I have so much sympathy for those poor people who have to work during Ramadan. I could NEVER do it. The languor and the laziness I feel is overpowering.
Languor is a word that accurately describes the feeling. It is the state or feeling, often pleasant, of tiredness or inertia. Its opposite is vigor. That is me. In quiet desperation suddenly think of a remedy found on my iPhone. The giver of all gifts. Classical Motivation may just jolt me out of this lassitude. At this moment it is merely irritating.
I have decided to speak more of the joys of Day One. Fasting in Islam discusses: What are the benefits of fasting for society.
“Fasting insures the the unity and harmony in society..
Fasting (especially when observed in Ramadan) leads to to a positive change in the attitudes of the believers towards each other. The sense of empathy it evokes helps the foster understand people better and makes it easier for them to make friends and socialize”
I have found this to be totally true. Looking through my photograph found so many Ramadan Mubarak greetings – some will be pictured. These greetings served to reconnect me with people, opening new doors, in quite unexpected ways.
I received a photo from a physician met during my stay in the Medina Oberio. He was summoned when guests needed care, it was a brief encounter. Thought it rather unusual to receive a beautiful greeting, but responded with a greeting of my own. This began an interesting conversation, ending in an unexpected treasure. Its conclusion most rewarding. We were discussing a proposed trip to Malaysia to see my ‘Sister’.
He: OK Malaysia is a very beautiful country.
Me: I have not been there yet. I have strange connections. It will be healing for me. Far too difficult to explain in a text. It is a fascinating tale, perhaps needs to be told. It is on the blog but there is more to say.
He then sent a Jon Stewart Daily Show video, subtitled in Arabic. Four minutes and fifty-two seconds of biting sarcasm. It was a treasure. It was called the Futile Crescent.
Me: What a gift you have given me. I love Jon Stewart. Humor so needed, desperately needed. People more receptive to ideas when they are relaxed and open from laughing. It is so true. The USA needs to employ tough love to Israel.
Most of the connections formed from the exchange proved rather superficial. P.O.A.G., (Pearl of a Girl), my resident expert on Saudi society said that Ramadan greetings are sent to everyone (and everything). Reflecting on this practice thought of Christmas cards in the old Western days. One had a Christmas card list containing acquaintances met over the years. Receiving hordes of them was a status symbol, used as decorations often. Energetic and communicative folk (like me) would enclose a letter, informing any and all of their exploits. Connections were not rekindled, if one heard of a death, they were duly crossed off the list. Or else you found out they were dead when the card came back undeliverable. Every society has its traditions. Next year I will send out a slew of them, even to my enemies. Come to think of it sent some to enemies this year, did not hear back from them. Now they are really on the s*** list. There is no other term for it, sorry. It is a a list of those whom one dislikes or plans to harm.
(Slew is a large number or quantity of something)
I now write from the lobby of the hotel. I was feeling very out of sorts, came to this conclusion.
Me: I gave up food for Ramadan but it seems I am also giving up people.
Alter Ego: Not a good idea. Your usual routine has been disrupted.Best you figure out how to socialize during Ramadan.
Me: Okay.
So got dressed, got on the elevator and joined the world. I had a great time. I was missed. I think I will Iftar tonight; not Sabur. Both would lead to obesity. I have been urged by several staff that my presence is required – even demanded.
During my excursion to people land I saw the General Manager who informed me that he had sold my chef’s hat, a package deal with my blog card.
He: Do you want the money?
Me: Of course, who does not want money?
I am convinced he was pulling my leg, of course not literally. It is an idiom: to these someone) To tease someone; to lead someone on; to goad someone into overreacting. It usually implies teasing or goading by jokingly. I did not overreact instead smiled, spoke of my confusion and break fast and breakfast, he conveyed glad tidings of great joy. I can have break fast in my room before Fajr prayer. So it will be back to my regular, routine Ramadan ways. I will not turn day into night, not consume massive quantities of food both at Iftar and Suhar. Such a relief!
This is now the morning of Ramadan Day Three. Last night’s Iftar was an absolute and thorough delight. I was greeted by the Royal Photographer.
He: My Blue-Eyed Queen. Welcome Your Majesty.
Me: Thank you for the Greeting and noticing my blue eyes. Your services will be required this evening. I am sure.
He: Of course, Your Majesty. I am here to serve.
I was an early diner, no one had been messing with the buffet, it was in perfect order. POAG suggested I begin with dessert, placing it on my plate (s), providing the Arabic name of the dishes. One traditional dish, so incredibly good, translated into English is Ali’s Mother. It sounds much more delicious in Arabic. Hahaha. I ate desserts, drank Arabic coffee, snacked on a small portion of Pasta Alfredo. Everything was absolutely the best I ever had. Not only did I con graduate the Head Chef, my picture was taken with him, which you shall see. The photo was WhatsApped to three men, receiving the following responses.
Me: Me and the Head Chef AND the food.
He: Oh mum, you look amazing.
Me: Thank you. I look very Saudi.
He You shouldn’t thank me, that’s the truth.
Me: Then thank you for speaking the truth. Truth is so important both in the Faith and to me. It is not true here but speaking the truth can be a very courageous thing to do.
To another, the following conversation.
Me: Me and the head chef and the food. Going to sleep now. Early morning tomorrow. Good night.
He: Great photo. Good night.
His response was sent at 11:15, almost three hours after mine.
Me: Woke up to your message. How funny. Back to sleep now. You did not wake me up. Nature did.
He: Laughing emoji.
In all fairness to him, he is on a different time zone.
Sent a picture of my personally assembled dessert plate to another man with this message.
Me: Do not worry about me. Dessert first. Food and Beverage Manager at the next table. Bon Appetit says he. Merci Beaucoup says me.
No response from this man. He may be going on the list that was previously mentioned. Hahaha.
My fan, Ali asked me how many countries I had visited in my lifetime.
Me: I do not know off hand. I will make a list, count them and give it to you.
I did. Thirty-six countries so far but others see coming to mind. The importance I explained to him is not just the number but how many times and for how long. Some countries no longer exist – East Germany for example. When I give him the list I will thank him.
Me: Thanks for the question. It made me remember my various voyages.
The following photos shall include Ramadan Mubarak greetings. My bountiful dessert plate, photos of the lavish buffet tables and a photograph of the Head Chef and the Blue Eyed Queen. Hahaha
