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
2 Comments:
Hey Summer. It sounds like you are having a GREAT time! We all miss you like crazy! Jake is PRAYING that you are coming home for Christmas. He just started a new job on Monday, and he now has Fri, Sat, and Sunday off, so he is DYING to go snowboarding, and he really hopes you two can go together. Kaydence is getting SO big. She talks like nothing else now. She has an opinion on just about Everything, and is now SUCH a Daddy's girl! She cries for Jake during the day, and then clings to him desperatly while he is home at night. . its pretty sweet, but leaves me feeling a little left-out. Oh well, my time will come. :) Well, we hope all is well. We miss and love you!
Jake, Cassi, and Kaydence
Thanks for your post Cassi. I miss you guys, and unfortunately won't make it home for Christmas. I would LOVE to go snowboarding. It will have to wait a year......
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