So I have arrived. The trip started off to a good start as I was appropriately hungover for the 20 hour journey that lay ahead of me. On arrival to Newcastle airport it soon became apparent that Newcastle Medical School had kindly charted an Emirates flight to fly us all to Dubai. Whilst everybody was having fun and games and consuming the correct amount that any student would drink when confronted with a free bar. I lay off the radar at the back of the plane speaking to a nice Australian man about different types of radio frequency and submarine radars. 7 hours later the topic of conversation hadn't really changed much and it became slightly tiresome.

We then all had some form of wait in Dubai airport ranging from 30mins to 10 hours. My 4 hour wait went rather quickly as we passed our time riding the train between gates and eating a free McDonald's courtesy of Emirates.

I then struck gold on my connecting flight sitting next to a nice Scottish born South African 26 year old lady who provided me with some reassurance of my safety and her phone number (probably gave me a false one).

A 30 minute taxi journey with Alfred the driver and I arrived although I had to direct him to a place where I have never been before but thank god for google street maps and a bloody good memory. My accommodation is very good infact. Ensuite, kitchenette and high quality linen. Seems like there is no social life on campus as no booze or parties are allowed however I'm going to turn into Van Wilder and this place is going to be an Ibiza equivalent in 9 weeks. There is a reasonably equipped gym however so at least I will be f*****g massive by the end. Off to indulge myself in Western culture tonight by going to the Mall, hopefully won't get stabbed.