9/15/10

Let’s see… Well, I’m in Dubai safe and sound! I’ve been here for about 12 hours or so now and have successfully found my dorm room and attempted in making it a little more “homey.” I quickly discovered that I have no control over the thermostat and this freezing room is reminding me of those first few weeks in Flagstaff before they turn on the heaters.

The travel over here was executed pretty smoothly and the 17-hour flight from LA to Dubai was tolerable (although there were a few close calls with the wine drunk lady sitting next to me…). All of my stuff got here okay, minus my pillow (sob). The office doesn’t have my key ready yet, so I’m basically confined to the dorm room until they give it to me later.

I took a taxi from the airport and was blown away by the numerous skyscrapers and creative architecture. I was also blown away by the intense heat and humidity. Bleh, it’s going to take some getting used to for sure. I thought Arizona was bad, but it has nothing on this climate. By far the hottest temps I’ve ever experienced.

My roommate was in the room when I got here. She’s from Pakistan and is really sweet. I’ve definitely gotten the feeling that I’ll be one of the youngest on campus and was informed that there aren’t usually more than 20 U.S. students studying here at a time. Wait, wait, wait… Isn’t this place called The AMERICAN University in Dubai?

I was able to Skype back home already and it appears that it will be the most efficient form of communication. I don’t have much else to update on yet. I have a lot of questions and really hate not knowing what to do next, but I’m sure, like everything else so far, that it will all work out. I think I might go back to sleep for another hour or so. I’ll update with some of my daylight adventures later!

Good morning, Dubai!

Good night, back home.