Ramadanz

Ramadan is upon us… I have to admit I’ve been a great Muslim and have abstained from all my vices for this month… it’s too bad that I’m just a total hypocrite and will revert to my horrible sense in 30 days. The bright side to all of this: at least I get to self inflict a mandatory detoxification period… my liver is probably thanking me and working to get itself back to functional operating capacity.
Everyone knows about Ramadan, if you don’t then read up about it, I’m not going to delve into the workings and teachings of the month (don’t want to step on anyone’s toes). But this is Ramadan to me: I don’t particularly care if you observe to fast or not, actually I don’t care if you choose to be a Muslim or not, do whatever you want, I’m not going to interfere with what you’ve got going on, just as long as you don’t come barking up my tree.
Anyways the whole country is fasting from sunrise to sunset, and the first week is total hell, people are getting over their nicotine and caffeine addictions in the mornings.. the pounding headaches, the shivers, cause you’re so hungry; it’s not a pretty sight… It’s during the second week that the body stabilizes and you can slowly deal with fasting and everything is pretty cool… the third week is when you remember that it’s the third week and you start counting down the days till it’s over… but counting down the days is horrible because time moves so slowly when you’re looking at it… when you’re at the final week, it’s been so long you forget how what breakfast tastes like, you think eggs in the morning? You mean I’m allowed to eat? Whoa…
I’m not knocking the month down, actually to me Ramadan is the start of our holiday season – I really enjoy getting into the spirit of things… During Ramadan, you break your fast at sunset – around 5ish and then spend the next hour or two at the mercy of your television. This is an advertising executive’s wet dream… So you can imagine the money that’s spent on advertising, tv shows, anything to keep you happy and occupied. All shops are open later… and I mean much later… with different raffles and promotions… Since you can’t drink, hotels and other fine establishments pitch huge tents in their parking lots and give people a place to meet up, giving you that classically Arabic feel while parting you from your money… These Ramadan tents are a sham – but still can be a lot of fun if you’ve got a good group of friends with you…
Ramadan is also a month where your hours are totally readjusted… if you went to bed every night at 11, well now you should sleep at 12 or 1, this is what I like to call Ramadan savings time… Because no one does anything during the daytime, after breaking your fast is when Bahrain and most Muslim nations pick up again… Vendors are open late (midnight is average) you can get a cheeseburger up until 4 am… Apart from the tents and eating, Ramadan is also a month of socializing… Hosts open up their doors to throw parties where people get together, eat, smoke sheesha, play cards, eat some more, and socialize…
Today’s the 11th day of Ramadan over a third of the way through… second week stabilization is coming to an end, and pretty soon, I’ll be counting the days down when I’ll be able to have breakfast again… My liver is recuperating, but I just can’t get over the fact that I can’t have breakfast or lunch…arrgghhh… It’s very strange, but I like eating when it’s light outside… for those Muslims reading this, good luck… and remember, Islam is between you and god, don’t let anyone else dictate how you’re supposed to feel and how you’re supposed to think…

Good day and god bless