Dubai - The Adventure Begins
In December 2021 I was selected, along with 21 other students from our program, for a 9-day study abroad trip to Dubai beginning January 2, 2022. Even though I knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, nothing could have prepared me for what was to come.
I’d like to give a special thank you to the SDSU Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism, Carl Winston, Christina Jeffries, Desiree Warren and Brian Blake. I’d also like to thank the student organization, Scream, who’s president Jano Paredes worked tirelessly to pull this trip together during both finals and a pandemic. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity and the friendships which have come from this trip.
While I’m not a professional photographer, in any way, I hope you will enjoy these photos as I try to share this extraordinary experience with you.
Jan 2 - LAX to DXB
The Glamorous Life
The furthest I’ve been from home was to New York for a brief work trip; only a five-hour flight away. I was fairly nervous for this sixteen hour flight, but excited nonetheless. A few days before departure, Emirates sent me an offer for a steeply discounted upgrade to Business Class. That was money very well spent!
Jan 3 - Four Points Sheraton Downtown Dubai
A sixteen hour flight and a quick cab ride later…
…we arrive at the Four Points Sheraton Downtown Dubai Hotel. The title was a bit misleading, in that it was not located downtown, but the staff did not disappoint. Though we were not at any of the “finest” hotels in the country, the staff’s hospitality was second to none. Smiling faces, warm welcomes and a smooth check-in experience was just what we needed after the long flight.
Over our 9-day stay, I became familiar with three of the staff members, which helped me feel at-home in my new surrounding. Specifically, Joy, the restaurant hostess working the breakfast shift, was so kind and pleasant. We enjoyed a few good conversations and she helped me understand a bit more about the local culture. Joy definitely contributed to my wonderful Dubai experience.
Stay tuned for the next post with our first couple of days of activities, including the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa - the tallest building in the world.