Now that Ramadan is coming to an end I am going to take a little time to explain to you what Ramadan is. Ramadan is the celebration of the Koran being revealed to the Prophet Mohammed. To celebrate this Muslims fast during the day light hours for an entire month. Just before the sun goes down everyone enters a state of complete chaos, everyone starts running to their houses and taxi drivers start driving like mad men. I have been in taxis many times when all of a sudden the taxi drivers realize that the sun is starting to set and begin to drive like nascar drivers. Once the sun sets everyone breaks fast; this consists of eating dates, cookies, and soup. Whenever I have broken fast with people they never drink water and that is all I want after a day of living in eighty degree weather. Fasting means no food or water all day long. The no food thing is not that hard but the no water thing drives people to insanity, me especially. I fasted the first day then got really sick and decided that I couldn't do it. But, then once I got better I decided to start fasting again, and it was hard. Yesterday was Laid which is the celebration of the ending of Ramadan. I was so happy that Ramadan has ended because now I can start carrying around a water bottle with me again. I also don't like getting up at four in the morning to eat real quick and then go back to bed.
I admire the devotion that Moroccoan's have for God, their devotion is part of their everyday lives not just a Sunday morning after thought. Once the sun goes down and people can eat again Ramadan is a very peaceful time of day. I really enjoyed standing on my balcony looking out at my town and watching everyone rush to the store to get last minute things, and then once the imam called out and it was time to break fast silence filled my entire town, it was very peaceful.
Life here in Morocco is getting a lot better I am starting to get used to the culture. I am no longer in a state of confusion all of the time. I know how to get around for the most part and understand when things don't work out as planned. My language is coming along slowly but surely. The loneliness and the lack of work has been the hardest things to get used to. I am getting more comfortable being alone most of the time. The work part is starting to pick up but will never be the same as life in America. I have started to force myself to enjoy this experience because I feel like it is one that will help guide me in the future so I want to learn as much as possible from it instead of wishing it away.
I love you all
Emmy
Mbark Laid (Happy Laid)
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1 comment:
Hello, Beautiful.
Its been some time since I've had the chance to stop and leave my thoughts with you and the rest of your following, for that I am sorry. But, here I am!
If this journey teaches you anything I hope it brings to light the fact that time is 100% relative. For each of us it is worlds different. Your eight hours there equates to two seconds here so, if possible, appreciate the extension you've been granted. We're running in the all American rat race and it doesn't sound anywhere as rewarding as your life. When I read your blogs I can imagine your demeanor and the tone of your voice. Since we're light years apart I can also imagine that I could be totally wrong but it seems that you have found yourself a pretty special home. You seem so much happier and it sounds like you've found beauty in what really deserves recognition, the little things. Congratulations on finishing Ramadan... not easy in the ears of us over-consumers.
p.s. I also admire your water conserving skills. When you come home, will you teach my house a course on sustainability? I swear I am taking the form of a light, electricity and recycle fairy. Upon everyone's departure I tip toe/flutter through the house cleaning up after their blinded ways. I might stop for a total of one month, compare that bill to the last month's (a.k.a. as one of my flutter fairy months) and demand that they pay me the difference. I think things would go over well, don't you?
Anyway.............
Do me a favor the next time you're on your balcony... turn your sweet, peachy cheek to the wind and listen for a pucker, I'll be sending a kiss your way.
I miss you.
I love you.
I can't wait until December.
and (ear muffs).... you're smokin' hot.
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