Friday, July 20, 2012

[ 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

6 comments:

Formerly known as Frau said...

Wow I feel for the workers to that is crazy. I'm getting so excited for you to come back to your home....I imagine the closer it gets the more it feels like Christmas! Have a wonderful weekend!

jeanette from everton terrace said...

Yes, those poor people working outside that cannot drink water. Vacation during this time sounds like the smartest idea for sure :)

Meeling said...

How odd, not to them for sure, but to those not used to such customs. I think I'd be happy to be away on Holiday for part of it at least. The no water thing, I'd have a really hard time with that and I imagine so do any who work outdoors in the heat!

Anna and Klaudia said...

Your blog is very interesting. My friend from Poland lives in Dubai :) I'm your new follower :)

http://anna-and-klaudia.blogspot.com/

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

That is really interesting, glad you get to take a trip home and your writing course sounds very interesting! Enjoy your trip, Janell

Carol@TheDesignPages said...

I'm sure it must be a difficult time to be in Dubai but at the same time, what a thrill to be part of a tradition that is so different than anything we know in North America. It sounds thrilling to me.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails