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This is my first full day in Dubai. Yesterday I landed at around 7pm and met a couple of other girls from Canada that will be in training at the same time as me but we are on completely different sides of the city. Sinead is apparently in the middle of nowhere but at least she has some friends here already when I called her this morning she was just waking up because she stayed out at the Dubai mall until it closed last night (which is midnight for those wondering). Pamyna is in the city but I'm not entirely sure where. As for me, I am right downtown- smack dab between two metro stations (it costs about 6 dirhams to go anywhere in the city). My driver showed me how to get in the building- the lobby is around back- and in the process took me on a bit of a tour- turns out there is a Starbucks, two pizza places and a corner store in my building. The security guy brought me to my room, it sounds scary needing a security but really they just sign people in and help lost people like me figure out where they're going.
Once I got in my apartment there was a note from my flatmates Lorica and Judanne. Turns out Lorica is on leave in Romania and Judanne is off working somewhere so not sure when I'll be meeting them but their note was really sweet and I think we'll get along just fine. They also gave me the single washroom so no sharing! My bedroom is about the same size as my one at home only this one has floor to ceiling closets. The kitchen is basic but the dining and living room is really nice and there's a balcony which I went out on last night. Once I get used to this heat it will be a nice place to read a book.
As for the heat- it's ridiculous, as soon as you step outside you start sweating. This morning I went looking for a grocery store, I was planning on going for a nice long walk to find one but once I got in the elevator I met Becca from Britain who planned on staying a year and loves it so much that she's been here for over 4! She was walking to the Emirates Tower which she explained I'll be able to go to once I have my ID card- they have a gorgeous pool and gym. In the meantime, our building has both as well, which I plan on checking out this afternoon. She showed me the supermarket on her way and I was so thankful since it's only two buildings away but if I had gone a different direction I would have been walking a long time and as previously mentioned I was already sweating. Once in the supermarket I was even more lost (although thankfully everything was labelled in English as well). I had no idea what any of the meat was so the man preparing it offered to let me try a couple before choosing- pretty sure I still ended up with one with pepper though. As I was going through the store I was paying close attention to prices and it all seemed really high but since there's no tax I ended up with a bill of 84 dirhams which is about $25.
I had every intention of touring the city, going for walks on my own but to be honest it's too bloody hot and I'm too bloody tired so for now- it's a lazy day getting everything organized. Becca mentioned that training is pretty tough and the days are long so the most important thing is getting on Dubai time and getting the basics organized so you don't have to worry about it later. I will be living in Dubai after all so the sightseeing can wait.
- comments
jan sounds like a great adventure