ST Banter

Sheesh. Where do I begin? Of course, I intended for this blog to be chronological with frequent updates that made lots and lots of sense and had lots and lots of cultural significance. Truth be told I am exhausted! We have had a busy few days since we landed Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm Dubai time. I wanted to send something before another day passed (apologies, it's not the most creative, cohesive post)...just a few thoughts from my two days in Dubai:

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS
Creative architecture. Spread out like LA, not like NY. Also like LA, people don't walk they drive. Asad made fun of me for asking to run outside. He says "Tourists don't come here to run!" Lots of cars on the road yet no signs of road rage...hardly any honking. Clean. Lots of sand. A few really neat parks with some grass and palm trees. Metro with state of the art automation - zero staff needed to run the actual train. Very clean. There is a fine if you even chew gum on the train. Runs underground and elevated in areas. Taxis all over - surprisingly cheap compared to everything else here. 30 minute ride is approx 40 dirhams (3.65 dirhams to $1) so around $10....we had 7 people in the "cab-van" so you can do the math.

PEOPLE
Learning about the Middle East from people who live here has left me wondering why I so easily believe pieces of what the media portrays about certain countries or groups of people. The tone, understanding, intellect and tolerance of the people here is unbelievable. Such a peaceful and safe place. Very diverse....a lot of Asian and Indian folks.

On a lighter note, I have a crush on our tour guide, Asad. He's a jokester. He is from Dubai but lived in Chicago for 7 years. He is working to earn his master's in business. We had a city tour today and got to see Old Town and bargain for goods at the souk (Arabic for market)

FOOD
Options here for types of food are anything and everything.

Our first night we had some Indian food since it was late and we just walked to a few close places. I definitely experienced a bit of heartburn and stomach indigestion. The food was authentic and a bit spicy. Nothing I couldn't handle but it was a nice precursor to India where I need to take small bites and learn how to say "mild" in Hindi!

Lebanese food is delicious here. Also had a mix of traditional Arabic foods today at the desert safari.

Had some tangiolini pasta with crab at a really nice restaurant near the Dubai Mall, called Bice Mare. Sous Chef came to our table to finish the dish and serve to those of us who ordered it.

There is a grocery store 100 yards from our hotel called Spinneys. Purchased some water...nothing else yet.


CULTURAL IDENTITY CRISIS
Cab driver called me out when I said I was from America. He motioned around his face and said I was Arab. haha I then explained the Lebanese/Italian heritage. He quizzically looked at me to which I verbally replied "I know you are right, I am not technically American am I. I have Arab blood in me" and we both laughed.


So much to write about. Don't know where to begin. The students sum it up nicely when they say "How am I ever going to explain this place to my parents?! You just can't even begin to describe what we are experiencing." Couldn't agree more!

Been busy as expected but will try to keep posting.

Love to all,
Sarah