Ramadan

I landed in Kuwait smack dab in the middle of Ramadan, which, to Muslims, is their major religious event. It is a month long observance of the time Mohammed spent alone in a cave in the desert receiving the word of God. For Muslims, it is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection. They do not eat or drink during daylight hours. For me, it means that pretty much everything has shut down, and that there is not much to do. It also means that I cannot eat or drink in public during daylight hours either. Smoking is also forbidden during this time, and even gum chewing is out. I can do what I want in my own home, but to do any of the above in public would be cause for certain arrest and jail time. Since Kuwaitis are fasting, about 95% of business are closed, including all restaurants and cafes, and they open after the last prayer call at 8:00pm - though some won't open until 9:00 to give their employees time to pray. 

After that, it is on though. They gather the family and eat like it's Thanksgiving every night. So, there is not much for me to do and a lot of time to do it. My work day is short, 9-2 with an hour lunch. Ramadan ends in the 30th, and then I get an Eid (a week long religious holiday) off before school starts.

I'm looking forward to be able to eat and drink while I'm out and about during the day.