Linda, 23 — Downtown Dubai

Hello, Linda here. Today's mood: cautiously optimistic, mostly because the delivery driver found my building in Downtown Dubai on the first try, which counts as a small miracle. I'm Filipino, 23, and my evening walk here is mostly dodging tourists who stop dead in front of the fountain. I'm 169 cm, slim, and calm in a way that makes waiters assume I want the quiet table. They're right. My place is tidy and has a sofa I'm unreasonably proud of, and I also head out to guests at hotels and apartments. I don't mind the trip, I just ask for an address that actually exists. Downtown is full of names that sound like buildings and turn out to be restaurants. I like calm people, dry jokes and conversations that drift from serious to silly and back. I don't like shouting, sulking, or people who think punctuality is optional. My weekly treat is halo-halo from a little place in Karama, and I will defend it against any dessert in this city. If you're kind, a bit witty and you know how to say hello like a normal person, we'll get along just fine. 🙂