Ramadan Begins

Last week was the beginning of Ramadan.  The country does not sell alcohol during Ramadan, so the weekend before Ramadan included lots of parties and our fair share of adult libations.

At one party we were laughing because the host said that she invited her Indian guests at 8pm, her Lebanese friends at 8:30pm, and the Americans at 9pm.  That way everyone shows up at 9pm.  Us Americans are very punctual.  We think the time printed on the invitation is when we are supposed to arrive.  We also think we can leave when we want.  In some cultures it is rude to leave before the host asks you to leave.  This can lead to two sleeping Holmes on the couch.

In the Arab culture it is fine to be late.  When I was interviewing an intern they arrived 20 minutes late.  That would be career suicide in the States, but here it is the normal and acceptable.  It was be frustrating at time, but I have adapted well to being late.  You are already five minutes late to a meeting.  No problem.  Go grab yourself a coffee then mosey into the meeting.  It is going to be hard for me to adjust back to 'States time'.  

Our trips to the grocery store have gotten a lot more interesting.  During Ramadan, Muslims fast during the day and then have a huge meal at sunset.  I mean HUGE meal.  This is what people's carts look like:

That is some self restrain to cook all afternoon without eating anything until sunset.

Well that is us for now.  Happy birthday Alan and Ashley.  Hope your birthdays are Grrreat.