Ramadan is the fasting period for all Muslims lasting 1 month where you cannot eat or drink anything from sunrise to sunset (except your own saliva if you get desperate). NOTHING ! The toughest part is not drinking all day, not even chewing gum is allowed! Once the sun sets there are calls to prayer slowly chanted from the mosque sirens around the entire city like a humming cloud blanket to signal that the sun has officially set and all can 'break' their 'fast' and enjoy their feast - "break-fast". Yep, "breakfast" at 6pm! Most families gather at home from 5pm (I guess mouths drouling over the thought of FINALLY being able to eat or drink something, especially DRINK), but also to chat with the family around the table in preparation for the "breakfast", also to at least get home, as there is no way you will find a taxi or bus from 30min before this feast time - it's a deserted city for a short whil, everyone scattering home to their caves :)
With my sister, who is working there for 6 months, I visited the lovely "Mustafa" family who lived in the centre of the old town of Meknes and a very typical and traditional family of 7. The husband arrived after the "breakfast" at 8pm as he celebrated with his 2nd wife where he lives Monday to Friday and lives with his first wife on the weekend. Men are allowed up to 4 wives (if they can afford to support them all equally with their own house, food, and living expenses). Not a bad concept for men ey ! :)
So what happens during Ramadan dinner ...oops, "break-fast" ?
Come visit the Mustafa family for the Ramadan feast on the 4min video !
As Ramadan is a festive celebration with friends & family, I was also invited to my sister's friend's family - Samira & Rashid (a Peter Sellers from Pink Panther look alike!)
From their rooftop view of the entire old town of Fes came the humming sound of prayers from the Mosque sirens while we watched the Sun set, then came down to break the fast & "feast"... DIG IN !
Oh, forgot to tell you, you eat from the same big plate in the centre & ONLY with your hands (right hand only, as your left hand is for toilet bum washing. Nope, noone uses toilet paper, only tap water in buckets). Oh sorry, good appetite ! :)
so here's 10,000 4u :)
