Words I put into sentences......

Well it’s time for Ramadan 2011! I’m in site and about to break fast with my neighbors in like 20 minutes. I love breaking fast! Aside from the always present “Mr. Awkward”, the food is delicious and observing the Moroccan family dynamic reminds me of Thanksgiving or Christmas. 

Case in point: Yesterday I was at my neighbors’ house breaking fast. Two of the six children weren’t there. I’m not sure when they are coming. But anyway, the family decided to call each and wish them a Happy Ramadan or “Mabrook Ramadan”, basically meaning “Congratulations!”. The mom, we call her “Nana” left each son a message. This reminded me so much of my Mom because she didn’t really seem to understand when to start the message or when to stop. There were long pauses in between as if waiting for someone to pick up the phone on the other end. I laughed sooo hard! But so did the rest of the children……so it was okay. We all laughed. It was great. 

We proceeded to watch the traditional Ramadan shows which are great because they are in Moroccan Arabic (Darija). Last year I hardly understood a thing. Not only were the actors talking way too fast but I just didn’t understand the cultural context of it all. Even things like body language…….or Moroccan sign language, I didn’t get it. Last night, I got some of it! It was great. I was laughing with Moroccans and not laughing because I was trying to not feel left out. But laughing because I understood. I understood the language (well most of it), I understood the cultural context and I understood the Moroccan sign language. So that was fun. 

After eating some AH-MAY-ZING potato thing, drinking a couple of cups of tea, a cup of milk, some juice, eating some dates, slurping down some hiraria, I was STUFFED! 

——————————————-Breakfast time!——————————————————

Okay just got back from my neighbor’s house and lovely breakfast :) So good!! And at most times, too good…….But any who, where was I? Oh yes, talking about what happened yesterday. So yeah after eating and watching some TV, I went outside to jam on my ukulele. It was awesome! Gotta love jam sessions with anyone, anywhere :) I started teaching two of my neighbors some of the chords but I don’t know many myself. I’ve only been playing for a couple of months lol. It’s been going really well and I’m bringing it to Spain. I’m hoping to make some money singing on the ferry across haha. Inchallah. 

But yes, my usual Ramadan activities of late night music, TV and cards with the neighbors are right on track. Tomorrow I plan on blowing the kids minds with a new card game……”Old Maid”? lol. They already know “Crazy 8’s”, “Egyptian Ratscrew” and “Speed”. Gotta keep the games simple though, one because of my language ability but also because of the abilities of the kids lol. I should probably bring my tennis ball also…..FYI my usual toys that I bring anywhere in Morocco: a deck of cards and a tennis ball. 

Even though I’ll be gone for a week or so in Spain, I’m still getting a good helping of my last Ramadan in Morocco. Crazy to think this is the last one. And I’m not sure what the future holds, therefore I don’t know if I’ll ever be in another Muslim country, able to see Ramadan first hand. But I’d say that two Ramadans is pretty good for someone who had never experienced one before. So if I don’t post again for a while, I just wanted to say thank you to Morocco for showing me what Ramadan is. Thanks to everyone who welcomed me into their homes to break fast :) I truly appreciate it! 

-Mabrook!!-