witsandnuts

Tag: Ramadan

• Why a Non-Muslim (like me) love Ramadan?

  Posted at 8:55 pm by witsandnuts, on June 6, 2016

  

  Largest chandelier in the world, at the main dome of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE. This mosque is no. 2 on TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice World’s Most Beloved Landmarks in 2015. You may check the blog entry I wrote in early 2012.

  I am quite amazed at how my perception changed about observing Ramadan from close to hating it to willingly embracing it at the moment as an expat and Non-Muslim who is on her 8th Ramadan in an Islamic country (UAE).  I remember my first Ramadan when I had to eat inside a washroom (toilet) and other unbelievable and crazy things I did and thought of to survive and not offend those who were fasting. I realized that my untowardness at the early years mainly emanated from lack of preparation, limited empathy and focusing on my own interest and excuses of being a newbie in UAE.  Fast forward to 2016, I am glad that I was able to walk away from that immaturity by trying to understand how meaningful Ramadan is and the beauty of it. Why do I look forward to observing the holy month of Ramadan? Continue reading →

  Posted in UAE | 2 Comments | Tagged Abu Dhabi, Ramadan

• This year’s Ramadan/Iftar

  Posted at 7:05 pm by witsandnuts, on August 7, 2013

  
  He serves juice coming from the fascinating container.

  Today’s the last day of Ramadan and everyone has braced themselves for the Eid holidays. I’m amongst those who will be on staycation as I haven’t really recovered from the whirlwind travel (I was in the Philippines for a week last July) and other stressful activities/ chores. I thought I must dedicate some time while it’s holiday for the things I really I miss — like blogging and bloghopping (I hope to do this, too *fingers crossed*). I extend my appreciation to those who never fail to drop by once in a while although the last time I jotted an entry was over 3 months. It’s good that there’s a substantial number of entries in the archive that some of you opted to check.

  

  Continue reading →

  Posted in Food, UAE | 0 Comments | Tagged Abu Dhabi, Ramadan

• Season of date fruit

  Posted at 7:23 am by witsandnuts, on July 8, 2011

  
  (The 7th Liwa Date Festival is going to run from 12th to 21st of July)

  It’s impossible to miss the sight of ripening date fruit in Abu Dhabi nowadays. It’s interesting how nature signals what’s going to happen next. Remember the days when people would depend on the aura of clouds, behaviour of animals, how starry is the starry, starry night, and other “metrics” to tell the weather and what is yet to come?

  Yes, that means Ramadan is near.

  This is my entry to Photo Cache’s blog anniversary giveaway.
  
  http://static.addtoany.com/menu/page.js

  Posted in Food, UAE | 0 Comments | Tagged Date palm tree, Ramadan

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• About witsandnuts

  Marhaba! That's "hello" in Arabic. I am an expatriate based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). I started writing about my adventures and misadventures few months before arriving here at winter of 2008. I have 2 cats and a dog who live harmoniously together. I am also surrounded by kindhearted, crazy, funny and indescribable humans! I was a dormant blogger for almost 3 years because of countless reasonable justifications like watching football, postgraduate studies, sleeping, traveling, caring for the world, and more! :) I am just so happy that I am back! It is never too late to catch up with the people and things we really care about. Feel free to look around.

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• Random snaps

  Exactly a month ago, as we were sitting on this bench. 🕰 . . J: Mama, is there any shop you want to check or would you like to buy something from here? . . Me: No. I don’t feel the need to buy anything. I am quite happy about what I have... . . J: Is there anything specific you want to do while we are here? . . Me: Hhhm... I just want to sit and enjoy the moment. . . J: Wow. . . Me: Wait, I just want to take *this photo*, so I’ll have comparative photos in the same spot, of the times we visited Covent Garden together. #Jsjourney #conversationswithJ #lateupload

  The day we said “see you again”, “don’t cry too much”, and many other things, culminated with the warmest embrace of the century. #Jsjourney #blessed #graceatwork

  J: Mama, it’s amazing! Well, this and that (blah, blah)... What kind of magic did you do? Me: I prayed. I ALWAYS pray for you. Remember the book, ‘The Power of A Praying Parent’? #Jsjourney #thedaybeforemyreturnflight #blessed #grateful #graceatwork

  She’s a wild grass, she’ll survive anywhere. Very proud, I am. #Jsjourney #blessed #graceatwork

  “I’m making tea for us.” ☕️ . . . “By the way, I got something from the Piazza. It’s the closest thing to kebab. I know you miss Arabic food.” #Jsjourney #FirstteaatJsdorm

  The dreadful email reminder about my return flight came. Hence, savoring every bit, including the crazy weather and unlimited bus rides. #Jsjourney

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