Ramadan

[hanslynch]

I am currently on an extended business trip in Bahrain. I am here during the middle of Ramadan.

It is a pretty interesting holiday. Observant muslims fast between sunset and sunrise. They do not eat, drink, smoke or pretty much do anything else from sunrise to sunset as a way of focusing themselves towards their religion. Then they have large feasts every night. There is a significant emphasis on giving to charity if you can afford it as well.

Bahrain has a pretty vibrant night life when it is not Bahrain. All bars are closed during the month and you can not buy alcohol in a resteraunt either.

It is interesting experience and pretty worthwhile even as an observer. If it was winter here I would probably try it myself but going without food and water during the day is a little too tough for me.

 

[milos_mommy]

That is a very cool experience! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Saje]

Yeah Ramadan is very interesting. You don't have very many Muslims where you live?

My uncle lived in Bahrain for several years and really enjoyed it. My mom and Gramma went there too and enjoyed it but it's a completely different experience for women... from what I understand.

Have you gone to a temple to watch them pray? It's really quite beautiful.

 

[hanslynch]

Bahrain

No, I do not live around a lot of Muslims back home in the US. Come to think of it, I really never have. When I lived in San Diego there was a noticeable Muslim community but not in my neighborhood.

Bahrain is a pretty nice experience. It gives you enough Arab/Muslim culture without being over the top. Bahrain is one of the more liberal muslim countries.

Western women are not treated any different than western men. For the most part most westerners are tolerated pretty well. Western women do not have any special laws or rules that they have to follow.

 

[Saje]

No, I do not live around a lot of Muslims back home in the US. Come to think of it, I really never have. When I lived in San Diego there was a noticeable Muslim community but not in my neighborhood.

Bahrain is a pretty nice experience. It gives you enough Arab/Muslim culture without being over the top. Bahrain is one of the more liberal muslim countries.

Western women are not treated any different than western men. For the most part most westerners are tolerated pretty well. Western women do not have any special laws or rules that they have to follow.

Yeah it's liberal but there are still differences in how people are treated. Might be more 'frowned upon' than 'illegal' but there are still differences.