9/30/10

As time would have it, things have started to look up and I’m not as unbearably uncomfortable as I was to begin with. My response to those wanting to know how Dubai is going so far… I don’t love it, but I don’t hate it either. It has its ups and downs and I’m just trying to keep myself occupied with spontaneous outings and homework.

I went on a dhow cruise last week. It’s basically a double-decker ferry ride that goes up and down the Dubai Creek accompanied by plenty of food, drinks, and music. On the bus ride over, I became acquainted with a great group of people and we have since seen each other around and make continuous plans to hang out. It feels a lot like freshman year all over again, but I’m so grateful for the company.

It was about 8 or so by the time the cruise started moving, so the only image I got of Dubai was lost in a hazy mix of humidity and twinkling lights. The party was going on in the bottom deck of the boat anyways. I’m so glad that dancing isn’t illegal everywhere. I had an amazing time talking and laughing with people, learning traditional dances (and some not so…) and snacking on the tasty food choices. I’m still so determined to try shawarma (a Middle Eastern sandwich wrap)!

As far as my academic load goes, I just finished my second week of classes and the first batch of quizzes. I didn’t do horrible, but I still have so much to learn. This is basically the first time I have been introduced to a majority of the information and my brain has been found to get rather overwhelmed with this wealth of knowledge! If I stay up to date with my assignments and studies, I’m hoping that it won’t be too much to handle.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has been praying for me back home. I have found so more peace in being here these past few days and I pray that time continues to fly by.

P.S. I’m getting a little more camera brave and actually going places worth photographing (which is basically anywhere outside my dorm) so keep an eye out for more colorful updates.