Mini-Vacation

Sorry for taking so long to post this! I haven't been in the writing mood lately, unless it's in the form of Facebook statuses :-|.

Ah, where to begin. Things were so different this time. Everyone is now a grown-up. Which means they can't go clubbing every night.  In the olden days this was acceptable because they had a late class the next day (or they don't plan on going). Adult life. Sigh...

First meal in Dubai!
Shawerma and Salad

I was so excited when I got there. It felt surreal. I had been waiting to come back for so long, that I felt like I was dreaming, even after I got off the plane. It didn't feel real until I got to my Cali girl's place in the marina. She had dinner ready for me and it was so very tasty! After coming home to a meal like that, I didn't want to come back to the States.

My second day was odd. I went to AUD to use the internet because I blew my friend's fuse. I have a business now and I really had to access my email. Anywho, I went to AUD, went to the library and the I went to the career fair. My friend had a booth there so I stopped by to say Hi. 

After that, I went to dinner Zatar Wa Zeit at Jumeriah Beach Residence with my Emirati friend. I had this chicken dish that I always get. We had a really good conversation. I love talking to people. I like hearing their perspectives on certain issues. I think this should be my career: talking to people.

Sheeshaing at Reem al Bawadi

After dinner I went back home, I think.Then I went to Radison Blu right across from AUD to meet with a Clinton Scholar that I had met over Facebook. She asked me about applying to AUD in September and ended up getting the scholarship! I met her at Raddy, along with all the other study abroads. It was nice to see what a family the current study abroads had become.

I am trying to stick to my timeline as much as possible, but if there are errors, forgive me.

I went to a fashion show at Armani one night, and I had fun (my first fashion show), but all the clothes looked  like pajamas. We were going to go to a club afterwards, but I wasn't dressed slutty enough and I had on flats so I couldn't get into the club that my friend wanted to go to. We ended up going Barasti were I finally tried sheesha! Yes, that's right. I am officially a sheesha-head. I smoked everyday for the rest of my trip. I tried as many flavors as I could, but still have about a half a dozen left. My favorite flavor is orange!

I went to a villa party at Palm Jumeirah one night and it was live! We had sheesha, drinks and music. I actually had more fun there than I had at XL Club's two-year anniversary later on that night. I wasn't feeling the music so I ended up going home "early."

The wrap I bought to gain admission into global  village

The next night, I tried to go out, but it didn't happen. The night after that, I went to People, my favorite club in Dubai, but I ended up not being able to get in because I didn't have a table (ugh).

The next day, I went to the beach. I love the beach! If they had a real beach in Cincinnati, I could just stay here. Anyway, I was there for a couple of hours, and had some snacks. It was great. The only problem was getting a cab back home. I waited about 30 minutes, and then I still had to take a private cab to get home. It was soooo hot! My delicate Northern skin couldn't take it. Thank god for air conditioning!

Later on, we went to Global Village and I almost couldn't get in because my dress was too short. I had fun
though. I went the last time I was there, but this time I was with a local and I ended up trying more new things.

My only meal from Burger Fuel

After that, we did sheesha at Iran Zamin for a couple of hours. Then I set out to a club called Zinc. It was amazing!!! It was a hole in the wall club (haha) with the type of music I like listening to and the people there were actually dancing/had dancing abilities. I loved it!

I think the biggest difference with my trip is that my other Cali girl wasn't there. I had no one to car watch at JBR with me. No one to make me go to Burger Fuel. It was very different without her. All in all, I had a good trip, tried a lot of new things and am very grateful to have been to Dubai twice, when many Americans never leave the country.

Right now, I am back to work and adjusting to "normal life" has been difficult, but those in Cincinnati that I love have made my transition easier. I like my life right now and I know my future is bright!

I'm going back!

I'm writing this from my cell phone. See how technology savvy I am? I'm going back to Dubai SOON and I can't wait! I'll have more pics this time!

Texan in Cincinnati

Check out my new blog!

Post-graduation. I’m happy……sort of.

 Toni (Cincinnati girl) and & I at Club Lunar in January

So what have I been up to? Let’s see…. I shaved more than half my hair off, I’ve been spending time with family and friends, and…..I FOUND A JOB!!!! I started working for the State of Ohio mid-February, as an auditor. I had my first interview in Columbus in August before I left. I called them when I returned, and they interviewed me again in January.

I really like it here. Working for the government has its perks (no, not $800,000 parties in Vegas). Unlike some of my fellow alumni who are killing themselves working 55-70 hours a week during busy season, I am restricted to working 40 hours a week, with flex-time. It’s a nice work-life balance. Yes, I do make less than corporate or public accountants, but I think it’s worth it.

I also get to explore the surrounding areas. I audit local government agencies in Butler and Hamilton Counties. I’ve been going to places I’ve never even heard of. So far, my clients have been nice. I really can’t complain.

Due to studying for the CPA Exam, I do not have a life. I am even more restricted than I was before I graduated. From work, I go straight to the gym and straight to the library (or home; I hate the library). I am studying with Becker’s review course. Becker recommends studying 26-30 hours a week. This requires staying home on the weekends. I have so much more energy then, which makes it easier to study.



Kapppa boat party in May-my last outing until Halloween



It’s really hard to say no to people when they ask me to do fun things L. I am so stressed because the pass rate for all four parts of the exam is less than 50%. I cannot afford to fail. Failing would mean that I not only wasted my time, but also my money (on exam fees). So I am forced to stay in seclusion until the end of October (hopefully I’ll pass them all by then).

Enough boring accounting talk! I’m moving out in 35 days! YAY!!!!!!! OMG, I’m so HAPPY! I’m moving to a city called Springdale, Ohio. It’s about 15 minutes from where I live now. I’ve been looking for an apartment since March. I feel a lot better now that I’ve signed my lease. It’s like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.

I’ve decided to attend my graduation. I will be attending the Tyehimba graduation on June 8^th. I cannot wait! Maybe I’ll post some pictures later.

I still talk to my Cali girls. One is in Paris, studying abroad. The other is back in LA(Congratulations and happy b-day!). Could they be any further from meL? We communicate sporadically. Every time I get a message or email from them, it brightens up my day. I remember the times that we once shared, the adventures, and the dreams. The Parisian (haha) made a video of our Dubai adventures. It is a keepsake that I will cherish forever. Thanks Miss Butterfly!

I’m at the beginning of my career and the beginning of my life. The possibilities are endless. After meeting Former President Clinton, I really feel like I can do anything. Certain issues have come to light, thanks to the Parisian, and I will work hard to not only better myself, but to also make a positive change in my community, wherever that may be (hopefully Miami). One of my biggest goals right now is to meet President Obama. I do not have any idea how I’m going to do this, but I have a dream….

Obviously, if you think you can do it, who’s to tell you, you can't. – Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr.

P.S. My short-term goals are learning how to play a second instrument (piano or harp) & learning a second language (Arabic, duh!).

Dubai, The Place Where People Always Say Goodbye

I’ve been a very busy-body. Since missing my flight Sunday night I have went to Oman, spent the day in Abu Dhabi, and went out on Tuesday (ladies night) for the first time ever!

My parents were very worried when I missed my flight and wanted me to book my flight for the next day. To save money, I just booked it on the 24^th. Then I went to the visa officer and he told me I had to leave the country by the 21^st or I’d have to pay a 7000AED fine (about $2000). So I decided to take a quick trip to Muscat, Oman at 3 a.m. on the 20^th.

I got back to the dorm around 7:30am, and had to wake up at 10:30 to go to Abu Dhabi. My 1^st Cali friend was taking the GRE at 1p.m. (1.5 hour drive) so we planned on leaving at 11. Our ride didn’t show up until 12:00!!! This is the only time in Dubai that I condoned speeding.

Our friend is an experienced driver via driving in the desert. He weaved in and out of lanes, like we were in a movie. Other times he just made people in front of us move by blinking his lights. It was crazy! She got there at 1:15, but they still let her in. Hallelujah!

The exam takes five hours, so we spent the day in Abu Dhabi while we waited for her. We even visited The Palace. There’s a museum there that talked about Sheik Khalid, and I learned a lot. There are a lot of interesting new things planned for Dubai and Abu Dhabi….

Last night, we finally got to visit Cavalli! It was overrated. It was so crowded and I wasn’t feeling the music. Afterwards, there was an interesting after party. I didn’t go to sleep until 6:30.

I am at the airport now and am so tired. I have a 14.5-hour flight, and a 6-hour layover in DC. Although my parents are super worried, and I feel bad for not coming home earlier, I am glad I got to properly say goodbye to my friends.

As you know, Dubai is a place filled with expats. They do not offer retirement packages, and you have to live here 25 years to apply for citizenship, and it is not guaranteed. For this reason, people come and go frequently. If you stay in Dubai, you have to get used to saying goodbye to good friends.

The day I was supposed to leave, my two Cali friends cried when I left and asked me to stay. I didn't want to go and I felt like I was leaving too early. When I missed my flight, I felt sooooo bad. I knew my parents were going to kill me. But on the bright side, I got to spend so much more time with them and create even more memories. These two women have touched my life in more ways than they could ever know. It was these two that made Dubai so exciting.

I love you Cali girls! 

I’m Still in Dubai!

I was hoping to put the picture taken of us with President Clinton up on this post, but I still haven’t received it L. Since I was leaving on the 19^th, this post was supposed to be about how Dubai is a place where you will always say goodbye to good friends. Instead, this post will be about how I missed my flight on the 19^th, and will instead be leaving on the 24^th.

First of all, let me start off by saying that I had a blast last weekend! Thursday I took my last two exams, and I was ready to celebrate. We went to Barasti, and decided to visit Sublime for the first time. Sublime was awesome. Why didn’t we go there before?!

The next two days, I took it easy. I chilled with some friends before leaving, and made sure I didn’t go out Saturday night since I had an interview on Sunday. Did it occur to me that I shouldn’t have made that interview on the same day that I was leaving? Yes it did, but I had an exam every day that week, spent one night visiting President Clinton, and also had another interview that I had squeeze in on Thursday evening. So basically, the only day that was feasible for me to interview was Sunday.

On the bright side, the interview went well. I just didn’t prepare for my departure like I should have. This is my first time flying out of the country, and flying can be confusing. When I left Cincinnati for Dubai, I had maps printed out of Dulles airport and Dubai airport. I checked my ticket and the maps a thousand times, to make sure that I’d be at the right place at the right time.

This time was a different story. I was running around all day interviewing, getting souvenirs, and etc. I didn’t finish packing until around 9pm, and I didn’t look at my ticket until I got into the taxi. Then I left for the airport at 10:30, because my farewell took longer than expected. It’s so hard to say goodbye L. My flight was at 12:50 am and by the time I got to the front of THE WRONG LINE the gate was closed.

Needless to say, I have learned my lesson, and I will never ever ever miss a plane again. I’m glad I got to stay though….

He Shook My Hand!!

As I’ve told you previously, I have received the Clinton Scholarship to study at AUD. Clinton Scholars receive:
• A full waiver of tuition for one term;
• Dormitory housing at the American University in Dubai on a shared-room basis.

If it wasn’t for this scholarship, I would not be here right now.

President Clinton makes sure that he sees his Scholars whenever he visits Dubai. During this visit, he made a speech at the Varkey Gems Foundation Fundraiser. An article about the fundraiser can be found here.

It was so cool to meet him! Even being in the same room as a Former President is cool. He shook my hand, and asked us how we liked Dubai. Then he took a picture with us (to be uploaded soon). I love Dubai. Dubai is the place where all my dreams come true….

I'm Just Trying to Graduate

Tomorrow I get to see Bill Clinton. What a great week this will be. The weekend was enchanting. Thursday, I went to Cirque de Soir and loved it.  It was very exotic. There were acrobats, dwarfs, fire-breathers, and etc. They performed not only on stage, but all over the club. There was an act at each table.  It was more like a lounge though. There were so many things going on that it was hard to dance in that environment, so we went to People, our favorite club!

Friday we went to Sahn Eddar at Burj al Arab, and had the Violin Classic. While we ate the delectable international cuisine, a string triplet complimented our dinner with extraordinary music. They even played Anastasia. Afterwards, I got a picture with the violinist. Oh, how I love vibrato!

When we got back, we were invited to go to the dessert. Now, this is what I came to Dubai for! We camped out with experienced campers, and had a wonderful experience. We ate burgers, smoked sheesha, and talked about religion and culture. Since our friends our Arabs, our ideas often clash, especially when it comes to our ideas about marriage and independence. It was a good discussion, and I often learn a lot when we talk about such things.

Saturday we got home in the evening. That dessert heat kicked my butt! I was too tired to go to Burj Khalifa (building Tom Cruise climbed in new MI), but I couldn’t cancel. We had booked tickets online to visit Burj Khalifa earlier that week, and they do not allow cancellations. The place is called At the Top. Interesting title for a place that isn’t at the top.

It was nice though. I tried to take photos of my friend with her fancy camera, but they came out like crap. I felt so bad because she’s taken so many good pictures of me, and I cant take one decent one of her. I love you Cali girl!

Today I had a quiz in Islamic Art and Architecture, and I did quite well. I told you I failed the first exam, so this is the class that may hold me back from graduation. The exam is on Thursday. I will study my arse off.

Bill Clinton is Coming!!!

Congratulations to me for finishing my LAST COLLEGE ESSAY! It was on Jumeirah Mosque and it was for my Islamic Architecture class. I hope I got an A on it, because I sure need it! I also Aced my Arabic quiz, after missing a week of class. Booyaa!

This week is pretty busy. Monday, we went to the Marina Walk to eat and smoke sheesha. We were going to go out last night, but my 1^st Cali friend had an assignment due at 12am.

Today I found out that Bill Clinton is coming next week to meet us!!!! So now, not only do I have to prepare for my interview tomorrow, but I really need to start studying for two of my exams that will have to be moved because of his visit.

AUD Fall 2011 Visiting Students

We’re trying to squeeze in as many things as possible since we’re leaving, but it’s kind of hard because of exams. We’ve booked our tickets for the top of Burj Khalifa on Saturday, so that’s definite, and we’ll visit Armani(in Burj Khalifa) after that. We also plan on visiting Burj al Arab, Cirque de Soir, and Global Village (again).

I just hope I find a job here. There’s so many things I didn’t get to do. I want to go to Ferrari World!

National Day! HOORAA!!

Since I missed so many days of school, my homework is really starting to pile up. I now have a makeup quiz and an essay due on Sunday. AHHHH!! I stayed home Friday night to make sure I could work all day today.

Tuesday, I had an interview at DIFC at 10 am. I went to sleep at 1am, and woke up at 7. I planned on going to my classes, but since I was still sick, I just went back to sleep. I did end of playing football by the end of the day, so obviously I was feeling much better (Im still sore!).

Wednesday, my 1^st Cali friend and I had lunch with an alumnus from her school. He works/lives in Media City and he has travelled to multiple countries in the Middle East to learn about the culture and the language. His work will be featured on Nat Geo.

His office had a celebration on Thursday, which was National Day (it’s like The Fourth of July), and they went to places such as The Atlantis and Cavalli. Since we still haven’t been to Cavalli, we said we might swing through.

After lunch, I went to the mall with Jamaila(sumo-wrestler) and then to class. I haven’t been to that class in so long. When I arrived the teacher cancelled it because he figured students weren’t going to come due to National Day.  YAY!! So me and Jamaila sat and chilled and caught up with each other since I haven’t been to any of my classes in a week.

Cirque de Soir

Afterwards, my 1^st Cali friend and I went to JBR for dinner. We met some cool people at  a Café next to Burger Fuel (our usual joint).  Our plan was to check out the new club, Cirque de Soir, but it was closed. Cavalli is located in the same hotel, but it wasn’t free that night so we left and went to Elegante. I loved it there. I was fond of the music, the dancing and the people. I will definitely become a regular (if I stay).

Thursday we were off school for National Day. Traffic was horrible! We met with a UC Almunus at a restaurant called Caramel in DIFC. The food was good, but it was so dark in there I could barely see my menu!

Afterwards, we went to Barasti, a beach club near Dubai Marina. Barasti was nice as well. We ended up staying there and not visiting the other alumni at Cavalli, because we just figured our visit to Cavalli is not meant to be.

Friday, we went to Global Village. I loved it! It was like a cross between King’s Island,  a carnival, and “It’s a Small World” at Disney World. I got some Belgian waffles, and got on the crazy sling-shot ride. All in all, it was a great week, and I can’t wait to go to Cirque de Soir!

1+1=3

I’m better now, but I’m still angry because the sickness I had messed up my entire weekend. I really wanted to go to my friend’s house for Thanksgiving. I told her I was going to make some mac n cheese, and I didn’t even show up! We were supposed to go to Cavalli afterwards. We even got our dresses express dry-cleaned! Oh well…

Friday, my first Cali friend and I went to breakfast at Organic Whole Foods, located in The Greens. We left around 1, and it took us twenty minutes to catch a cab. When we got to The Greens, there was horrible traffic, double-parking, etc. I said something like ”What the hell is going on here?!” Come to find out, people were coming from a mosque. Oops!

Saturday, I met for the Gradberry, and I met some cool people. There were students from AUS, and it was interesting to see their perspective on education in the UAE. I met a recent grad from AUS, and she was telling me about the difficulty of finding a job. It was scary. She told me about Wasta (who you know), which I lack in Dubai, and the fact that many students here already have a job lined up when they graduate because they have a family business, or Wasta.

Sunday, I had another interview at 10 a.m. and I overslept. I woke up at 9, and I was over my second Cali friend’s house. Luckily, the interview was right down the street, and I made it on time. The company really liked me, except they didn’t have a residency visa for me. Sheesh!

Companies are only allowed a certain amount of visas for each office. So some of the companies I’ve interviewed with are assuming that I am on a student visa since the jobs are internships or part-time. Companies are supposed to provide employees with a visa, but if the employee is still a student, they are not required to provide one.

There was a study abroad brainstorming session yesterday, and it occurred to me that I should make a list of need-to-knows before arriving to Dubai. The university is very helpful with the transition of the study abroad students. They have a new mentorship program that started every quarter. There are many suggestions that I have for improvement, and I look forward to helping the future study abroads, just as my 2nd Cali friend helped me.

I have two more interviews this week, and I still haven’t found out about the one from last Tuesday. They said they’ll let me know tomorrow. Pray for me.

Don’t Get the Flu in Dubai!

I am dying. I had an interview on Tuesday, and it went well. I thought I was getting better, so I went to all of my classes. Then I stayed up until 5 a.m. BIG MISTAKE. On Wednesday, I felt the effects of not getting enough rest while sick. I asked my friend if they sold DayQuil here, and she said no because it’s HARAM. The one time I need alcohol in Dubai, and it’s too HARAM to sale. Maybe they can sell DayQuil at the bar?

This morning I felt horrible. I couldn’t even keep tea down. I went to get a relaxer at a saloon in Al Barsha (yea I know, I had the flu, yet I went to get my hair done). They did a really good job. The place will be my permanent salon if I stay. Good location, prices, timing, and results.

I had an interview today, but when I told them I was sick, they tried to reschedule it for Sunday morning, and I have another interview at that time, so I said “What the hay,” and went to the interview today.

I planned on taking a nap when I got back, but some times I’m in a chatty mood. I am especially talkative now since I’m pretty certain that I’ll be able to stay. I need to go back to sleep now. I’ll have some good news Sunday, inshAllah.

Sick Day

I’m sick today so I figured I’d get some things done, such as mailing postcards, applying to jobs, and maybe some homework. I woke up 7 a.m in the morning. so I could complete my Internet City rounds. At that time, I had a sore throat, so I drank some tea. Around 8 a.m., I started having some digestive problems, so I decided to stay home today.

I sent my teacher an email saying that I wouldn’t be coming. This is what he said: “Thanks,

FYI, you are the only student to write me and tell me you can't come. Very refreshing.  Appreciate it.” This gives you a fresh look at the culture of AUD, which I have not talked about in depth because I am afraid of getting deported. Haha.

I know I never write two blog-posts this close together, but I have so many exciting things to tell you. Thursday night, we went to Cavalli, but were underdressed, so instead of waiting for hours and not getting in, we just left.  I had on flats instead of heels, because I had a Charlie Horse in my leg, and couldn’t wear heels. To top it off, I also had on a casual dress. We went to People AGAIN. Yea, I know, we need a new spot.

Friday, we went over a friend’s house for lunch.  He is a friend of my 1^st Cali friend, and lives/works in Dubai. We had a good time, and he recommended clubs to visit. Afterwards, we went to the beach at JBR. We stayed there like five hours. The water is not as warm as it was when I arrived. It used to feel like bath water, now it feels like pool water. I hadn’t been to the beach in like three weeks, so it was nice.

Friday night, we did not club. I went home to do some job applications, and my 1^st Cali friend went to Global Village. I still need to visit Global Village. Check out the Global Village blog post, written by a UC alumnus. What holyrockthrower did not mention, is that every country has its own building, yet Africa also has a building, as if it was a country, not a continent. Isn’t that interesting, Sarah Palin?

Saturday, I went to see Immortals. I’ve been slacking. The last movie I saw was Three Musketeers, and I still need to see Twilight and In Time. When I got back to the dorm, I went to my 1^st Cali friend’s room. We ate dinner, and I Skyped my dad for an hour. He begged me to stay in the U.S. I felt so bad. He said if not the U.S., stay in North America. Sorry, Dad!

Yesterday there was a presentation held in the MALE DORMS. OMG! You might remember me talking about the dorm situation in one of my I Hate Dubai posts. You know the one where I said this is not my country, and I can go back home if I want to. Anyway, there is no co-ed dorm. There is a separate dorm for the males and one for females. Students of the opposite sex cannot enter the dorm. And this is the “liberal” university….

So I used the STD presentation as an excuse to skip one of my classes (shhh!). It was a good presentation, except for the part when people were talking while the doctor spoke, which was basically the whole time. I swear I feel like I’m in high school.

Anyway, there was pizza served after the presentation. I hadn’t eaten in awhile and could have eaten a whole cow at this time. There were like 10 medium boxes of pizza for like 100 people. There were no plates, napkins, or cups. Here’s the kicker: NO CHEESE PIZZA!

Since this is Dubai, and AUD, I was not surprised. I just went to the mall and got some Papa John’s. I also went to Carrefour to grocery shop, and dropped my mother’s birthday card in the mail.

Today I applied to about fifteen jobs. I’m having a Lion King marathon now (don’t judge me!), between applying to more jobs. I haven’t been getting enough rest. Even during Eid, I didn’t rest. So I decided not to go ANYWHERE today. I’m staying in my pajamas. I really want some shwarma (Arabic taco), but I don’t know what it’ll do to my stomach.

Jumeirah Mosque visit during Eid

My computer crashed twice today, and it’s hanging on by a thread. I use an external drive to complete my Arabic homework; I’m just hoping that it lasts until I can buy a new one. Please pray for my computer!

I have earned a job as a freelance blogger for Gradberry. It’s part-time, but it’s a start. I can even write for them if I move back to the states. 29 more days to find a job!

Sorry for the extremely long blog post, but I have nothing better to do today. My dad said I should just write a book. Thanks for the advice, Dad!