End of Ramadan

Ramadan is coming to an end. At the approach of Ramadan, it can be viewed by non-Muslims as a bit of a nuisance - all the restrictions, lack of places to get lunch etc. But actually, I haven’t found it quite so difficult this year, maybe I’m just getting used to it. Mostly you are busy with work, so the time passes quickly and before you know it, it’s Iftar time and you are allowed to eat and drink again.

The government departments and companies started their Eid holiday today. Officially, it has been announced that Eid will begin on Friday - so therefore tomorrow is the last day of Ramadan (for those that don’t know, Ramadan is the name of the month we are in, in the Islamic calendar).

Since the start of Ramadan I have been meaning to take some pictures of the lights along the Corniche. Lights go up for various celebrations through the year and they do look very nice. Finally, tonight I managed to get some!

Friday we fly to Damascus, Syria, for two nights which we are really looking forward to. Should be lots more photo ops.!

Eid

There are two main Eid festivals in the muslim calendar, the first follows Ramadan and is called Eid al Fitr and the second is Eid al Adha which is celebrated approximately 70 days after the end of Ramadan.

For Eid al Fitr we have decided to travel to Syria. We will stay for two nights in Damascus. Many people have told us it is a very interesting place to visit and it is also very cheap when you get there. We will stay in the old city in a traditional looking hotel. Most of the old city attractions are within walking distance - which is good because no cars can drive in the old city!

Traveling to Damascus requires a visit visa, unless you are from one of the listed Arab countries. The service at the Syrian Embassy was very efficient. I took all the necessary paperwork one day and the visa were ready for collection at 10am the next. Shows how it can be done!

So watch this space later for some , hopefully, nice photos from Damascus.