A Long Month Ahead

Ramadan has begun. Normally, this would pass beneath my radar back in the US but here it is quite noticeable. I am told the streets are not so crowded nor are the people so lively. It must be hard to be lively if you are fasting for the entire day for an entire month.

PapaGus was asked by a Senegalese colleague if he planned to fast for Ramadan to which he responded that he wasn't Muslim. He was told by his colleague that it would be impolite to eat or drink in front of his Muslim co-workers (around 90% of Senegalese are Muslim) so PapaGus readily agreed that it would not be appropriate and he would fast in solidarity with his co-workers. Keep in mind, this means no food or drink and in this heat that is tough. (Also, no smoking or having sex so kids born in late June 2008 will be quite suspect.)

PapaGus came home that evening to eagerly tell me that we could not eat during the daylight hours of Ramadan. I reminded him that we are not Muslim and he told me of his encounter at work. I thought about it and saw he had a point. We are in this country to experience a new culture and it would be rude to be chomping on a baguette in front of others who cannot do so. I commended him for his commitment and enthusiasm but told him that Gusi could under no circumstances participate in Ramadan. Of course he agreed. Apparently there are some exceptions to Ramadan which include: children under the age of 12; the elderly; the sick; pregnant women; nursing women; travelers; and according to some, those who are "unpure" (read: menstruating). We agreed that eating or drinking while out of the house should be kept to a minimum but inside the house was ok.

Granted, this is our intent at keeping a solidarity with our host countrymen, yet I still wonder how many other ex-patriates will participate. PapaGus mentioned to me that Friday he saw many American colleagues happily munching away at their desks, completely oblivious of what they were doing. I think this will be a long month for all of us.