Ramadan Mubarak
I could get used to the month of Ramadan. It forces you to slow down, do things differently and puts a stop to to the round of many dinners, accompanied by copious amounts of wine which seems to be the norm on business trips to the Middle East. Because there are no bars open, I go to sleep earlier and rest well, getting up before six. Start work before seven, done by four! That meant there was time for a 1km swim yesterday afternoon in the last of the afternoon sun before it disappeard behind the golden Radisson building. Health benefits, say no more!
It's a busy week all the same. I met my lovely little Russian friend last night for shopping and dinner, tonight there's dinner with our agent and a colleague, tommorrow of course it's football - hup Holland hup - but it doesn't start until 11pm. I haven't seen one full game yet, but the cloggies are doing well and when you're with a bunch of them, it would be rude not to watch! Then Thursday there's an end-of-project dinner so to speak, then meeting my friend for a tipple or two back at her place.
Although you can't buy alcohol anywhere during Ramadan; in fact most bars and some restaurants are closed - it doesn't mean that non Muslims can't consume it in the privacy of their own homes. My friend's husband generously stocked up pre-Ramadan at QDC (Qatar Distribution Centre), the only place in Doha where Expats can buy alcohol other than bars and restaurants. They also sell pork! You need a letter from your employer to get a license, and you can spend up to 10% of your salary each month at QDC. It's closed during Ramadan, but you can buy double allowance in the weeks leading up to the holy month.
On another note, back across the ocean to my little boy in a different world... NJ had the best day of his life yesterday (his words). There have been three or four 'best days of his life' so far in his short little eight years in my world, but it was heartwarming to hear and gave me great peace of mind. He loved school, he made a friend, the work was easy peasy. It's a weight off! Imagine missing your little person's first day at school, it kind of felt like that so it was good to speak to him and hear him so happy. I just hope it doesn't make it too hard for him to leave. I can't wait to see him again in 27 days.
It's a busy week all the same. I met my lovely little Russian friend last night for shopping and dinner, tonight there's dinner with our agent and a colleague, tommorrow of course it's football - hup Holland hup - but it doesn't start until 11pm. I haven't seen one full game yet, but the cloggies are doing well and when you're with a bunch of them, it would be rude not to watch! Then Thursday there's an end-of-project dinner so to speak, then meeting my friend for a tipple or two back at her place.
Although you can't buy alcohol anywhere during Ramadan; in fact most bars and some restaurants are closed - it doesn't mean that non Muslims can't consume it in the privacy of their own homes. My friend's husband generously stocked up pre-Ramadan at QDC (Qatar Distribution Centre), the only place in Doha where Expats can buy alcohol other than bars and restaurants. They also sell pork! You need a letter from your employer to get a license, and you can spend up to 10% of your salary each month at QDC. It's closed during Ramadan, but you can buy double allowance in the weeks leading up to the holy month.
On another note, back across the ocean to my little boy in a different world... NJ had the best day of his life yesterday (his words). There have been three or four 'best days of his life' so far in his short little eight years in my world, but it was heartwarming to hear and gave me great peace of mind. He loved school, he made a friend, the work was easy peasy. It's a weight off! Imagine missing your little person's first day at school, it kind of felt like that so it was good to speak to him and hear him so happy. I just hope it doesn't make it too hard for him to leave. I can't wait to see him again in 27 days.
Kil aam wa inta fee kheir (Ramadan phrase = may each year pass and you be well).
Just a quick note to say I miss you and that I love to read your stories. You may think you are not a good writer but I think you are. Please try to write regularly so I know what is happening over there. Big hug and kiss from me. M xxxx love you!
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