Submitted by Emily Jimenez on the 2020 winter session program in Dubai sponsored by the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering…
This past week, we experienced rain in Dubai! Since Dubai is a desert, they only get rain about five times a year, and when we were here it rained four days in a row. The streets flooded, there were puddles everywhere, and there was a lot of leaking. It was funny to see that since they never get rain even if they get a little, the city is in puddles. We went to the desert too and it was crazy to experience the temperature drop. As soon as the sun went down it was freezing. Also, in the desert, we met with Emirates and had a chance to talk with them and ask them questions. I learned about how they eat with their hands, they eat in the ground, and never ask a guest why they’re there or if they’re leaving. They are also very family oriented.
We also had a chance to visit Global Village. Global Village is like Epcot in Disney World with sections from all different countries. They had Egypt, Iran, Turkey, Africa, Yemen, and so many more. Also, for a class project, Dr. Small gave us all 100 AED to find an object that has cultural significance and we presented what we have purchased the next day in class. I found a singing bowl in India. A singing bowl is used in Buddhist practices such as meditation to clear the air of bad energy. It is used as a stress reliever and to clear your head. It is now common among yoga practitioners.
