On the downhill stretch now with only a couple of weeks of fasting left. Can tell Lebaran (Eid) is getting close now. Supermarkets are starting to get busy, with aisles blocked with thousands of tins of biscuits, and maids have already been to book their buses home. Spending the holiday here on my own as Mrs is working in UK and I have to be back in UK in mid-May so no point going twice. Will mean I have the job of visiting all her relatives over the two days so looking forward to that. Normally ends up with me eating half my body weight in food, as it's apparently impolite to turn any down. The other interesting phenomenon you see at this time of year is people selling money on the side of the road. It's a custom to give kids small notes so these unofficial money changers swap your large notes for packs of clean smaller ones. Wife's relatives always think its funny with me to get their kids to say they would prefer $ or £ instead. She has already sorted me out a temporary maid while our regulars are on their two weeks leave so I won't be suffering.
All done here as well. About to go down to the mosque for Eid prayers. Need to get there early as its embarrassing being the only expat and having to pray in the road. Then off to a family get together in the afternoon. Just have to make sure I stay off the Kambing Guling (Roast Goat) as it messes up my cholesterol levels. Still haven't quite figured out how they work out when Eid starts. Was watching them on the news with telescopes etc as the sun went down and the moon appeared, measuring angles etc and then making the official announcement. Guess that doesn't make headline news in the UK. Selamat Eid Al-Fitr to you all.
i thought it was to be done with the naked eye…can’t use gadgets for confirmation? I could be wrong anyway…the fact that they make such a big deal about it is quite special tbh…it’s what it’s all about. Eid Mubarak Jak..have a great day bro
Thanks Fosse appreciated bru…it’s been a tough one mentally as usual…feels great to have got through it…will miss the atmosphere the month creates tbh…but the feasting has been earned.
First time i spoke to you about Ramadan was when friend was still posting and the month was absolutely scorching, i said i felt a right **** because twice i had forgotten and said "oh yes please" when offered a brew at Asian companies (you both said don't worry it was fine but i have never forgotten since). Well played sir and although i know you have had plenty of practice i still admire your commitment to your faith (not sure i could do it, well pretty sure i would struggle).
cheers Diego Appreciate the kind words my Rebelman massiv You would struggle because you’re meant to…we all struggle but would you give up? Had some reet testing mornings…on my days off I craved my coffee and spliff wake n bake…that was my biggest test.
TBF to myself i maybe wouldn't give up. I can eat more than any person i know when in company but more often (much more often) than not go all day without eating when at work and maybe until 7.00 to 7.30 at night (do have a brew before leaving home at 6.45 though) so would possibly be ok in winter months, summer months would really be hard.
Just made my first cappucino of the month. No way am I drinking coffee at either 4am or 6pm. Start the running again tomorrow. Think as you get older it gets easier. The 8 year old daughter of the maid managed a full month fast and was so proud of herself. I promised her Rp20000 (about £1.10) for every day she fasted so she is now £33 richer.