Observations of Ramzan

1. Observation: Number of people spitting and number of spits observed per day: major increase, however hocking levels remain steady.
Conclusion: People need to get rid of their saliva without swallowing it. No need for hocking.

2. Observation: Crazy drivers everywhere. Speeding. Three-hour bus trip to Dhaka condensed to two.
Conclusion: Hungry drivers. People do strange things when they’re hungry.

3. Observation: People selling water mysteriously appear just before dusk on the street, in the bus. People buy water but fail to drink until ‘Iftar’ officially begins. When it does, the cracking of water bottles opening resonates far and wide. Many proud muslims scoff snacks of mishti, fruit, moori, aloo and other vegetable chops; drinking water, cha.
Conclusion: Delayed gratification is a noble cause for your God.

4. Observation: Dhaka streets are EMPTY at Iftar time.
Conclusion: When a whole country goes without food during daylight hours, there ain’t no time for driving once that sun sets!

5. Observation: Watching all the muslims fasting around me makes ME want to eat!
Conclusion: I will get fatty during Ramadan.


Things to remember when going to Iftar parties:

1. Start travelling WELL before the sun sets, because EVERYONE is trying to get to their own individual Iftar parties and the traffic is terrible.

2. If you don’t do the above, get ready to celebrate Iftar in the taxi/CNG/Ricksha. Provide adequate water and snacks to ensure a successful Plan B.


And finally...

I have been dared into ‘keeping fast’ when I go back to Naora in a few days. I told my colleagues that I would only keep fast if they threw an Iftar party for me every evening. They said they would. Bugger.