookstore at Education City with great hopes but was sadly disappointed. They did have a very small amount of coloured cardstock 5x7 size (the salesgirl could not find the price) and a few packages of 12x12 paper , mainly in birthday themes. There were also a few stickers ( probably about 10 strips, mostly of the same thing.). I am thinking I will likely be buying online or bringing supplies back from Canada . Has anyone purchased cardmaking or scrapbooking supplies online and had it sent to Qatar? Does anyone know if there are some decent craft supply shops in Dubai or anywhere else in the Middle east?
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Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 18:44
Thanks so much for that info. We will have to get on it now.
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Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 18:42
Hi there, That salon at Villaggio is only for men. I stopped in and asked. I am still looking for a place myself.
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Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 18:41
Lesya, It is probably a good idea for you to come and look. You may want to refer to some of the older posts/threads about accommodation may be a tricky one as 10K for accommodation may not get you in the area where you want to be. You should be located close to either the children's school or hubby's work, or central to both. traffic will be a problem in future months with all the upcoming road constructions around the city so you don't want to be in traffic all the time. You can find some places that may let you rent without the RP as long as they know it is being worked on , or you produce a letter from the employer. We have been here just a month and my hubby's RP is supposed to be completed this week. We were able to rent using a letter from our employer to get the bank account, to get the housing. Good luck
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Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 17:32
Hi Ladies, I was wondering what the latest process is to get the E-Gate card and where to get it from? thx
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Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 07:51
Hi ladies , I am going to check out Tribe Wed , will let you know. Cheers!
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Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 07:51
Hi ladies , I am going to check out Tribe Wed , will let you know. Cheers!
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Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 22:44
Thanks Shamsqat. That is good to know I will have to go out that way, haven't been to Education City yet.
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Latest post on 12 January 2013 - 12:51
Hi Ladies, I saw this older thread on mahjong groups. I am fairly new here, 1 month, and am interested in joining a mahjong group. I am living in the West Bay area. I do have my own tiles but they will not be here until mid Feb when my shipment arrives. I look forward to hearing more. Cheers
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Latest post on 12 January 2013 - 12:19
Hi Ladies, maybe we could go out sometime to look for the few art supply/stationery shops here to see what they have . Let me know. Kelbucko, how long have you been here & what area do you live in?
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Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 19:33
Kelbucko; I have only been here a month and haven't found anything more than the odd skickers or some coloured card stock precut to a few small sizes. Althoough I haven't checked out any stationery shops yet. Have you? Have you tried ordering anything online? I am thinking this is one way to repenlish my stocks. Perhaps Crafylorna may have some insight on supplies . I heard there may be shops in Dubai but not having lived there I am not sure. Does anyone know?
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Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 17:22
Craftylorna; No problem, just send me a message whenever you get back into Doha. I hope you are enjoying your trip.
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Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 21:14
Cal_Hob; I totally understand the confusion but our choice was easier as we do not have any children to consider, we ended up taking a 2bedroom in Al Fardan Towers. Mainly so I can have some independence being so close to the malls for groceries etc and my hubby will be going against the traffic to and from work so it is only 20 -25 min travelling time for him. I have not seen many little ones in this building but we have only been moved in here for 12 days. I would think it is much like the Kemplinsky as far as facilities. there is no where for children to run around. We did look at an apartment in bin Mahoud across the street from Mega Mart and they had 3 bedroom units. They were very nice as well and there would be room for kids to run around in the big center courtyard. I think I mentioned this place to you in another thread. You may want to take into consideration where your hubby will be working and his travel time as well as school.nursery school location for the kids to help you decide. I have met some people from the Pearl and they love it and it seems more family oriented. good luck. We also signed a 2 yr deal as we foresee rents going up 10% in a year.
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Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 12:15
Pixie 9; Hi and welcome to Doha. I have been here about the same amount of time. You will see a number of threads talking about coffee mornings but the main ones I can find are : The City Center Wives group on Sun morning @ 10 am at Jones the Grocer at the Gate shopping center, Thursday @ 10 at Starbucks in the Landmark Shopping Center and a Tuesday Ladies group every other tues at the Radisson Blue Hotel at 9:30 (see www.tlgindoha.com) for more details. There is numerous groups see "Out and About on the site, or pick up a Qatar Happening Magaziine, time Out Doha Magazine from Carrefour . Virgin also has a free book from Qatar Tourism with lots of good info. I often go to the City Center Mall if you want to meet for a coffee. I am older than you and do not have kids here. I only speak english. message me back if you want to meet. I am going to the Thursday coffee morning this week.
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Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 09:10
Hi there I have only been here 3 wks and have been trying go go to different shopping centers not only to find out what they have but to see different areas of the city and get my bearings. I also found a reputable driver and that helps . I went to the Tues coffee at Landmark an met some really nice ladies, then went for my first Lebanese food lunch. It was fun. I am also planning on going to the coffee morning at Jones the Grocer at the Gate shopping center and the American meeting on the 14th as they have many activity sign ups happening that day. I look forward to meeting as many people, and hopefully some of the ladies on this website. <em>edited by parkclark on 05/01/2013</em>
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Latest post on 04 January 2013 - 09:36
Cal-Hob, unless it has dual voltage listed and/or an auto sensor listed on it it is probably better if you leave your appliances behind as the voltage is different here as well as the plug being configured differently. Youcan get voltage adapters here but they are cumbersome and not cheap.
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Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 16:07
Hi Ladies. I was wondering if anyone can join the American Group, I am Canadian.
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Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 08:36
Hi Craftylorna; I mainly make cards as well and have been here two weeks. We moved here from Australia and just got into an apartment in West Bay.. My supplies are enroute and I expect them in mid feb, can't wait! Would love to meet up when you get back into Doha. <em>edited by parkclark on 02/01/2013</em>
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Latest post on 01 January 2013 - 13:40
Where can you get these books?
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Latest post on 01 January 2013 - 11:02
Hi Ladies, I see that Mollydolly has asked the same question as I was thinking , I am also new, 2 wks now and just moved in across the street from The Gate shopping center. Since I know that there will be a group there this Sun will will come over . Cheers and Happy New Year!
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Latest post on 31 December 2012 - 07:39
Swizzle stiX - we were thinking of leasing too for the same reason, what company did you use?
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Latest post on 29 December 2012 - 12:33
Hi Icebabe1, you may want to check a number of the different threads in December on housing. Alot of information and agents names etc on there. What you see on the websites is good for getting an idea of what places look like but most listed are not available. the market is pretty tight right now so you need to be here and get an agent to show you around, or go around the area you want to live in and ask in person. Good luck.
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Latest post on 28 December 2012 - 22:30
Hi there, so sorry to hear about your broken foot. I can't imagine having that and a little one to look after and being new here. Not sure if it will help but you may want to look on www.agoda.com Yu may be able to find a good deal ona serviced apt.
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Latest post on 28 December 2012 - 22:23
Cal_Hob, I haven't lived in Canada for sometime but have used Crown movers for a couple of our international moves now an d we have been happy each time, I like the fact that they are one of the world's lagrest companies and have many offices of their own instead of using other independent local companies. Their service is consistent and you can track your shipment.
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Latest post on 26 December 2012 - 18:14
Yes, I am in Al Fardan in West Bay,. You did mention in an earlier thread that you were in Bin Mahmoud and I didn't catch that. I didn't know there were any buildings over in that area by the same company. We almost ended up in Bin Mahmoud across from the Mega Mart but decided to take the west Bay unit instead. If you still want to meet Northernstar it will just take some planning .
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Latest post on 26 December 2012 - 09:40
Northernstar, I am not sure what the tower name is but we are in the tower immediately next to the bank and behind the BMW dealership. We are moving into #234 on the 23rd Fl. on the 27th sometime. Hope your Christmas Day was good, ours was quiet, and different, but we look forward to next year when we won't be in transit. Will let you know when we have arrived . Cheers!
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Latest post on 26 December 2012 - 09:35
Hi, I agree with Kiwispiers on doing the door to door looking. get an agent to at least show you a couple places if possible but we found ours by going direct. see other threads on housing. I have mentioned a couple of places I know that will have vacancies in Jan but not sure if the areas will suit you. the area depends on what you need, eg school access, or to the office etc. You will struggle on that budget, we had to go above budget. Good luck. As previously mentioned, get a copy of time Out magazine from Carrefour, and at I Spy Book Shop in Villaggio Mall, -Explorer's resident's guide, and check newspapers, although, most of those places have been rented by the time it is printed.
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Latest post on 26 December 2012 - 09:27
Cal_Hob, all I mentioned are fully furnished,. I am not sure how much the ones at Al Fardan will be as it depends on which floor they are on, ours was 16,000 and is on the 23rd fl, lower floors are less,. Internet included, and 1 yr of weekly house cleaning is also included. This is over our budget but we weighed the extra cost of these items and taxi's for me to get around and added that to the rent The MerZan 3bed fully furnished as 13500. My hubby also found out that his main company office will be moving to West Bay area in January so it will also be convenient to go from one office to the other in Education city, and it will be against the traffic. You have to weigh up what you need. I wanted to be independent since I will not be working. I can get to and from the mall for groceries etc. easy to entertain and be entertained in that area too. Now we are tackling the issue of what to do about a car, lease or buy. I feel we should start oout leasing until my hubby knows his way around better, then if any accident s happen the leasing company can help out. we feel our company didn't give us a current amount for the housing and car allowance, it may have been ok for 1 yr ago, but things have gone up since then. even one fellow in DH's office mentioned this rise in costs as he is having to move house soon. he is currently in Old salata area (close to current office but that will move to wet Bay) and he will be needing to go between West Bay and education City like my DH. I am sure you will find something, it is better to just go out I think and go door to door to certain buiildings in the area you want. Good luck
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Latest post on 25 December 2012 - 11:06
Cal_Hob when we signed our lease yesterday, I asked our agent Anis at Al Fardan Tower , West Bay,said there will be a 2bedroom fully furnished and 3 bed bedroom fully furnished coming up in January there. MerZan residence in Bin Mahmoud South C-ring rd & Al Salwa Rd by MegaMart also has places.
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Latest post on 25 December 2012 - 11:00
Hi Ladies, we just arrived and have finally found a place but we did see another apartment that was nice , you may want to check it out. MerZan residence on Al Kindi Street by Mega Mart in Bin Mahmoud South ( cring rd and Al Salwa rd). We saw a nie 3 bed fully furnished that included water and electricity as well, for 13,500 perth month. The buiilding had a nice pool and gym, and very quiet. each apartment had a balcony too. Give Dexter a cal at Apollo Properties 5587-2145 (he will charge a fee) or go there directly and see May in the office, if you go through her there wouldn't bee a fee. I am not sure if they had 4 bedrooms or not.. I also understand from our real estate guy that Al Fardan Towers will have an opening in January for a 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom, not sure of the rental amounts as it depends on what floor they are on.
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Latest post on 24 December 2012 - 10:39
Hi Northernstar, we get to move in on the 27th so let me know if you would like to meet for a coffee sometime. Cheers & Merry Christmas
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Latest post on 24 December 2012 - 10:36
We don't have Rp yet but we paid a deposit to hold the apartment, we should get our bank cheques today, we need to give the 12 postdated cheques on the day we move in. Our apartment /agent are very flexible so it really helped. We move in on the 27th. We can apply for the water & electric once we have RP &PO Box until then we pay apartment complex. They really made it easier to get organized and into our own place.
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Latest post on 24 December 2012 - 10:32
Crewegirl21 thanks for the invitation, I would love to meet some of the wonderful people who have answered all my questions. So how do I find you on Facebook, or I am Joy Parkinson Clark on FB, if you can contact me please. Merry Christmas to everyone.
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Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 13:21
Cal_Hob, FYI: your hubby may not be able to rent anything right away in his name (maybe through company he can) , he may have to wait until he gets his Qatar ID or RP as you need a PO Box to get a rental (although I have been told you can use company one????) and you can't get the POS Box without an RP from what I understand????. He will also need to have a bank account set up to issue the cheques required for the deposit and postdated monthly payments. Then you need your RP or ID to get the Electric & Water hooked up, the list goes on and on..... I am sure he will get it sorted once he is here, it just takes time. I certainly hope his company is more on the ball with the documents etc than ours has been.....
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Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 13:11
Hi AshTravels, that is great to know. I just can't understand all the ads listed on the web and in the paper and not many agents have anything to offer. I think we have found a place in West Bay, will know more today or tomorrow, but at least we have a possible backup. I appreciate the information. How is the life in a compound? Do people mix or stay to themselves? I don't have any kids and won't be working so don't have any of those type of groups.
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Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 13:07
Hi Marycatherine, thanks fI appreciate the advice, I figured one would have to cover up some but glad to know once inside and in a alcohol entitled outlet that you can take the jacket off. I won't be wearing anything that shows too much o my cleavage or my butt cheeks but definitely something short sleeved and above the knee. I don't know how they manage to function in those extra short dresses either, Personally I don't think some of them really care about their impression etc..
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Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 13:01
Hi Katcalls, I believe if you let your BC Drivers License expire for more than 6 months you may need to resit the test, I believe there is something online about that, just can't remember where I read it. We've always renewed our DL's when we go back for vacation, sometimes it is a little early but that is ok, at least we knew it would be valid. I don't think you can renew from abroad as they need a new photo of you. Where did you live in Aus? We just moved from Perth as you may already know from all my posts.
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Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 12:55
Hi Northernstar, I really appreciate the info. We really liked the unit, a 2 bedroom as well. Lots of space. It is good to know about the traffic not being an issue. Even the agent said that my hubby would be travelling against the traffic going to and from Education City. How long have you lived there? We should find out in the next day or so when we can move in. Perhaps once we get there, you and I could meet for a coffee. I see you are also working, so it can be a time that is convenient to your schedule since I am not working.
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Latest post on 21 December 2012 - 21:28
Congrats Crewegirl21 on moving in and getting your shipment. We will find out on Sun when we can move into our apartment but our shipment probably won't be here until mid Feb. That's a drag but I have been without my stuff for 2 months so what's another 1 1/2. hahahaha! It will make us appreciate it. we will have lots of time to figure out where we will put things.
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Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 21:07
Cal_Hob I was the same . My life was all nicely organized until Sept when the job offer got serious. Then it went to a rollercoastr. We sold our house, moved out 3 wks early for the new owner,, finished my job and we moved into a serviced apartment in Perth Aust After running around like mad people getting documentation organized for here we went on a little trip to Kuala Lumpur & Bangkok for a couple weeks, which was a break we really needed, We got to see some of our dear friends and relax. Now dealing with the frustration of finding a new place, I am tire,d We.have been living out of suitcases for the past 2 months so the romance of the gypsy life is over. My late M-I-L had a great saying " This too shall pass". and it always does, with or without you doing anything. Hang in there..
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Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 19:43
Cal-Hob, another useful item for your hubby to pick up is the Time Out magazine from any Carrefour shop
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Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 19:40
Thanks Marycatherine we will keep that in mind as each place had furniture we wouldn't want to use eg paintings or a chair. never sat on the mattresses. will have to do that at the next place.
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Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 18:05
Hi, thanks for your assistance ladies, Saw a couple of places today . Decision making time and number crunching now. Al Fardan tower apartments have different prices depending on the floor on which the unit is on. I think 2 bed F/F ranges from 15,000 - 17,000 and 3 beds F/F 16,250 + . Agent mentioned there may be something coming up in Jan and June, but not sure if it is a 2 or 3 bed and what floor.
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Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 17:52
I agree with emma123 about waiting til you get here to do things and having a sense of humour. I have found this also to be true in a number of our other postings. Today we went looking at apartments, I could only get two appointments as many agents didn't return emails, or phone calls, or said they didn't have anything. Most of the ads in the newspaper classified are already leased, I don't know why they would even print them, maybe to give the impression they are busy or successful.....? I called Maybelle at the Al Jazi Real Estate and she said they only have a 3bed S/F apartment in Dareen tower for 15,000 or F/F for 17,000. Also there is a 4 bed in Amal tower - S/F for 19,000 for 21,000. Another agent Abdul Majid of Zukhrof real estate 5589-0790 said he has a 3 bed complex villa by the airport , I am not sure if it is furnished or not or the rent. Shahbaz Hazan of engel & Volkers 3372-9439at least returned my call, but didn't have anything. Erdan Tower in West Bay has 2 bedroom apartments F/F for 12400 including housekeeping weekly, but it very old and in need of some repair. We found that the kitchen was very small, and there was not much storage. Rooms were an ok size but it was also somewhat dark and dingy. Umm Bab tower across from Erzdan may have something coming up in January. Not sure what these apartments will be like. There seems to be a few in Zig Zag buildings but I do not know rents or sizes as we didn't investigate that area yet. When you husband is here he should go to the I Spy Book store in City Centre Mall and buy the Exmplorer Qatar Residents' guide book and a detailed map. You will probably want to be central to the school or office and one of the major shopping centres. Good luck. I am still looking.
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Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 19:36
Hi, I apolgize for my spelling, this tablet is doing weird things. Anyways, I forgot to ask if anyone would know what the traffic would be like from west bay and Binn Mahmoud to Education City?
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Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 17:51
Hi Ladies, thanks for the info. We were also thinking the area around Al Saad ,but just need to find something. Just noticed the cdn schhol is up in the Umm Lekhba area so maybe the Al Gharrafa area could be another option. It looks like mainly villas. Will need to investigate. I have contacted a couple of agents and am waiting to hear back to see if they have anything available to show me.
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Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 17:43
Hi ladies, we just arrived on Sat. and are Canadian also. We do not have any children in school but were wondering what areas most of the Canadians are living in? We are looking for a 3 bed f/f place, preferably an apartment, but something central to Education City as that is where DH's office will be and he will also be needing easy access to airport. Me, I want to be around decent grocery/shopping and other Canadians or group of expats that I can meet. we have looked at a couple of places in West Bay and a 3 bd f/f is 15,000+. We were trying to find something less expensive if possible as we too would like to try and save as much as possible while here. I would also be interested in meeting up with anyone who may be in town over the holiday season.
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Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 10:44
Hi Ladies, we arrive on Sat and now are starting the home hunt. DH 's office wil be in education city and I want to be close to good grocery/shopping centers and accessible to airport. We have no kids, looking for fully furnished apartment preferrably,or villa,. Does anyone have suggestions? we saw a couple of places at City Centre -but very expensive, probably agent took us there as bigger fee received .would appreciate any assistance thx.
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Latest post on 07 December 2012 - 16:24
Thanks ladies for the great info. I will check those out for sure. Our Visas arrived, just waiting for the actual flight /hotel confirmation Still. enjoy your time in Orlando yyzdoh. We are enjoying some time in Kulala Lumpur and Bangkok before we arrive .