Abdoulaye was travelling down a path when he saw a large group of people outside a house.
It was in the middle of the day during Ramadan, so he stopped and asked Babacar why such a large crowd of men was gathered there at this time.
Babacar replied, 'Saleem's camel kicked his mother-in-law and she died.'
'Well,' replied the man, 'She must have had a lot of friends.'
'Nope,' said Babacar.' We all just want to buy his camel.'
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Currently, it is the holy month of Ramadan.
What is Ramadan?
A time for Muslims to fast, ask forgiveness, pray for guidance, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.
It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, in which Muslims refrain from (1) eating, (2) drinking, and (3)sexual activities from dawn until sunset - Not to mention (4) work and (5) pleasantness, both due to one and two. But I'm sorry, who the heck is doing number three during the day? Shouldn't they be doing number four?
What's not to love? I'm pretty jealous their religion has a built-in weight loss program. And think of all the lunch dates you can get out of!
Anyways, it's not easy. I've noticed a certain level of agitation in everyone's demeanor and I dare not attempt to do anything in the afternoon, lest I loose my head to a hungry and aggressive banana vendor.
Although I have chosen not to fast, I still am faced with a certain level of added difficulty. I am still on my own for breakfast, and lunch now is usually leftovers from dinner when the family remembers the pasty white kid who has only been living here for a year. We break the fast at 7:30 (which they didn't invite me to for the first three days) with bread and coffee and dinner comes around 11:30pm. Then the fasters get up at 5:30 am and gorge themselves.
Also, I am constantly approached by people asking me if I am fasting. This I do not understand. Why, when I have a piece of food in my hand, would you ask me if I am fasting? This usually leads into a mild philosophical discussion. I inform I am not fasting, then the other person points out the Catholic Lent and how that is our Ramadan. Then I inform him that is every Friday for 40 days in which my family went out for fish - not the same. It's become a routine.
I'm hungry...
1 comment:
You and your food. After telling you food wasn't allowed on the pool deck which in return you gave the death stare...I learned that you dare not mess with it unless absolutely necessary.
You are not the pasty white kid....just the white kid. A year goes by quick especially with how crazy its been.
This is the last week I can take the kids I babysit to the pool afterschool. Will miss that part, but not the driving back and forth. Last time there was an annoying girl sitting in your area...it just didn't seem right and I was tempted to tell her to go find another place.
Can't wait to continue to hear about your adventures. Missing you.
Tamara
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