Dubai Update

I honestly feel so blessed. The people I have met here are amazing. We all get along so well. Other than while on campus, we are always doing something. It's tough to do things on at the university though, because guys and girls can't hang around in the same areas, with the exception of sitting together outside. As I type this, it is currently 107 degrees outside. It only gets hotter. To be outside is to suffer. Hence, we find fun things to do in the surrounding area.

A couple of the other study abroad students and myself are becoming regulars at a hotel bar across the street from the university. We go whenever our favorite bartender, Sam, is working. In Dubai, tipping is included in the bill, but it's next to nothing. Our group, however, finds it necessary to add a little extra cash when we pay. Sam, after seeing our tip on night one, brought us out a free round of shots to show his appreciation. What a guy! We will now only be served by him. Don't worry, I won't go out too often. Alcohol in an Islamic country is incredibly expensive. The cheapest drink you'll find at the cheapest bar is 35 dirhams, or about $10 USD. Luckily, drinks at the Radisson, the hotel across the street, are on the cheaper end.

Besides drinking, we go out all the time for other activities. I've been to the Mall of the Emirates half a dozen times. I feel like I'm already starting to know my way around that mall. I've been to Carrefour, "the Walmart of the Middle East" as I've dubbed it, way too many times. It seems like I am remembering things that I failed to pack daily. Fortunately products at Carrefour are dirt cheap. For example, my comforter costed as much as one cheap drink, 35 dirham. I'll take that. Eggs cost no more than a few cents.

Mom, since I'm sure you're one of the few people who actually will take the time to read this, you would be so proud of me. I started to cook! I, Holly Smith, purchased a pan, spatula, plate, and fork with the intention of making my own food. So far I have made eggs a couple of times and kafta once or twice. Nothing too fancy yet, but you just wait and see... Eh.. don't hold your breath though. haha. I'll probably continue to make my breakfast throughout the semester, but let's be honest, I don't belong in the kitchen. I'm sure in no time I'll find someone who loves cooking and enjoys some cash to do basic cooking for me. It has been difficult to find gluten free food here, so it will likely be necessary for a lot of my food to be cooked in the dorms.

Speaking of college, the reason I am here, classes started today! I only had one, Introduction to Middle Eastern History. It does not seem challenging in any respect. The professor informed us the purchasing the class textbook MAY help us understand the material better. I've never had the option to NOT buy a textbook. Anyway, I'm sure I'll learn some useful information, even if it is just from doing my own research over here.

Tonight I think I am going to head over to the beach. I still haven't really seen it. It's too hot to go during the day, but I'll see what I can do. :)