so you were betrayed by your so called friend/s.. :(

anyway, thanks a lot shoeaddict...i would definitely socialize with some groups as this would help me neutralize the would-be homesickness being initially experienced by 1st timers.

though you may be correct as this issue is the one of the first reminders my sister gave to me when i was in Doha last Feb.

for all of us, especially those in abroad, it is always nice to have a group. share with them, learn from them, be wary of the info that you would ask from them and be extra careful of the info that you would cascade to others as well. there's nothing wrong with being friendly...just choose carefully the people or group of people that you think you would be comfortable with.

thanks again!