Boarding in France, Why Not?
France is not very well known for its boarding schools. Most French boarding schools are 5-day boarding secondary schools under Catholic management. They are private but supported by the French state.
Abqaiq: A Look Back - The Mystery of the Bedouins of Fazran
In this personal look back, Abqaiq resident Mark Lowey reminisces about the lasting impressions of his desert encounters over 35 years ago at a remote GOSP site, the Bedouin family who had befriended him and his first taste of authentic Saudi hospitality.
Raising a Family in Arabia
It was a simple plan. Gather up the kids and live abroad for a few years. Maybe do some traveling. Have an adventure. But somewhere along the way, after experiencing some of the best years of our lives with Saudi Aramco, we found we didn't want to leave.
One Woman's Love for Saudi Arabia
It's not everyone that has a grandchild named "Agapi." Iro Smith does, reflecting her Greek heritage. Agapi is the Greek word for love. How better to name a child?
The Stark Truth
Many important events happened in 1975. OPEC raised crude oil prices by 10 percent, Margaret Thatcher became the leader of the Conservative Party in the UK, the war in Vietnam came to an end and construction on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System began.
Last Call! Aramco Retirement Benefits and Financial Planning
Your future Aramco retirement is inevitable. Are you prepared to address the questions that come along with it and the planning involved? This is your last chance to reserve your seat as spots are filling up quickly for RFA’s event.
Aramco Brat Rides with Culver Black Horse Troop in Presidential Inaugural Parade
Aramco Brat Chris Owen rides with the Culver Military Academy Black Horse Troop in the 58th Presidential Inaugural Parade.
Andrew Guinosso: Aramco Annuitant Turned Author
Like most Aramco annuitants, Andrew Guinosso has lived an active life since his retirement from his position in Management Development for the company in 2003 after 24 years of service. Today Andrew calls Reno, Nevada home.
Attention: Calling All Girl Scouts
Do you remember camp outs? What about an overnight at Half Moon Bay? The Dhahran Girl Scouts invite Girl Scout alumnae and leaders from across the Eastern Province to share their memories and photographs as part of their 70th Anniversary celebration being held this February 18th, 2017 in Dhahran.
2016 Year in Review
See what made this year an amazing one for Aramco ExPats and the community.
Aramco Retirement Benefits and Financial Planning
Do you have questions or concerns regarding your future Aramco retirement and the planning involved? Please join Reilly Financial Advisors for a special presentation regarding how financial planning can enhance your Aramco retirement benefits.
Chicken Soup for the Aramcon Soul
Former Aramcon Andrew Guinosso is embarking on a wonderful project that will enrich the souls of all Aramcons and he asks for your help. Basing his project off the popular “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series, he plans to capture what it means to be an expatriate in Saudi Arabia through a collection of submitted stories.
New Years Around the World
In a few days many of us will be awaiting the midnight hour, eager to welcome in New Year 2017. If you're at all like me, you'll be asking yourself what happened to 2016? It seems like it started only a few weeks ago. As it says on clock faces everywhere, "Tempus fugit"—i.e., "Time flies."
Welcoming the New Year with Exercise: The Three R's
If you're like me, you make New Years resolutions every year, always with the best of intentions of keeping them, with varied results. High on my list of resolutions this year is to exercise more.
Farmer Joe Remembers Arabia
Just like all the rest of us who work or once worked at Aramco, Joe LeBlanc remembers his badge number (Hint: It starts with a "1"). Just like us as well, he carries with him fond memories of his days living and working in the Kingdom.
ICC Concert Satisfaction Survey
The International Concert Committee (ICC) is conducting a study to measure your satisfaction with their concerts.
A Yule Goat in Finnish Lapland
The Finns are different. Ask anyone who's spent time around them or visited their country. Or ask a Finn yourself, if you happen to know one. They're part of Scandinavia but they're not true Scandinavians or Nordics.
Separation of Service Brings About Many Changes
At some point, every Aramcon will face the complexities associated with Separation of Service. And regardless of when that time of separation approaches, it is no understatement that one must devise a strategy and lay out the logistics to accessing their hard-earned money once they’ve left Aramco. It can seem an overwhelming task, with many options. So which option is best for you? Proper planning is a necessity given all that must be considered.
Saudi Arabia Snowfall Turns Desert Sands Powdery White
White and brown merged into one color as snow covered the desert sand in central and northwestern regions in Saudi Arabia after temperatures dropped below zero degree Celsius.
The Golden Age of Islam
Earlier this year, three feature articles on the history of Saudi Arabia appeared in this newsletter. They were based on materials available from the Saudi Speakers Bureau. This week we return to that subject with a fourth installment.