Ramadan

It's obviously been a very long time since I've last posted, but things have been pretty quiet around here.  I'm attributing this to a few things.  One, it's Ramadan.  Two, Ryan is buckling down to finish his training and has been studying like crazy.

I've been hearing about Ramadan since I've moved here and was pretty curious about the whole thing.  I still don't know a ton about it, but what I do know is that it's a really holy month where Muslims fast from sun rise to sun down.  Like, no food or water of any kind.  They can't even chew gum.  Which means, out of respect, non Muslims are required to abstain from eating or drinking in public during this month.  I went to the mall last week and it was kind of eery to see all the food places closed down.  What was really strange was going to see a matinee and not being able to get popcorn and a soda.  Of course, the entire theater still smelled like popcorn, which made it even more difficult.  Many expats choose to leave the country during this time and go on holiday.  Not knowing any better, Ryan and I chose to stick it out.  Really, it hasn't been that bad, just very quiet.  There are a few restaurants that are open during the day, they just have the blinds drawn or screens up to hide people eating.  You can still find some bars that are open in the evening (Longs Bar!) but the music is really quiet and it just feels a bit different.  On the up side, all the malls are super quiet so I've been able to get some good shopping done without having to fight the crowds.

One thing you seriously want to avoid is being on the roads any time near sundown.  People are hauling butt to get home as fast as possible to eat.  It obviously takes some serious religious dedication to go without food or water until sundown.  I mean, I'm a cranky mess if I don't eat by 10 am.

Once sundown hits, everyone gathers to break the fast for an Iftar dinner.  I have not been to one yet, but from what I understand they are large, super delicious and awesome buffet dinners.  I'm hoping to attend one at some point this month, so I'll report back on that.

Tomorrow I'm going with the AWA to a Hindu Temple in town.  I'm looking forward to it!