[ ramadan ]

WELL, it's that time of year again, the holy month of Ramadan. A month of Islamic fasting and reflection where no one {even us expats} is permitted to eat, drink {not even water}, smoke or chew gum in public during daylight.

Last year was the first time I had ever experienced it and found it so strange that all restaurants and cafes were closed until after sundown when they would reopen, many with huge buffets and Muslims would break their fast by eating late into the night. Even though I'm not muslim and I could eat or drink in the comfort of my apartment, it was still a very awkward month to go anywhere. We later discovered that a select few places were granted special permits to offer well-packaged takeout only during daylight, but had to have all of their windows completely blacked out so no one could see inside.  

Many expats escape the heat of Dubai for the summer and luckily we leave for Canada in a week so we'll avoid a couple weeks of it. I feel for the construction workers, landscapers, gas station attendants and high-rise window cleaners who are stuck in the intense heat and can't even sip some water.

lisa