Not a whole lot new on this end, but I have challenged another day! Remember back in March when I departed and said everything that I need for the next year was in 2 duffle bags? I wasn’t kidding, you learn quickly what is necessities and what is excess. Well, now, the time is approaching when I must do the same again. Believe it or not, because of all my family and friends, during my time over here, I have accumulated a whole lot of ’stuff ‘. Now the question is, how do I get it back? I can assure you, it won’t all fit in 2 duffle bags. So, my plan of course is to start sending some of it back. The word of the day is simplify. Enough on that, but I will add, it is a problem I don’t mind having at this time!
A short lesson on Muslim Holidays to close. There are 2 major ones, none though as we are accustomed to. They are more religious observances. Religion over here is huge as you might suspect. You will see truck drivers pull over on the side of the road, take out their prayer carpet, and go through their ritual of daily prayers. Not matter where they are going or when they need to get there. Prayer time takes priority. So the 2 major (I will call them observances) are:
Ramadan – Each year, Muslims spend a month in daytime fasting, during the 9th month of the Islamic calendar called Ramadan. They not only fast, but they don’t drink (this includes water), abstain from any physical contact, and anything they might consider worldly. A time to cleanse the body and renew it spiritually.
Hajj – Each year during the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, millions of Muslims make an annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia called Hajj. The fifth pillar of Islam. This year’s Hajj, November 25-29. Why if it during the 12 month? Muslims operate under a different lunar calendar than we are accustomed to, so that date actually fell in the 12 month. Anymore explanation on this and you will have to ask my spotter! You know how you can tell who has made the pilgrimage? Males, it is the color of their headdress, but that varies depending on where you are from. In simplest terms, checkered headdresses relate to type and government and participation in the Hajj. For example:
Red and white checkered headdress – Generally of Jordanian origin. Wearer has made Hajj and comes from a country with a Monarch.
Black and white checkered headdress – The pattern is historically of Palestinian origin. Black and grey represent Presidential rule and completion of the Hajj.
Confused, so am I! One last note, all military personnel when leaving the posts must abide by the rules of each observance or be prosecuted. Crazy!
Hope you are all surviving the snow! ha ha Can’t say I miss it.
