Well, I know its been AGES since Ive posted on the blog, but I figured since I added some new photos I might as well write something to go along with it. In a few days Ill be heading over to France to meet the parents, but not after spending a couple days couchsurfing in Marseille and Lyon. Ill be sure to take photos and maybe even write a bit about it…

So now, for Ramadan…. Well for those of you that dont know, Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting. It apparently takes places in the 9th month but because traditionally the Arabic culture followed a different calendar, Ramadan appears to happen at different times of the year and in different seasons. More info can be found here.

Despite not being Muslim Ramadan can have a pretty serious impact on any travelers life because of the general populations universal adherence. The cultural pressure to not eat is heavy in the air and anyone seen even remotely close to swallowing some food or water gets “the stare” from nearby onlookers that make it their duty to know other peoples business. Even Arabs that spend their nights drinking, gambling and smoking will give it all up temporarily (well, at least in daylight hours) for Ramadan. This is, of course, obviously hypocritical but I will spare my judgements. As for the traveller, your best bet really is to shop at supermarkets and eat back in your hotel room. If you have to drink water try not to do it overtly. There are always a few restaurants open, be sure to ask your hotel conceirge where those restaurants are. Finally, at night once everyone breaks the fast you’ll be able to eat and drink without issue except dont expect to find alcohol in any of the usual places. Again, ask around the hotel staff to find out which places still have license to sell to foreigners.

Anyway, thats all for now. I dont anticipate writing a lot anytime soon but Ill try to update photos. They are more interesting anyway :)