Philosophically, the city is a total paradox, and a lot of its creations are probably irresponsible. I wouldn't want to live here but I do have to admire Dubai for what it is. I don't regret coughing up my savings for this trip, I have got my money's worth, even just with architectural inspiration.
I don't ski much, but I had to see it for myself. The green side of me was saying this place is an environmental atrocity, though I'm sure that viewpoint isn't popular on this site.
Oh yeah, the city is very westernized, although I imagine the poorer parts and slums hidden away from the main tourist-friendly area of the city are less so.
Great! 4 days ago I flew in from O'hare 4 days ago, a long flight made longer by my anticipation. I arrived at Dubai international jet lagged, but it could not keep me from being energized by the almost surreal place I was in. I'd seen pictures, but....WOW. The hotel I'm staying in is the Burj dubai, you may know the building its a huge tower that looks like a sailboat. I'm staying in one of the cheapest rooms they have, which i still couldn't have afforded without the discount SOM (the arch. firm I intern for) gave me. This hotel has EVERYTHING, not that I can afford any of it. Iv'e spent most of my time visiting different architectural sites and reporting on SOM projects. Though I did have time to get in some golf and to stop by the indoor ski resort! Dubai has been everything I hoped it would be.
Anyone have any questions about the coolest city on earth or the middle east in general?
It's people like this who are responsible for the media labeling you all as crazy
Yes I'm going to school to improve myself, and pursue a career in a field that I love, and yes I would like to achieve success. But my parents could afford to send me to a great school that costs over $40,000 a year, most would not have this opportunity. If the Government paid for college tuition (even I could use help with my student loans), everyone would have the opportunity to attend a good school and lay the foundation for a successful life.
True, nice guys don't always finish last, but the fact remains that in capitalism your success depends on others failure, helping others, or even showing compassion or empathy to your competitors can only hurt you.
Struggling to achieve a success, is very different than struggling every day just to survive.
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Contraption