Choose between Past Simple and Present Perfect

1.I …came to Abu Dhabi in August 2000, so now I have been here for almost 14 months.

2.I have not learned more than thirty Arabic words yet, but I would like to find a beginners’ class.

 3.Last week I ate dinner in the revolving restaurant at the top of the Abu Dhabi Grand Hotel. I * had/have never eaten in a revolving restaurant before. The food was  delicious, but the restaurant was nearly empty. 

4. At the beginning of October, some of the staff travelled to Sweihan to see the Camel races.

5.I am writing this early in the morning, it is 6 a.m. and I have just woken up!!!