So far being here in Abu Dhabi and now Dubai, the architecture is unbelievable. If you like crazy modern buildings then come to the UAE. There are so many buildings being built, and they are all trying to be taller than the other and the most extreme. They do not like just plain old square buildings. It is all about being flashy here . . . to show your wealth. This can be seen by the cars that are here and what type of stores you see in all the malls. The malls alone are crazy . . . having ski slopes, skating rinks, bowling alleys, crazy fountains, etc.
After 2 weeks of class we had a long weekend so a big group of us from my class and the Frac class went to Dubai Thursday night and stayed for 2 nights. Dubai is a very interesting city . . . there are sooo many tall buildings but it is really spread out. There is a tram but it is really slow and does not work during the morning most days. And actually it is pretty expensive so you definitely need a car or use taxis every where.
The first night we all just hung out with each other and it was a lot of fun getting to know the Frac class more. Again I just sat back and thought to myself how crazy it was to be in the place that I was with the people I was with! Venezuelans, an Italian, a girl from Vietnam, a guy from China, Americans, and so many more cultures!
The next day ended up being a great but really long day!! The Latinos, Paolo and I went to Sky Dubai which is an indoor snow park where you can ski and snowboard. You think it would get boring since there was really only 3 runs but for not having snowboarded in years it was great practice for when I go see my best friend Sarah in Colorado this winter! It was crazy going from over 100 degree weather to 40 degree weather. It was actually a nice break from the crazy heat and ended up being a really fun time watching the other guys fall all the time on their skis . . . they couldn't help that it was their first time!!
After skiing and snowboarding for some time we went to a beer fest that was going on in town! It was so fun to go and see all the internationals that live in Dubai come together and celebrate good Irish food and great music! However it was a little overwhelming with all the people that were there!! You barely had any room to stand let alone move which usually freaks me out some but the atmosphere was just so great I did not mind to much!! After a couple of hours there the group of us went to the biggest more there which would take days to go to all the stores to see the fountain and light show. Next to this mall happens to be the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, that words cannot even express. I never got to go up the building since you have to have a reservation and you do not even get to go to the very top!
The show was nice but the best part was after when we went for a late night dinner at a Lebanese restaurant looking over the fountains! We ordered a sampler since we were not that hungry. When the food came out it looked so good and it was really good. We stuffed ourselves and then the waiter came out with more!! We probably had enough food for 8 people but there was only 4 of us!! We ended up not finishing everything but it was a beautiful night and overall an unforgettable day!!
The next day I got back on the bus in the morning to go back to Abu Dhabi early since I had a test the next day. I wish I could have had a little more time there to see all the things that the city has to offer!! Maybe next time!
