Greetings friends!

So today was our first full day in the wonderful city of Dubai. There's crazy amounts of construction; actually, Justine would tell you that 30% of the worlds' cranes are here (FUN FACT!). Have a look at some of our photos from our travels around the city today, though most are from our car ride with Kuhlood, a student at Zayed University who is really a pretty big deal; you might recognize her from the front page of the White House's website :). The indoor photos are from the Ibn Battuta Mall, and the Mall of the Emirates. After the malls, Sylvia, Dr. B, and Dr. Moore went to the Blue Suoq for rugs. Justine, Teresa and I voted on napping instead, which led the way to our car ride with Kuhlood. Dinner was at the Blue Elephant (Thai) which was amazing, and finale'd with individual orchids for each guest. We chose not to tantalize you with pictures from dinner, but you will see the delectable Iranian food from lunch at the Ibn Battuta.

http://community.webshots.com/album/562719051dfXtTW?vhost=community

WE MISS YOU ALL! :)
off to bed, as it's midnight and we're getting up early to sneak in some pool time before another tour of the city. :) (Hey, it IS our spring break... and we can be leaders in LOOKING fabulous as well as BEING fabulous, no?)

As-salaam alaykum, or, peace be upon you.
-KL

Gate E7A

Nearing the end of my college career, myself and my travel companions are perched on the row of black chairs in the terminal. Four years ago, I would never have imagined myself in this situation. It's similar to every time I travel, the fact that I will be in a new country after the length of a plane flight hasn't hit me yet. There is a hint of anticipation, but reality has not sunk in yet. We will all come in contact with many women leaders over the next week and a half. These women will all have their own stories; we will learn from them, experience a new culture and explore this region together. None of us can predict what our experiences will be like, but I know that I'm open to and up for the impending adventure!

-Justine

I am still pinching myself; are we really on our way to Dubai, UAE? This day seemed so far away, yet here we are an hour and a half until boarding. This is my first trip to the Middle East and my first international women's conference. I don't know what to expect, but am filled with feelings of excitement laced with a bit of anxiety. It's all good, though.

- Sylvia

Ready to blow up my travel pillow and sleep on the flight to Heathrow. Then awake for four hours in London for layover, eat some food, drink some water, pinch myself to stay awake until Dubai, then crash in the hotel. Then the real fun begins!

-Teresa