Back in Business!
Trip Start
Jan 10, 2007
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9
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Trip End
Jul 03, 2007
Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
Thursday, January 25, 2007
I just got the go-ahead to repost everything I've written; however there are a few ground rules I want to establish.
First, I'm changing some of my previous entries. I was told that some parts were kind of, a little bit...too negative. After all, I'm here to learn about the culture, not judge it. Now to be perfectly honest with you, I do admit that I am both extremely intolerant, and extremely judgemental; however, I strongly deny--and I would do so under torture and under threat of death--that I was judging Arab or Emirati culture in any way. As near as I could tell, the most (if anything) that I was judging was University culture, which is pretty much the same here at AUD as it is in the University of Cincinnati.
I also strongly disagree with censorship, even just self-censorship. However, I'm sure no one wants to hear me whine and complain the whole time I'm here. That's not the point of travel, and it's offensive to my host country. So I'm going to keep the entries either funny, or sunny and filled with bubbling, syrupy goodness. I know it's extremely disingenuous, but it's really much better for me to do so.
Last, I'm sorry if I gave you guys all a scare. Don't worry, I'm not going to be deported or anything for writing any of this stuff. But a good rule of thumb is, if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.
Keep smilin'!
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03 March 2007:
I would like everyone to note that I have restored my previous entries to their original form. They DO sound judgemental--but that is the purpose of travel, right, to learn and grow? I certainly didn't mean them in a negative, judgemental way...but that's how they are. It's embarrassing, but I think you have the right to the unself-censored truth.
I still intend to keep up my syrupy, bubbling happiness and joy!
Eat up, while it's still fresh!
heart,
Liz
