Ramadan Kareem
Ramadan started last Thursday, September 13. I remember my husband telling me to text his Muslim colleague at 5am on Wednesday to ask whether Ramadan had already started. There had been talks that Ramadan would either begin on Wednesday or Thursday. So Thursday, it is- the last day of school and work.
Xianelle’s school timing was moved from 7:15 to 7:45 in the morning but same pick up time in the afternoon at 12:15. Well it both has a good side and a bad side to it. It is good because it meant not waking up that early for Xiane and I; and it also meant having more time to prepare for school in the morning. With the usual time, the driver picks us up at 6:30 whereas now, he can come at 7:00. However, the bad thing about it is the traffic. There’s just too much traffic during this time since people are already out to go to work. The volume of vehicles jams up the C-Ring Road, the Asiri Area, Salwa Road up to the Al Soudan area, our destination. The construction of the D-Ring Road and other thoroughfares makes it all the more difficult in the morning since most of the vehicles are bound to take the C-Ring Road. Thanks to the aggressive driving of our transport guy, we manage to make it through every single day.
We usually visit the mall on weekends but last weekend, we decided to just stay home instead. It’s the store timings that make you think twice about going out during this time of the year. Stores are not open until 7 or 8 in the evening and close at around 2am. They sure make up for the time they’re closed but for people who are not used to going out late at night, this could be a real turn off. People just like us who would rather spend the night at home during the weekend. It’s a good thing though that the supermarkets open during the day. At least people can do their shopping as usual. Some supermarkets though, also have slight changes in their timings. Some start a bit late than usual and others go for a break as well.
But as we all know, these are just small sacrifices that we have to make during this season, as people living in a Muslim society. Ramadan only comes once a year, something that our Muslim brothers look forward to each year. So to all Muslims in the world, have a solemn and blessed Ramadan.