The month of fasting has begun in the Middle East. Consequently it is also one of the hottest times of the year and I am in a nation full of folks that are not even drinking a drop of water during day time hours. I admire their strict perseverance, after all I am known to even take my reg out underwater and sip salty liquid when I am thirsty and don't even get me started about the amount of water I drink above sea level. When people tell me that I am a 'waterbaby' I think to myself yeah but probably not in the way you think. Then again it is self-explanatory why I jug multiple liters a day due to my insane intake of salt. My salt shaker and I are inseparable. So when I die my body will probably be preserved and turn into one of those grisly salt mummies.
Although I am not participating in fasting there are still certain rules to respect which includes not drinking, eating or smoking in public. So during lunchtime I hang out in the compressor room which is a secluded space compared to the office with its full frontal fishbowl design. I have already made the dumb mistake of offering somebody coffee and he kindly said he was fasting. This was about 20 minutes after I had already inquired how Ramadan was going...I am such an idiot.
Just before Ramadan I asked when it started and was told that it depends on the crescent moon the night before fasting begins. I was also informed that all Middle Eastern nations follow Saudi's lunar calculations for the start of Ramadan except Oman who starts a day later. I don't know why my birth country has to be the odd egg in the basket and it brings up all kinds of questions such as what if you are e.g. a Iranian Muslim who lives in Oman? Which Ramadan pattern do you pick? (I'll have to ask somebody about that)
Swearing and offensive behavior is a big no no already in this country, even more so during Ramadan. But if you don't eat all day don't you get uber cranky? Man.
Cafeterias, restaurants and other venues are closed during the hot day times with the streets coming alive at night for Iftar (evening meal to break the fast). The place resembles a ghost town during the day and at work is is quiet since who in their right mind wants to go out during sweltering temperatures on a boat to dive? I have the feeling that we will be doing a lot more night diving this month.
No alcohol will be sold during this month in the UAE so in that regard I am 'fasting' too...I'm kidding. Since I live in the strictest Emirate around it is not like bottles of wine grow on trees anyways. Sigh.
Ramadan Kareem to all my Muslim pals. I admire your strength and I will do my very best to be conscientious. And please forgive me for my Blonde Moments during this Holy Month.
Although I am not participating in fasting there are still certain rules to respect which includes not drinking, eating or smoking in public. So during lunchtime I hang out in the compressor room which is a secluded space compared to the office with its full frontal fishbowl design. I have already made the dumb mistake of offering somebody coffee and he kindly said he was fasting. This was about 20 minutes after I had already inquired how Ramadan was going...I am such an idiot.
Just before Ramadan I asked when it started and was told that it depends on the crescent moon the night before fasting begins. I was also informed that all Middle Eastern nations follow Saudi's lunar calculations for the start of Ramadan except Oman who starts a day later. I don't know why my birth country has to be the odd egg in the basket and it brings up all kinds of questions such as what if you are e.g. a Iranian Muslim who lives in Oman? Which Ramadan pattern do you pick? (I'll have to ask somebody about that)
Swearing and offensive behavior is a big no no already in this country, even more so during Ramadan. But if you don't eat all day don't you get uber cranky? Man.
Cafeterias, restaurants and other venues are closed during the hot day times with the streets coming alive at night for Iftar (evening meal to break the fast). The place resembles a ghost town during the day and at work is is quiet since who in their right mind wants to go out during sweltering temperatures on a boat to dive? I have the feeling that we will be doing a lot more night diving this month.
No alcohol will be sold during this month in the UAE so in that regard I am 'fasting' too...I'm kidding. Since I live in the strictest Emirate around it is not like bottles of wine grow on trees anyways. Sigh.
Ramadan Kareem to all my Muslim pals. I admire your strength and I will do my very best to be conscientious. And please forgive me for my Blonde Moments during this Holy Month.
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