Hey readers!
Three days have gone by since I got back from Dubai and I am already having withdrawals. I remember a couple of days before we left for Dubai, I was so scared to travel to the other side of the world without my family or closest friends. I feared traveling to an unfamiliar place with a culture that I was not accustomed to. But after this trip, I realized that breaking out of my familiar shell was exactly what I needed. The memories and experiences that I lived, knowledge I gained, and friends that I made on this trip to Dubai will always hold a special place in my heart.
One of my favorite educational visits was the time we went to the World Expo 2020 Dubai information meeting. Those who presented the layout and blueprints of the World Exposition that is taking place in Dubai in the year 2020 were very informed and knowledgeable about their upcoming project. The information that they presented to us was fascinating; such as the Expo’s theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” and their three sub-themes: Opportunity, Mobility, Sustainability.
We could tell that the presenters had done their background research prior to the presentation because they answered all of the students’ questions, such as questions concerning how the location of the Expo would accommodate so many visitors, how the Expo would affect the flowing traffic of the city, the price of the entrance into the Expo, and so much more.
The hosts were not only knowledgeable but also very hospitable. They greeted and treated all of us very kindly and invited us into a room after the presentation was finished; where we were given complimentary treats and drinks. Overall, the experience was great and it made me want to buy a ticket to the expo right then and there because the presentation was so convincing that the World Expo at Dubai in 2020 was going to be nothing but amazing.
My absolute FAVORITE attraction however, would have to be the Desert Safari and Dinner Show. I absolutely loved this part of the trip for many reasons. First of all, I have never been to a desert so I was loved the fact that I was able to visit an earth climate that I was not familiar with before. Being able to run and roll around in the sand made me feel as if I was little girl again when I used to play on the beach. Not to mention, being able to see the sunset was breathtaking, and I wish I could relive that moment over and over again.
Second, I have never ridden a camel, so I was thrilled about that first time experience as well. Riding a camel was different from riding a horse as I am used to, but I nonetheless enjoyed it so much and the camel was so adorable! Also, I loved the camp-out area that we were taken to after we were done seeing the sunset in the desert. The area was not only beautiful, but visitors were able to get hennas and smoke hookah. The food was also delicious, and at the end of the night, we were able to stargaze at the sky. The whole experience was just simply magical and I feel that attending this attraction should be a must-do to every tourist who visits Dubai; it really makes you feel like you’re getting the full experience!
I dreaded writing this post because I knew that this would be the part when I realized that the trip is really over. I can’t even begin to describe how much I miss Dubai. I miss it so much, from the weather to the friendly faces everywhere you go, how everyday was fun-packed, all of our sight and educational presentations, and most of all, my Dubai Mom, Mozhgan. I would do anything to go back and relive those amazing eleven days all over again. I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my entire life. I am so planning on visiting again in two years if the study abroad trip opportunity is again offered!
Dubai: its not a goodbye but a “I’ll see you soon.” Thank you for all of the amazing memories! Xoxo
