Sunrise, Sunset
Doha and the rest of the muslim world are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan from October 4th until around the 2nd - 3rd of November (depending on the moon). Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it is a time of fasting, celebration, and prayer. It is the month during which Muslims believe Allah revealed the first verses of the Qur'an. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, and they avoid entertainment including music and television.
It is actually considered a state offense to consume food or beverage outside (while driving for example). I keep forgetting and drinking water while driving - then I look around and get nervous for a few minutes.
The best part about Ramadan of course is that at sunset, everyone feasts and celebrates. The shops and malls are open until midnight, and families have picnics by the water in the evening.
Some of the ta's were invited to an Iftar (breaking of the fast) tonight for one of the student's birthday. It is taking place at the Diplomatic Club, and I'm hoping I can find clothes nice enough to attend.
Last week, I went camping in the desert. Around 2AM, we went swimming in the ocean. We had to walk out 200 meters to get in water deep enough to our waists, and then we were able to see the phosphorescence. Speaking of which, during Biology Laboratory this week we are studying protists, and dinoflagellates are protists present in water that emit light when they are mechanically disturbed. Exciting!
Around 3 AM I collapsed in my $15 tent. I woke up at 5 AM hot, sweaty, and ready for a jog on the beach at sunrise. It was a beautiful weekend. I viewed the sunrise and sunset, and definitely didn't fast!
It is actually considered a state offense to consume food or beverage outside (while driving for example). I keep forgetting and drinking water while driving - then I look around and get nervous for a few minutes.
The best part about Ramadan of course is that at sunset, everyone feasts and celebrates. The shops and malls are open until midnight, and families have picnics by the water in the evening.
Some of the ta's were invited to an Iftar (breaking of the fast) tonight for one of the student's birthday. It is taking place at the Diplomatic Club, and I'm hoping I can find clothes nice enough to attend.
Last week, I went camping in the desert. Around 2AM, we went swimming in the ocean. We had to walk out 200 meters to get in water deep enough to our waists, and then we were able to see the phosphorescence. Speaking of which, during Biology Laboratory this week we are studying protists, and dinoflagellates are protists present in water that emit light when they are mechanically disturbed. Exciting!
Around 3 AM I collapsed in my $15 tent. I woke up at 5 AM hot, sweaty, and ready for a jog on the beach at sunrise. It was a beautiful weekend. I viewed the sunrise and sunset, and definitely didn't fast!
posted by sumforme at 12:51 PM
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