Ramadan

First day in Oman and we have embraced the principles of Ramadan: well, sort of. Fasting from dawn until dusk is the key observance of Ramadan and among the five pillars of Islam. Around 22% of the world's population, about 1.6 billion people, are said to be observing Ramadan. Here in Oman and the rest of the Middle East fasting hours are about 14 hours per day, but pity those observing Ramadan in Northern Europe: Muslims in the UK are observing their longest fast for over 30 years at between 16 - 19 hours depending on location, and in the Nordic countries they are looking at 21 hours. In Lapland the sun only sets for 55 minutes, but Fins are able to follow the less punishing timetable of Turkey, their nearest Islamic country. 

At night the brightly lit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque make a great sight - doubly so because dusk fall means time to eat. 

Our attempt to observe fast did not get off to a great start when we woke late after a late evening flight the night before and arrived at breakfast at 10:00am, some 3-4 hours after sunrise. Lucky we are staying in a 5 star western hotel where we can get food all day. For the duration of Ramadan the hotel bars are closed but guests can access the restaurants. As a concession to the sensitivities of those who may be offended by watching others eat, the doors to the restaurants remain closed during daylight hours. Alcohol can be ordered via room service but only consumed in your room. So far I have resisted the urge to order any of the somewhat expensive grog, $18 for a glass of De Bortoli cab sav! I have also managed to forgo eating lunch, but what I cannot come to grips with is not remaining hydrated. It is 35 degrees outside and the heat and humidity are brutal, but even drinking water during daylight hours is haram (forbidden). We are able to drink in our hotel but not in any public areas. 

My watermelon, apple and cranberry juice was tasty enough despite the lack of tequila.

The supermarket spice section.